On the Benefits of Traffic "Reprofiling" -- The Multiple Hops Case -- Part I

Abstract: This paper considers networks where user traffic is regulated through deterministic traffic profiles, e.g., token buckets, and requires hard delay bounds. The network's goal is to minimize the resources it needs to meet those bounds. The paper explores how reprofiling, i.e., proactively modifying how user traffic enters the network, can be of benefit. Reprofiling produces smoother'' flows but introduces an up-front access delay that forces tighter network delays. The paper explores this trade-off and demonstrates that, unlike what holds in the single-hop case, reprofiling can be of benefit} even whenoptimal'' schedulers are available at each hop.