Quality of service for IP-based networks

Abstract

In recent decades, the networking community has been looking for strategies to converge over a single common network infrastructure carrying voice, video and data. The pervasive and ubiquitous packet-based IP network provides the most convenient platform for the desirable convergence, where resources can be managed in an efficient and dynamic manner. The gradual convergence into the IP infrastructure introduces multimedia-rich and interactive applications that are bandwidth-intensive and delay-bound, while more sophisticated data applications are deployed that place new demands onto IP networks. The IP-based network is evolving to satisfy the requirements of traffic differentiation and reliable service. Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms are introduced to meet the traffic expectations and enhance the basic service model of the network in many subtle ways. This thesis provides a comprehensive examination of QoS mechanisms and protocols that have surfaced to optimize the utilization of network resources, to provide differentiated treatment of traffic and enforce the appropriate policies. The study proposes a balanced approach of bandwidth increase and integration of robust QoS techniques into existing IP network infrastructure to arrive at a convergent, multiservice and scalable telecommunications network. Findings from this thesis can be incorporated into the design and implementation of an integrated network within a large organization that will deliver accurate services and defined level of performances.