Abstract:

Path-oriented technologies, such as Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), can be used to support quality of service (QoS) requirements to enhance IP networks. Multi-Protocol Label Switching is expected to provide a viable option for end-to-end differentiation of service in the Internet and public switched network. To deliver differentiation of service, however, Multi-Protocol Label Switching requires a set of reference models, procedures, and algorithms to provide quality of service of individual flows and aggregate flows end-to-end. This presentation proposes a hybrid system approach that combines both the hardware and software aspects of quality of service. Qualities of service functions are detailed and design considerations are presented. In particular, a system engineering approach is utilized to design traffic engineering concepts such that specification and provisioning of an end-to-end service level agreement can be guaranteed. The procedures and algorithms presented in this paper are simulated using OPNET and the results presented describe a dramatic improvement in providing end-to-end service differentiation.

Kenneth Robert Owens Jr. is currently a Principle Engineer at Erlang Technology, Inc. He has made significant contributions in the network processor FPGA design and simulation area. Prior to Erlang, Mr. Owens spent five years as a Senior Data Network Engineer in the Optical Networking Group of Tellabs. He has made significant contributions to the Network System Engineering group by defining next generation architectures of ATM and IP networks and equipment, ATM and IP Functional Modeling, and the validation of "layered systems". Mr. Owens spent one and one-half years at MCI Worldcom Advanced Technology Group researching, developing, and evaluating ATM and IP devices.