IP QoS Routing with Bearer Control and MPLS Label Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP networks lack effective means to provide guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for end-to-end services, particularly for real-time applications like VoIP and videoconferencing, due to complexities in managing network resources and topology, leading to unpredictable performance and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves separating service bearer logic networks using MPLS technology, introducing a bearer control layer with resource managers to pre-configure and manage resources and routes, and employing a multi-level label stack for forwarding traffic streams, allowing for independent resource management and route selection without altering existing network protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Diff-Serv model with independent bearer control layer is used to manage network resources and topology, then QoS capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple management areas, each with its own resource manager handling local QoS requests. This divides the complex bearer control layer into smaller, more manageable units that can operate independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining QoS capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified intermediary mechanism between the Diff-Serv network and resource management functions. This intermediary handles QoS signaling and resource allocation in a standardized way, reducing the complexity of direct integration while preserving QoS guarantees.
2Productivity
If priority is set in Type of Service (ToS) for QoS guarantee, then line utilization factor is improved, but QoS reliability becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where resource managers continuously monitor network conditions and adjust resource allocation accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that ToS priority settings are dynamically optimized to maintain both high line utilization and predictable QoS guarantees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes QoS parameters dynamic rather than static, allowing resource allocation and priority settings to adapt in real-time based on network conditions. This dynamic approach enables the system to maintain high utilization while ensuring reliable QoS through continuous optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth broker model is used to manage network resources, then resource allocation capability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables resource managers to automatically handle resource allocation and QoS management without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures and self-optimizes based on network conditions, significantly improving ease of operation and maintenance while maintaining versatile resource allocation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of resource management parameters and policies before network operation. This pre-configuration allows the system to automatically handle complex resource allocation scenarios without requiring manual adjustment during operation, easing both operation and maintenance.
4Reliability
If end-to-end QoS management is implemented in huge IP network, then QoS reliability is improved, but device complexity and scalability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the huge IP network into multiple management areas, each handled by independent resource managers. This segmentation allows end-to-end QoS to be achieved through coordinated local decisions rather than centralized control, reducing device complexity and improving scalability while maintaining QoS reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of management hierarchy with resource managers operating at the management area level. This additional layer organizes the complex network into manageable units, enabling end-to-end QoS through hierarchical coordination rather than flat network-wide management.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a method for providing guaranteed Quality of Services (QoS) in an IP network. In the invention, separated with the function of route selection for IP packets in IP bearer network, the same function for services with guaranteed QoS requirements is accomplished by bearer network resource managers in bearer control layer. After completing the route selection according to network resource occupation condition, the bearer network resource managers control the edge routers so that the traffic streams can be forwarded according to the path designated by the resource manager in the bearer network with multi-level label stack technology. The invention also discloses a system for providing guaranteed QoS in an IP network. The method and system according to the invention have good expansibility and little impact to the prior network.