Network QoS Resource Allocation via Gatekeeper Model Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Quality of Service (QoS) management in computer networks, particularly in packet switched networks, faces challenges in scalability and flexibility due to limitations in resource allocation and classification, as seen in IntServ and DiffServ architectures, which do not efficiently utilize network resources and fail to meet diverse QoS requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method for allocating resources in a network by receiving QoS requirements, identifying matching QoS models, and allocating resources based on these models, which involves selecting routes that support the specified QoS features and priorities, allowing for dynamic and flexible QoS negotiation between clients and the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If IntServ architecture is used to guarantee QoS for packet streams, then QoS reliability is improved, but device complexity and scalability deteriorate due to resource reservation management in each router

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS guaranteeVSAvoidreservation management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gatekeeper as an intermediary component that centralizes QoS management functions. The gatekeeper receives QoS requirements from clients, queries available QoS models from the network, and makes binding decisions based on the query results. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex resource reservation management in each router while maintaining QoS guarantees, as the gatekeeper handles the complexity of QoS model matching and resource allocation centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If DiffServ architecture is used to classify traffic into predefined classes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited flexibility for diverse QoS requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic classificationVSAvoidQoS flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic QoS model selection by allowing the gatekeeper to query and select from multiple available QoS models based on real-time network conditions and client requirements. Instead of using fixed predefined classes, the system dynamically matches client QoS requirements with appropriate QoS models from the network, enabling flexible adaptation to diverse traffic types and requirements while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated model selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter-based QoS model selection where the gatekeeper queries the network for available QoS models and selects the most appropriate one based on matching QoS parameters. This approach allows the system to adapt to different QoS requirements by changing the selected QoS model parameters rather than being constrained to fixed traffic classes, thereby improving adaptability while keeping device complexity manageable through automated parameter matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If fixed QoS classes are used in DiffServ, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information deteriorates as available network resources are not efficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic handlingVSAvoidresource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gatekeeper queries the network to obtain information about available QoS models and their current status. This feedback loop allows the system to make informed binding decisions based on real-time network resource availability, ensuring that QoS requirements are matched with appropriate available resources. The feedback mechanism prevents loss of information about network capacity and enables efficient resource utilization while maintaining ease of operation through automated query and selection processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3318008B1Negotiating quality of service for data flows
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 BRITISH TELECOM PLC
  • EP3318008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3318008B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3318008B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

A method of allocating resources in a network for the transmission of a data flow is disclosed. The method involves receiving a query specifying one or more quality-of- service (QoS) requirements for the data flow and identifying, based on the specified QoS requirements, one or more QoS models from a set of stored QoS models, each QoS model defining a class of service available in the network. A query response specifying the identified QoS models is transmitted. Subsequently, a reservation request is received specifying at least one of the identified QoS models. Resources are allocated in the network for the data flow based on the at least one QoS model specified in the reservation request.