Implementing Service Quality in IP Networks

Book excerpt: While more and more data is shifted from circuit-switched to packet-switched networks, the users of these networks expect a smooth, continuously unproblematic service (unrelated to the amount of data transported). Therefore, the reliability of a network as well as the satisfaction of its users relies largely on Quality of Service (QoS). Service quality through resource management in IP networks will ensure that sufficient resources are available to fulfil the delay of applications and packet loss requirements. This year several books on QoS from the angle of operators/engineers have been published HOWEVER, none of these titles tackle the management side of the problem. This book shows how to determine quality requirements of services, it discusses and considers the various means of allocating network resources and of supervising the service quality. Furthermore, it explores strategies for allocating network resources and their relation to revenue or operator utility as well as service allocation optimization. The book concludes with a Nokia case study that illustrates the previously mentioned concepts. Essential reading for networking professionals wishing to understand service quality management in IP networks, as well as students needing to understand principles and basic techniques of service quality management.