From dynamic IP transport service ordering to DiffServ network configuration

Abstract

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) proposes the Differentiated Services (DiffServ) architecture [IETF Request for Comments 2475, 1998] as a basic mechanism for providing QoS in the Internet. However, this is not enough. For a complete QoS solution, network and service management for DiffServ networks needs to be defined. In this paper, we describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a QoS management system. The system allows a customer to dynamically order a guaranteed IP transport service from an Internet Service Provider over a Web-interface. The system then performs all the mappings and resource allocation steps needed. Finally, it configures IP DiffServ routers such that they provide the requested service. All levels and steps in the process are under policy-control, which allows for very flexible operation of the system. The system has been tested on a small lab internal test network. Finally, lessons learnt during the implementation and tests together with issues and problem with our approach on QoS management are described.