Method and apparatus for automatic quality of service configuration based on traffic flow and other network parameters
First Claim
1. A method for managing a communications network, the method comprising the steps of:
- Selecting a microflow within the communications network;
Defining a QoS configuration;
Defining an event; and
Creating a QoS policy requiring application of the QoS configuration to the microflow upon occurrence of the event.
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Abstract
A system for automatic quality of service (QoS) configuration within packet switching networks is provided. The system is used in combination compatible network devices that support a QoS interface. The QoS interface allows the device to be dynamically configured to apply different QoS configurations to individual microflows. The QoS interface also allows QoS related events to be monitored. The automatic QoS configuration system allows QoS configurations to be defined in terms of QoS policies. Each QoS policy is a mapping that defines how the QoS configuration for a microflow changes in response to physical, logical or temporal events. A management system controls (at least partially) one or more of the compatible network devices. The management system monitors the QoS events generated by each compatible network device. In response to these and other events, the management system dynamically reconfigures each compatible network device to enforce the QoS policies for that device. The automatic QoS configuration system also includes a management interface. The management interface allows QoS policies to be interactively defined for the compatible network devices.
97 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for managing a communications network, the method comprising the steps of:
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Selecting a microflow within the communications network;
Defining a QoS configuration;
Defining an event; and
Creating a QoS policy requiring application of the QoS configuration to the microflow upon occurrence of the event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A management system for a communications network, the management system comprising:
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A persistent storage system for storing a QoS policy, the QoS policy associated with a microflow in the communications network, the QoS policy including a QoS configuration and a corresponding event;
An event handler configured to allow the management system to receive notification from a network device of occurrence of the event; and
A management interface configured to allow the management system to cause the network device to apply the QoS configuration to the microflow. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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18. A QoS module for use with a network device in a communications network, the QoS module configured to:
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Allow a management system to configure the network device to detect an event associated with a microflow; and
Notify the network device upon occurrence of the event.
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Specification