Globally accessible computer network-based broadband communication system with user-controllable quality of information delivery and flow priority

• US 6,832,249 B2
• Filed: 05/18/2001
• Issued: 12/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CommWorks Solutions, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Patent Holdings III LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Reynolds, Steven, Ciscon, Larry, Yeager, F. Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Harrell, Robert B.
• Application Number:
  US09/860,801
• Publication Number:
  US 20020004827A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,306 Days
• Field of Search: 709/200, 709/223, 370/328, 370/338, 370/903
• US Class Current: 709/223
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5638 Services, e.g. multimedia, GOS, QOS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5665 Interaction of ATM with other protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0876 Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/10 Flow control; Congestion control
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/15 in relation to multipoint traffic arrangements for broadcast or multicast in data networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/70 Admission control; Resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/745 Reaction in network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/762 triggered by the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/805 QOS or priority aware
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/822 Collecting or measuring resource availability data
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/825 Involving tunnels, e.g. MPLS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/325 in the network layer [OSI layer 3], e.g. X.25 H04L69/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model layers functioning therein includes monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network. A quality of service event is determined whether to have occurred in the multi-layered network. The quality of service event is determined to have occurred at a layer N in the OSI reference model. Network provisioning is changed at a layer less than N in response to the quality of service event, and a signal is provided when the network provisioning at the layer less than N has been changed. A system for providing broadband communications includes a multi-layered network, a network monitor, and a network controller. The multi-layered network has a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein. The network monitor is coupled to the multi-layered network, and the network monitor is adapted to monitor at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network, determine that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layer network, and determine that the quality of service event occurred at a layer N in the OSI reference model. The network controller is coupled to the multi-layered network, and the network monitor is adapted to respond to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing the network provisioning at a layer less than N.

Claims

1. A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein, comprising:

monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network;

determining that the quality of service event occurred at layer 3 in the OSI reference model and that the layer 3 quality of service event is related to an Internet Protocol (IP);

responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing network provisioning at layer 1 in the OSI reference model, wherein the change at layer 1 includes provisioning additional fiber optic circuits in the multi-layered network; and

signaling that the network provisioning at layer 1 of the OSI reference model has been changed.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

segmenting the multi-layered network into communication resources; and

organizing the communication resources into a classification scheme based on the functionality of the communication resources and the OSI reference model, wherein the classification scheme maintains the relationships between the communication resources and the OSI reference model.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the classification scheme is stored in a resource database and monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network comprises:

looping through the resource database to re-access the classification scheme; and

monitoring the communication links according to the classification scheme in the resource database.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein signaling that the network provisioning in the layer less than N has been changed comprises updating the resources database with the change in the network provisioning.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network has insufficient bandwidth.

6. A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein, comprising:

monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network;

determining that the quality of service event occurred at layer 3 in the OSI reference model and that the layer 3 quality of service event is related to an Internet Protocol (IP);

responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing network provisioning at layer 2 in the OSI reference model, wherein the change at layer 2 includes provisioning additional ATM virtual circuits; and

signaling that the network provisioning at layer 2 of the OSI reference model has been changed.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

segmenting the multi-layered network into communication resources; and

organizing the communication resources into a classification scheme based on the functionality of the communication resources and the OSI reference model, wherein the classification scheme maintains the relationships between the communication resources and the OSI reference model.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the classification scheme is stored in a resource database and monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network comprises:

looping through the resource database to re-access the classification scheme; and

monitoring the communication links according to the classification scheme in the resource database.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein signaling that the network provisioning in the layer less than N has been changed comprises updating the resources database with the change in the network provisioning.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network has insufficient bandwidth.

11. A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein, comprising:

monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network;

determining that the quality of service event occurred at a layer N in the OSI reference model;

responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing network provisioning at a layer less than N; and

signaling that the network provisioning at the layer less than N has been changed.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

segmenting the multi-layered network into communication resources; and

organizing the communication resources into a classification scheme based on the functionality of the communication resources and the OSI reference model, wherein the classification scheme maintains the relationships between the communication resources and the OSI reference model.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the classification scheme is stored in a resource database and monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network comprises:

looping through the resource database to re-access the classification scheme; and

monitoring the communication links according to the classification scheme in the resource database.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein signaling that the network provisioning in the layer less than N has been changed comprises updating the resources database with the change in the network provisioning.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the quality of service event in the multi-layered network occurs at layer 3 in the OSI reference model and responding to the quality of service event comprises provisioning additional OSI layer 2 circuits in a communication link of the multi-layer network.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the quality of service event at layer 3 in the OSI reference model is related to an internet protocol (IP) and responding to the quality of service event comprises provisioning additional ATM virtual circuits.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the quality of service event at layer 3 in the OSI reference model is related to an internet protocol (IP) and responding to the quality of service event through OSI layer 2 comprises resolving the quality of service event using multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).

18. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred at a layer N in the multi-layered network comprises determining that additional communication resources have been brought online in the multi-layered network.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network comprises provisioning the additional communication resources to a network element in the multi-layer network, wherein the network element has an OSI layer less than N functioning therein.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the quality of service event in the multi-layered network occurs at layer 3 in the OSI reference model and responding to the quality of service event comprises provisioning additional OSI layer 1 circuits in a communication link of the multi-layer network.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the quality of service event at layer 3 in the OSI reference model is related to an internet protocol (IP) and provisioning additional OSI layer 1 circuits comprises provisioning additional fiber optic circuits.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network has insufficient bandwidth.

23. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network is exhibiting excessive latency.

24. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network is exhibiting excessive packet loss.

25. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network is exhibiting excessive jitter.

26. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred at a layer N in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a group of communication resources are no longer operating in the multi-layered network.

27. The method of claim 11, wherein the quality of service event in the multi-layered network occurs at layer 3 in the OSI reference model and responding to the quality of service event comprises balancing bandwidth demand in existing layer 1 circuits of the multi-layered network.

28. The method of claim 11, wherein the quality of service event in the multi-layered network occurs at layer 7 in the OSI reference model and responding to the quality of service event comprises provisioning additional OSI layer 1 circuits in a communication link of the multi-layer network.

29. The method of claim 11 wherein monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network comprises monitoring communication resources of the multi-layered network using a proactive monitoring process.

30. The method of claim 11 wherein monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network comprises monitoring communication resources of the multi-layered network using a reactive monitoring process.

31. A method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein, comprising:

monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network;

determining that the quality of service event occurred at layer 3 in the OSI reference model and that the layer 3 quality of service event is related to an Internet Protocol (IP);

responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing network provisioning at layer 2 in the OSI reference model, wherein the change at layer 2 includes resolving the quality of service event using multiprotocol label switching (MPLS); and

signaling that the network provisioning at layer 2 of the OSI reference model has been changed.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein resolving the quality of service event using multiprotocol label switching further comprises balancing data traffic throughout the network.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein balanacing the data traffic throughout the network comprises routing time sensitive data through the shortest possible path in the network.

34. The method of claim 31 further comprising:

segmenting the multi-layered network into communication resources; and

organizing the communication resources into a classification scheme based on the functionality of the communication resources and the OSI reference model, wherein the classification scheme maintains the relationships between the communication resources and the OSI reference model.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the classification scheme is stored in a resource database and monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network comprises:

looping through the resource database to re-access the classification scheme; and

monitoring the communication links according to the classification scheme in the resource database.

36. The method of claim 31 wherein resolving the quality of service event using multiprotocol label switching further comprises:

determining a location of the quality of service event in the multi-layered network; and

using MPLS to route data traffic away from the quality of service event.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network comprises determining that a communication link in the multi-layered network has insufficient bandwidth.

38. A system for providing broadband communications, comprising:

a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model layers functioning therein;

a network monitor coupled to the multi-layered network, wherein the network monitor is adapted to;

monitor at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

determine that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network; and

determine that the quality of service event occurred at layer N in the OSI reference model; and

a network controller coupled to the multi-layered network and the network monitor, wherein the network controller is adapted to;

respond to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing the network provisioning at a layer less than N.

39. The system of claim 38, further comprising:

a resource database coupled to the network monitor, wherein the network monitor organizes communication resources of the multi-layer network into a classification scheme based on the functionality of the communication resources and the OSI reference model, and the classification scheme maintains the relationship between the communication resources and the OSI reference model, which is stored in the resource database.

40. The system of claim 39, further comprising additional communication resources in the multi-layered network wherein the network monitor signals the resource data base that additional communication resources have been brought on line, and the additional communication resources are stored in the resource database.

41. The system of claim 38, wherein the multi-layered network comprises an OSI layer 2 circuit that was provisioned by the network controller in response to a quality of service event at OSI layer 3 in the multi-layered network.

42. The system of claim 38, wherein the multi-layered network comprises an OSI layer 1 circuit that was provisioned by the network controller in response to a quality of service event at OSI layer 3 in the multi-layered network.

43. The system of claim 38, wherein the multi-layered network comprises an OSI layer 2 circuit that was provisioned by the network controller in response to a quality of service event at OSI layer 7 in the multi-layered network.

44. The system of claim 38, wherein the multi-layered network comprises an OSI layer 1 circuit that was provisioned by the network controller in response to a quality of service event at OSI layer 7 in the multi-layered network.

45. The system of claim 38, wherein the multi-layered network comprises layer 3 network elements that were configured by the network controller in response to a quality of service event at OSI layer 7 in the multi-layered network.

46. The system of claim 38, wherein the network monitor monitors communication resources of the multi-layered network using a proactive monitoring process.

47. The system of claim 38, wherein the network monitor monitors communication resources of the multi-layered network using a reactive monitoring process.

48. A computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, performs a method for providing broadband communications over a multi-layered network having a plurality of Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model layers functioning therein, comprising:

monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network;

determining that the quality of service event occurred at a layer N in the OSI reference model;

responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing network provisioning at a layer less than N; and

signaling that the network provisioning at the layer less than N has been changed.

49. A system for providing broadband communications, comprising:

means for monitoring at least one OSI reference model layer functioning in the multi-layered network;

means for determining that a quality of service event has occurred in the multi-layered network;

means for determining that the quality of service event occurred at a layer N in the OSI Reference Model;

means for responding to the quality of service event in the multi-layered network by changing network provisioning at a layer less than N; and

means for signaling that the network provisioning at the layer less than N has been changed.