Methods of implementing dynamic QoS and/or bandwidth provisioning and related data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products

• US 8,174,970 B2
• Filed: 04/30/2004
• Issued: 05/08/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Holt, Scott Crandall, Huslak, Nicholas Steven, McQuaide, Jr., Arnold Chester, Shrum, Jr., Edgar Vaughan, Stillman, Scott Traynham, Adamczyk, Maria, Wright, Steven Allen, Anschutz, Thomas Arnold, Zhang, Li, Blackburn, Alan Ryan, Cassanova, Jeffrey Patrick, Hill, Sammie Walter
• Primary Examiner(s): Harper, Kevin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): Murphy, Rhonda
• Application Number:
  US10/836,941
• Publication Number:
  US 20050002335A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,930 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 370/230
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2859 Point-to-point connection between the data network and the subscribers encapsulation H04L12/4633; virtual LANs H04L12/4641; routing of packets H04L45/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/24 Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/2408 for supporting different services, e.g. a differentiated services [DiffServ] type of service
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/2416 Real-time traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/2441 relying on flow classification, e.g. using integrated services [IntServ]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/2458 Modification of priorities while in transit
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/029 Firewall traversal, e.g. tunnelling or, creating pinholes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/102 Entity profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/0446 Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames

Abstract

A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider wherein the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a node along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node. More particularly, the data session may be a point-to-point protocol data session. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Claims

1. A method of operating a data network, the method comprising:

establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session;

receiving a request from the service provider at the data network, the request defining a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session wherein the data flow characteristic comprises an allowed bandwidth for the data path during the data session and a prioritization of a plurality of data services provided by the service provider during the data session so that receiving the request from the service provider includes receiving the allowed bandwidth and the prioritization from the service provider at the data network;

after receiving the request from the service provider including the allowed bandwidth and the prioritization, creating a policy for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider using the allowed bandwidth and the prioritization received from the service provider wherein the data flow characteristic is defined by the request received from the service provider; and

transmitting the data flow characteristic to a node along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node,

wherein transmitting the data flow characteristic includes transmitting the policy for enforcement of the data flow characteristic to the node.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

transmitting the data flow characteristic to the routing gateway for the subscriber for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the routing gateway,

wherein the routing gateway for the subscriber is coupled to the data network through a subscriber line.

3. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

authenticating the request received from the service provider before transmitting the data flow characteristic for the data path,

wherein authenticating the request comprises authenticating the request using service provider credentials.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein receiving a request from the service provider includes receiving information identifying the data session, and wherein transmitting the data flow characteristic to a node includes transmitting the data flow characteristics to one of a plurality of nodes based on the information identifying the data session.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the information identifying the data session includes at least one of a telephone number and an e-mail address for the subscriber.

6. A method according to claim 4 further comprising:

transmitting the data flow characteristic to the routing gateway based on the information identifying the data session.

7. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

establishing a signaling path between the service provider and the data network wherein the request from the service provider is received over the signaling path.

8. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

establishing a second data path through the data network between the routing gateway and a second service provider providing a second data service, the second data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the second data path during a second data session.

9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising:

enforcing the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein enforcing the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node comprises enforcing the data flow characteristic using a broadband remote access server at the node.

11. A method according to claim 9 wherein enforcing the data flow characteristic comprises enforcing the data flow characteristic during a first interval of the data session, the method further comprising;

after establishing the data path, enforcing a second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different; and

after the first and second intervals, terminating the data path thereby terminating the data session;

wherein the data path and the data session are established before enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics and wherein the data path and the data session are terminated after enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein the second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein a first of the data services is provided over the data path during the first interval of the data session, wherein a second of the data services is provided over the data path during the second interval, and wherein the first of the data services is not provided over the data path during the second interval.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein both of the first and second of the data services are provided during the first interval of the data session.

15. A method according to claim 13 wherein the second of the data services is not provided during the first interval of the data session.

16. A method according to claim 11 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first prioritization of the plurality of data services, wherein the second dataflow characteristic comprises a second prioritization of the plurality of data services, and wherein the first and second prioritizations are different.

17. A method according to claim 1 wherein the data session comprises a point-to-point protocol data session.

18. A method of operating a data network providing a data path between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service wherein the data service is provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session, the method comprising:

enforcing a first data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a first interval of the data session; and

enforcing a second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different;

wherein the data path and the data session are established before enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics and wherein the data path and the data session are terminated after enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics;

wherein a first request from the service provider to the routing gateway includes the first data flow characteristic which comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein a second request from the service provider to the routing gateway includes the second data flow characteristic which comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the data session comprises a point-to-point protocol data session.

20. A method according to claim 18 wherein the service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein a first of the data services is provided over the data path during the first interval of the data session, wherein a second of the data services is provided over the data path during the second interval, and wherein the first of the data services is not provided over the data path during the second interval.

21. A method according to claim 20 wherein both of the first and second of the data services are provided during the first interval of the data session.

22. A method according to claim 20 wherein the second of the data services is not provided during the first interval of the data session.

23. A method according to claim 18 wherein the service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first prioritization of the plurality of data services, wherein the second dataflow characteristic comprises a second prioritization of the plurality of data services, and wherein the first and second prioritizations are different.

24. A method according to claim 23 wherein a same bandwidth is provided for the data path during the first and second intervals of the data session.

25. A method according to claim 18 further comprising:

establishing a second data path through the data network between the routing gateway and a second service provider providing a second data service, the second data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the second data path during a second data session.

26. A method according to claim 18 wherein enforcing the first data flow characteristic is preceded by:

receiving a request from the service provider, the request defining the first data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session.

27. A method according to claim 26 further comprising:

establishing a signaling path between the service provider and the data network wherein the request from the service provider is received over the signaling path.

28. A method of operating a service provider providing a data service, the method comprising:

establishing a data path through a data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and the service provider providing the data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session; and

transmitting a request from the service provider to the routing gateway, the request from the service provider defining a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session,

wherein the data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein a second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

29. A method according to claim 28 wherein transmitting a request to the data network includes transmitting information identifying the data session.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the information identifying the data session includes at least one of a telephone number and an e-mail address for the subscriber.

31. A method according to claim 28 wherein the data session comprises a point-to-point protocol data session.

32. A method according to claim 28 further comprising:

establishing a signaling path between the service provider and the data network wherein the request is transmitted to the data network over the signaling path.

33. A method according to claim 28 wherein the request defines the data flow characteristic for a first interval of the data session, the method further comprising:

transmitting a second request to the data network, the second request defining the second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different;

wherein the data path and the data session are established before enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics and wherein the data path and the data session are terminated after enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics.

34. A method of operating a routing gateway providing subscriber use of a data service provided by a service provider over a data network, the method comprising;

establishing a data path through the data network between the routing gateway for the subscriber of the data network and the service provider providing the data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session;

after establishing the data path, receiving a first request from the service provider to the routing gateway, enforcing a first data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a first interval of the data session;

after establishing the data path, receiving a second request from the service provider to the routing gateway, enforcing a second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different;

after the first and second intervals, terminating the data path thereby terminating the data session;

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node; and

wherein the data session comprises a point-to-point protocol data session.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein the second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different.

36. A method according to claim 34 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first prioritization of the plurality of data services, wherein the second dataflow characteristic comprises a second prioritization of the plurality of data services, and wherein the first and second prioritizations are different.

37. A data network providing a data connection between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a data service provider providing a data service, the network comprising:

a data path through the data network between the routing gateway for the subscriber of the data network and the service provider providing the data service for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session, wherein the data session comprises a point-to-point protocol data session;

a concentrator comprising a processor configured to receive a first request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a first data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a first interval of the data session, and configured to receive a second request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are enforced for the data path during the first and second intervals before terminating the data session; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

38. A data network according to claim 37 wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein the second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different.

39. A data network according to claim 38 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein a first of the data services is provided over the data path during the first interval of the data session, wherein a second of the data services is provided over the data path during the second interval, and wherein the first of the data services is not provided over the data path during the second interval.

40. A data network according to claim 39 wherein both of the first and second of the data services are provided during the first interval of the data session.

41. A data network according to claim 37 wherein the second of the data services is not provided during the first interval of the data session.

42. A data network according to claim 37 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first prioritization of the plurality of data services, wherein the second dataflow characteristic comprises a second prioritization of the plurality of data services, and wherein the first and second prioritizations are different.

43. A data network according to claim 42 wherein a same bandwidth is provided for the data path during the first and second intervals of the data session.

44. A data network according to claim 37 further comprising:

a second data path through the data network between the routing gateway and a second service provider providing a second data service, the second data path being configured to provide the second data service for use at the routing gateway during a second data session.

45. A data network according to claim 37 further comprising:

a signaling path from the service provider, the signaling path configured to receive a request from the service provider, the request defining the first data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session.

46. A data network providing a data connection between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a data service provider providing a data service, the data network comprising:

a data path through the data network between the routing gateway for the subscriber of the data network and the service provider providing the data service for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session;

a first signaling path configured to receive a request from the service provider, the request defining a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session wherein the data flow characteristic comprises an allowed bandwidth for the data path during the data session and a prioritization of a plurality of data services provided by the service provider during the data session so that receiving the request from the service provider includes receiving the allowed bandwidth and the prioritization from the service provider;

framework infrastructure comprising a processor configured to create a policy for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider using the allowed bandwidth and the prioritization after receiving the request from the service provider including the allowed bandwidth and the prioritization wherein the data flow characteristic is defined by the request received from the service provider; and

a second signaling path configured to transmit the data flow characteristic to a node along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node wherein transmitting the data flow characteristic includes transmitting the policy for enforcement of the data flow characteristic to the node.

47. A data network according to claim 46 further comprising:

a second data path through the data network between the routing gateway and a second service provider providing a second data service for use at the routing gateway over the second data path during a second data session.

48. A data network according to claim 46 further comprising:

a concentrator at the node wherein the concentrator is configured to enforce the data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider responsive to the data flow characteristic transmitted over the second signaling path.

49. A data network according to claim 48 wherein enforcing the data flow characteristic comprises enforcing the data flow characteristic during a first interval of the data session, the concentrator further configured to enforce a second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different, and wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are enforced for the data path during the first and second intervals before terminating the data session.

50. A data network according to claim 49 wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein the second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different.

51. A data network according to claim 50 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein a first of the data services is provided over the data path during the first interval of the data session, wherein a second of the data services is provided over the data path during the second interval, and wherein the first of the data services is not provided over the data path during the second interval.

52. A data network according to claim 51 wherein both of the first and second of the data services are provided during the first interval of the data session.

53. A data network according to claim 51 wherein the second of the data services is not provided during the first interval of the data session.

54. A data network according to claim 49 wherein the data service provider provides a plurality of data services for use at the routing gateway through the data path during the data session, wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first prioritization of the plurality of data services, wherein the second dataflow characteristic comprises a second prioritization of the plurality of data services, and wherein the first and second prioritizations are different.

55. A data service provider providing a data service over a data network, the data service provider comprising:

a data path comprising a processor configured to provide the data service through the data network to a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session; and

a signaling path comprising a processor configured to transmit a request from the data service provider to the data network, the request from the data service provider to the routing gateway defining a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session, wherein the data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, wherein a second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

56. A routing gateway providing subscriber use of a data service provided by a service provider over a data network, the routing gateway comprising;

a data path comprising a processor configured to provide subscriber use of the data service from the data service provider through the data network during a data session; and

a data flow control comprising a processor configured to receive a first request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a first data flow characteristic for the data path providing subscriber use of the data service during a first interval of the data session, and configured to receive a second request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a second data flow characteristic for the data path providing subscriber use of the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different, and wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are enforced for the data path during the first and second intervals before terminating the data session,

wherein the first and second data flow characteristics each comprises an allowed bandwidth for the data path and a prioritization of a plurality of data services provided by the service provider wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first prioritization of the plurality of data services and the second dataflow characteristic comprises a second prioritization of the plurality of data services, and wherein the first and second prioritizations are different; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

57. A computer program product configured to operate a data network providing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer useable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer-readable program code comprising:

computer-readable program code that is configured to receive a first request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a first data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a first interval of the data session; and

computer-readable program code that is configured to receive a second request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a second data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different,

wherein the first data flow characteristic comprises a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider and wherein the second data flow characteristic comprises a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider, and wherein the first and second allowed bandwidths are different;

wherein the data path and the data session are established before enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics and wherein the data path and the data session are terminated after enforcing the first and second data flow characteristics; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

58. A computer program product configured to operate a data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber and a data service provider providing a data service, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer useable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer-readable program code comprising:

computer-readable program code that is configured to establish a data path through the data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and a service provider providing a data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session;

computer-readable program code that is configured to receive a request from the service provider at the data network, the request defining a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session;

computer-readable program code that is configured to create a policy for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider wherein the data flow characteristic is defined by the request received from the service provider at the data network; and

computer-readable program code that is configured to transmit the data flow characteristic to a node along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider for enforcement of the data flow characteristic for the data path at the node, wherein transmitting the data flow characteristic includes transmitting the policy for enforcement of the data flow characteristic to the node.

59. A computer program product configured to operate a data service provider providing a data service over a data network, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer useable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer-readable program code comprising:

computer-readable program code that is configured to establish a data path through a data network between a routing gateway for a subscriber of the data network and the service provider providing the data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session; and

computer-readable program code that is configured to transmit a request from the data service provider to the routing gateway, the request from the data service provider defining a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during the data session,

wherein the data flow characteristic comprises an allowed bandwidth for the data path and/or and a prioritization of a plurality of data services provided by the service provider so that the allowed bandwidth and/or and the prioritization is transmitted with the request from the service provider to the data network; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.

60. A computer program product configured to operate a routing gateway providing subscriber use of a data service provided by a data service provider over a data network, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer useable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer-readable program code comprising:

computer-readable program code that is configured to establish a data path through the data network between the routing gateway for the subscriber of the data network and the service provider providing the data service, the data service being provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session;

computer-readable program code that is configured to receive a first request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a first data flow characteristic comprising a first allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a first interval of the data session, after establishing the data path;

computer-readable program code that is configured to receive a second request from the service provider to the routing gateway to enforce a second data flow characteristic comprising a second allowed bandwidth for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider providing the data service during a second interval of the data session, wherein the first and second data flow characteristics are different, after establishing the data path;

computer-readable program code that is configured to terminate the data path thereby terminating the data session after the first and second intervals; and

wherein the data flow characteristics are transmitted to a node.