Support of delay-sensitive applications over MPLS and differentiated services enabled networks.

Abstract

The thesis proposes a framework for applying effective QoS techniques in a Diffserv MPLS network to ensure predictable levels of QoS at the network layer to delay-sensitive applications. This approach will enable network edge routers to discriminate against classes of traffic, and dynamically map it into pre-established Label Switched Paths (LSPs) that emulate classes of service (e.g. gold, silver, etc.). We investigate the several contributors of delays in a packet switched IP network in order to ensure minimal service end-to-end delay. We present a number of scenarios to prove our conclusions. Our work is first simulated on a network simulation tool, Optimized Network Engineering Tool (OPNET) [16]. The second phase of the experimental work is to realize, and evaluate our model on an MPLS test-bed of networked PCs running on Linux Operating System (OS) and connecting a number of Multimedia Streaming server/client applications. The Linux kernel is patched so it becomes Diffserv MPLS-enabled. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)