An architecture for performance management of multimedia networks

A principal requirement for multimedia networks is the ability to allocate resources to network services with diierent quality{of{service demands. The objectives of achieving eecient resource utilization, providing quality{of{service guarantees, and adapting to changes in traac statistics make performance management for multimedia networks a challenging endeavor. In this paper, we address the following questions: what is the respective role of the real{time control system, the performance management system, and the network operator, and how do they interact in order to achieve performance management objectives? We introduce an architecture for performance management, which is based on the idea of controlling network performance by tuning the resource control tasks in the traac control system. The architecture is built around the L{E model, a generic system{level abstraction of a resource control task. We use a cockpit metaphor to explain how a network operator interacts with the management system while pursuing management objectives.