Multi-service routing - a new QoS routing approach supporting service differentiation

Several quality of service models have been proposed for the next generation of Internet, with differentiated service being foreseen to support it in core networks. A new routing architecture must be adopted to cope efficiently with these service differentiation mechanisms. The paper proposes an extension to traditional intra-domain routing protocols which takes into account service differentiation. In the new approach, routing paths must be selected according to network traffic conditions and service level agreements. A new path selection mechanism is proposed, which guides higher priority traffic through the shortest path and diverts lower priority traffic through longer paths when service performance degradation is foreseen.