Optimization flow control for aggregate traffic handling in the differentiated services Internet

We advocate the use of random exponential marking (REM) - an optimization flow control approach - as an extension to the assured forwarding (AF) service of differentiate services Internet that is well-suited to adaptive applications. The main features are that it offers per-flow signaling, hence allows for end-to-end adaptive users, but enables routers to work on aggregate flows so that the network is scalable. It allows the network to offer reliable service assurances via a distributed optimization algorithm, without introducing special protocols or requiring routers to have access of individual user requirements. Apart from these features, it provides an incentive for users to cooperate so that optimum performance can be accomplished.