A conceptual framework for multiple-criteria routing in QoS IP networks

Abstract

The provision of quality of service (QoS) in IP‐based networks, namely QoS IP networks, has led to new demands for routing methods, protocols and algorithms. It is widely recognized that such QoS routing should take into account multiple criteria. In this case, contemporary approaches in multiple‐criteria analysis should be taken into account, and they differ essentially from classical routing approaches. An alternative to classical routing algorithms that are not quite able to respond to all the challenges of QoS IP networks, especially from the perspective of Future Internet, is to change routing approaches and algorithms to provide for consistent multiple‐criteria routing approaches. This is also related to the understanding of the concept of hierarchy in routing, discussed in the paper. The paper recalls the concept of objective ranking, shows its appropriateness for consistent multiple‐criteria routing and presents a conceptual framework for routing based on objective ranking, including hierarchy of routing optimization and multiple routing tables. The paper has a conceptual nature, with the purpose of analyzing possible approaches to multiple‐criteria routing that might be useful if not today, then in the engineering of future networks. However, a network engineering interpretation of the concepts proposed here is also presented.

Future research directions in design of reliable communication systems

“…Conceptual analysis and methodological proposals on hierarchical models in the context of multiple criteria routing approaches in MPLS and QoS IP networks can be found in [37,147].…”

“…An overview on multiple criteria routing models in telecommunication networks with a case study is in [31]. Key methodological and modeling issues in this area and a meta-model for hierarchical multiple criteria network-wide routing optimization in multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) networks are discussed in [37] while a proposal of a systematic conceptual framework for multiple criteria routing in QoS-IP networks, is given in [147]. Also in [147] diverse aspects of multiple-criteria routing in QoS IP networks to be taken into account in future developments of network engineering, are discussed.…”

“…Routing algorithms are often based on shortest path routing, assigning a length (or cost) to each network link, and then finding the shortest length paths (where weights may also be considered for each link in each candidate path [147]). Nondominated solutions (paths) can be calculated by optimizing a scalar function which is a convex combination of the considered n objective functions.…”

Stochastic hierarchical multiobjective routing model in MPLS networks with two service classes: an experimental study on imprecision and uncertainty issues

“…More recently, a complete conceptual framework in multiple criteria routing models in QoS/IP networks, considering a reference point-based approach is proposed in [3].…”

Hierarchical multiobjective routing model in Multiprotocol Label Switching networks with two service classes – a Pareto archive strategy

“…QoS issues have become increasingly relevant in the new technological platforms of multiservice networks, triggering an interest in the application of multicriteria approaches to routing models in communication networks (see Wierzbicki and Burakowski (2011), Wierzbicki (2005) and reviews in Clímaco and Craveirinha (2005), Clímaco et al (2007), where some recent research papers on multiobjective routing models in multiservice networks are cited). In particular, a significant number of multicriteria routing models has been proposed in the context of the emergent MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) Internet networks (see Clímaco et al (2007)), motivated by its advanced routing capabilities, see Awduche et al (2002), namely the possibility of implementing QoS routing methods, see Kuipers et al (2002).…”