QoS support for distributed multimedia communications

Abstract

The nature of distributed multimedia applications is such that they require multipeer communication support mechanisms. Multimedia traffic needs to be delivered to end-systems, networks and end-users in a form that they can handle while satisfying the constraints imposed by the multimedia application. Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms are required that can ensure full quality media play out at high-performance workstations while at the same time providing appropriately filtered lower quality media for playout at low-end systems. Existing multicast support mechanisms are deficient for this purpose, in a heterogeneous environment, because they work on a lowest common denominator premise where the quality provided depends on the least capable link or node involved in the multicast session . In this paper we discuss a QoS model to provide receiver-dependent QoS based on filtering techniques, and we present initial experimental results.

Filters: QoS support mechanisms for multipeer communications

“…Both CMP and FRP/FAP are represented as user level libraries. IP multicast addresses are obtained prior to multipeer communications establishment from our group communications management entities [9]. We intend to update our current IP protocol to IPv6 [14] which provides flow identification facilities for which flow specs are held by routers to determine which resources should be made available for each flow.…”

“…In the following sections we highlight some of the more important characteristics identifiable in the revised flow spec. Our flow management model, which outlines flow establishment, maintenance and release is described in [9].…”

Multimedia group communications: towards new services

“…A multipeer QoS model to support receivers with different quality requirements and capabilities has been specified. In addition, filtering mechanisms have been implemented to provide different data qualities for different receivers on a multicast stream [22]. This allows the service to provide each receiver with the quality it can handle while still utilizing the advantages of multicast.…”