Service-list and path-allocation control for maximizing network profit in multiple service-classes networks

Abstract

Future IP networks will be multi-service-class networks that provide multiple levels of quality of services (QoS). The network service provider (NSP) must manage network resources and multiple protocol label switching can be used to control logical path allocation. This paper proposes a scheme that maximizes NSP profit by controlling the service-list and path-allocation under the constraint of available network resources. We introduce a model in which the users' class choice from among the multiple classes is influenced not by the price and QoS of one class, but the prices and QoS levels of all classes, the service-list. To model the users' class choice, we adopt discrete choice analysis. We propose a functional framework that consists of user choice model function, original demand forecast function, and service-list and path-allocation determination function. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method using a multiple service-class example.