A framework-based approach to build adaptive multimedia applications with quality of service

The current Internet provides a single class best-effort service. However, the continuous data traffic (e.g., audio and video) of new applications that are emerging over the Internet have different characteristics if compared to conventional data traffic (e.g., text and images) and consequently have different QoS (quality of service) requirements. Several approaches have been developed trying to guarantee QoS. The development of applications that have the capability to adapt their behavior, depending on the network performance, is one example of such approaches. Inside this context, this paper introduces the development of application programming interface (API) to incorporate QoS in multimedia applications. This API has QoS monitoring functions through RTCP (real time control protocol) packets and QoS adaptation functions through the application of adaptation policies.