Capacity planning tool for multiservice IP networks

This paper describes a network planning tool that has been developed in order to provide support for network planners who need to dimension next generation IP networks to meet quality of service (QoS) objectives. Specifically, the proposed network planning tool takes account of the new technologies that enable QoS in IP-based networks (i.e., DiffServ/MPLS) and allows for multiple QoS constraints so that guaranteed performance can be achieved for each of the traffic classes. The primary-decisions for the planning tool include determining class-based bandwidth allocations on the links, total link capacities and how traffic of each class is to be routed through the network. Furthermore, the planning tool incorporates traffic characterisation and dimensioning procedures that allow the known burstiness of IP traffic to be effectively modelled. After discussing some of the specific features and algorithms that have been incorporated into the planning methodology, the planning tool is briefly described and the solution to a simple network problem is demonstrated. The simulation results demonstrate the capability of the tool in achieving the required performance levels for the traffic classes.