Considering end-to-end QoS in IP network design

Traditional approaches to optimal design and planning of packet networks focus on the network-layer infrastructure. We propose a new packet network design and planning approach that is based on user-layer QoS parameters. Our proposed approach maps the end-user performance constrains into transport-layer performance constraints first, and then into network-layer performance constraints. The latter are then considered together with a realistic representation of traffic patterns at the network layer to design the IP network. Examples of application of the proposed design methodology to different networking configurations show the effectiveness of our approach.