US20150127843A1 - Multiple Pathway Session Setup to Support QOS Services - Google Patents

Abstract

A request from a user device is received for a service by a network management server via a communication network. The network management server determines multiple routes for delivering content associated with the requested service based on a provisioning profile for the user device. Content associated with the requested service is then delivered via the determined multiple routes. The provisioning profile is updated and includes preferred service types, desired QoS for one or more services, client account information, and/or client credit verification information. The network management server manages the delivery of the content associated with the requested service via the determined multiple routes. The content includes packets that are the same, which are communicated or delivered simultaneously via the determined multiple routes. The network management server allocates one or more of the determined multiple routes for delivering the content based on priorities associated with the routes.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM
• This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/323,402, filed Nov. 25, 2008, pending, which is entirely incorporated herein by this reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• Certain embodiments of the invention relate to communication systems. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services.
BACKGROUND
• With the increasing importance of the Internet as a commercial infrastructure and the increasing need for massive Internet based services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), the operation of the IP network is becoming more important and complex than ever. Current Internet architecture is mostly based on the best effort (BE) model, where packets can be dropped indiscriminately in the event of congestion. Such an architecture attempts to deliver all traffic as soon as possible within the limits of its abilities. The BE model works well for some applications such as FTP and email. To attract more users, Internet service providers (ISPs) provide not only best-efforts services such as email but also various newly emerged real-time multimedia applications such as VoIP, Video-Conferencing and Video on-Demand (VoD). To this end, various technologies such as stream categorizing and traffic monitoring are utilized to meet QoS requirements associated with various IP based services.
• Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• A method and/or system for multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
• These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system that enables multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary server device that is operable to enable multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary connection management module that enables multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user device that is operable to support a multipath connection call, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary multipath connection session setup procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary multipath connection packet routing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and system for multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a user device transmits a request to a network management (NM) server for a service such as a VoIP call with an intended user device. The NM server is connected to an IP core network. Upon receiving the request, the NM server determines multiple routes for providing the requested service based on a provisioning profile associated with the user device. The determined multiple routes are used to communicate or deliver content for the requested service over the IP core network. The user device then utilizes the requested service via the determined multiple routes. The client provisioning information, which is accessible by the NM server, may be updated by communicating with the user of the user device through an access network and/or the IP core network. The provisioning profile comprises information such as, for example, preferred service types, desired QoS for particular services, client account information, and/or client credit verification information. A load for the requested service is distributed over the determined multiple routes in various ways. For example, the NM server is configured to manage various components in the IP core network to communicate or deliver content for the service served over the determined multiple routes simultaneously. In this regard, the NM server is operable to enable communication and/or delivery of content for the associated service served over the determined multiple routes simultaneously.
• In one embodiment of the invention, in order to increase reliability, different sets of packets associated with content for the service are routed over different routes among the determined multiple routes to take advantage of diversity combining different paths. Moreover, the NM server may be configured to allocate the determined multiple route based on, for example, the route costs and/or route reliability levels. In this regard, the determined multiple routes are prioritized, for example, as one primary route and one or more secondary routes. The NM server is operable to communicate or deliver content for the requested service via the primary route alone, and/or via one or more of the secondary routes. In instances where the primary route QoS degrades, the NM server is configured to enable a soft handoff of the service to one or more secondary routes from the primary route. The soft handoff feature ensures a seamless user experience by delivering content for the service over the determined alternate route prior to stopping delivering content for the service over the primary route. In addition, the NM server is operable to deliver content for the service over the primary route along with one or more secondary routes as a backup.
• FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system that enables multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown the system ofFIG. 1 comprises a plurality of network management (NM)servers110a-110e, that are collectively referenced asnetwork management servers110, a core network120 comprising a plurality of routers120a-120i, a plurality of access networks130a-130c, a plurality of user devices, of which acell phone140a, asmartphone140b, and alaptop140care presented.
• Each of theNM servers110 such as theNM server110acomprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that are operable to manage various aspects of network communications such as, for example, selecting an access network that a client such as thecell phone140auses to access the core network120 and determining core network routes for forwarding various client packet streams toward intended recipients. TheNM server110ais configured to manage client registration and client provisioning. In this regard, the client provisioning may be performed automatically and/or manually via user inputs. The client provisioning information comprises, for example, preferred Internet Service Provider (ISP), preferred services, a username tied to the account, and associated billing information. In this regard, the client provisioning information such as the preferred services is used to enable a multipath connection call. TheNM server110ais also operable to handle associated client locations. For example, in a mobile IP environment, the NMserver110amanage clients' available IP addresses and forwards client packet streams for each connection session using appropriate IP address notified by corresponding clients.
• Various client-server signaling messages such as a service setup request are processed at theNM server110a. For example, upon receiving a service setup request message from a user device such as thecell phone140a, theNM server110ais operable to select a route to form a connection between thecell phone140aand an intended peer user device such as thesmartphone140b. In this regard, theNM server110ais configured to select multiple pathways (routes) to set up or establish the connection or connections for the requested service. Packets for the requested service are communicated or delivered via the selected multiple routes to enhance QoS for the service. To enable communications over the connection, a communication session, which indicates a sequence of client-server interactions within a timeframe, is created by theNM server110a.
• TheNM server110ais operable to generate a unique session ID for the created session and communicates with thecell phone140aand thesmartphone140b, respectively. An associated session profile of the created session comprises various session parameters such as, for example, session ID, time stamp, type of service (ToS), user ID, and/or addresses and ports. The session profile is stored at theNM server110afor later use. Session parameters are primarily used to influence server operations. For example, theNM server110ais operable to establish, maintain, update, and/or terminate the session per defined communication session parameters. In this regard, theNM server110ais configured to establish the communication session over one or multiple pathways at the service requests of associated user devices such as thecell phone140aand/or thesmartphone140b. In the event that users of thecell phone140aand/or thesmartphone140bare willing to gain a QoS enhanced service such as a VoIP call, theNM server110ais operable to select multiple routes and establish the session over the selected multiple routes.
• The core network120 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that are operable to interface various access networks such as the access network130a-130cwith external data networks such as PDNs and the internet. There are a number of routers connected through links in the core network120. Each router such as therouter120acomprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that are operable to forward packet streams to intended recipients. Therouter120ais configured to exchange information such as link resource information for each link with one another. The link resource information comprises information of the resources available and information of the resources which have boon reserved. Routers within the core network120 are managed by theNM servers110 in a unified way to allow easy and efficient maintenance thereof.
• Various user devices such as thecell phone140acomprise suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that enable various data communications via theaccess network130aand/or the core network120. Thecell phone140ais enabled to access various services via theNM server110a, for example. Thecell phone140ais operable to gain QoS enhancement for some preferred services. For example, in the event that the user of thecell phone140awishes to pay more for a QoS guaranteed VoIP call, thecell phone140ais then provisioned for a multipath connection call at theNM server110a.
• In an exemplary operation, it is desirable for thecell phone140ato perform a VoIP call with thesmartphone140bwith desired QoS requirements. Thecell phone140aissues a service request to theNM server110awith the required QoS. TheNM server110ais operable to select multiple routes for the requested service based on client provisioning information. TheNM server110acreates a communication session and generates an associated session ID for implementing the requested service over the selected multiple routes. TheNM server110athen informs or notifies thecell phone140aand thesmartphone140bof the generated session ID and corresponding access router addresses. The session is established over the selected multiple routes. The packets for the VoIP call are forwarded over the selected multiple routes towards intended recipients, accordingly. In the event that the multiple routes are prioritized, theNM server110 is enabled to arrange the delivery of the VoIP packets over one or more routes of the prioritized multiple routes. The selection of the one or more routes is determined based on corresponding priority levels. For example, the primary route is considered first for delivering the VoIP packets to users of thecell phone140aand/or thesmartphone140b.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary server device that is operable to enable multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2, there is shown aNM server200 comprising a server connection management module (SCMM)202, a server mobility management module (SMMM)204, a core resource management module (CRMM)206, a server processor (SP)208, and a server memory (SM)210.
• TheSCMM202 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that are operable to monitor network connectivity and handle various connection session signaling messages with clients such as thecell phone140aand thesmartphone140b. The connection session signaling messages comprise various service or QoS request messages. For example, upon the receipt of a QoS message from a user device such as thecell phone140avia the server processor (SP)208, theSCMM202 is configured to execute various operations related to admission control and route control. In this regard, theSCMM202 is enabled to access the client provisioning information and set up a multipath connection to support the requested service. To set up the multipath connection, theSCMM202 evaluates network resource status from theCRMM206 and selects multiple routes and/or access networks for requested service. The information associated with the selected multiple routes and/or access networks are forwarded back to theSP208 for further processing. TheSCMM202 is enabled to select the routes by using various algorithms stored in theSM210. For example, each of the multiple routes is selected by maximizing available bandwidth over the route, or by minimizing the number of routers or hops across the route. Routes may also be selected based on cost of the route. Since higher cost routes may guarantee higher QOS, the higher cost routes may be chosen over lower cost routes to ensure higher quality QOS. TheSCMM202 is operable to maintain and release various routes within the core network120.
• TheSMMM204 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that are operable to manage mobility information such as, for example, client addresses and client locations for the system ofFIG. 1. TheSMMM204 is configured to handle mobility information via various client address mappings to ensure a seamless user experience. The mobility information is provided to theSCMM202, theCRMM206, and theSP208 such that packet streams for each active session are transmitted to intended recipients notified by respective clients.
• TheCRMM206 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that are operable to handle route resource information according to various QoS requirements and system capabilities. In the event that a resource request from theSCMM202 is received by theCRMM206, theCRMM206 evaluates resource status of the core network120. TheCRMM202 provides core resource information such as status of routes with available resources in the core network120, to theSCMM202 to be used for various route selections.
• TheSP208 comprises various types of processors or circuitry such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a combination of processing type devices. TheSP208 is operable to execute a plurality of software instructions, which are stored in the server memory (SM)210 and downloaded for execution. In this regard, theSP208 is configured to calculate session IDs for various connection sessions using various algorithms stored in theSM210. TheSP208 is operable to communicate various information such as, for example, the route selection information from theSCMM202, with clients via the core network120 and various access networks such as theaccess network130a.
• TheSM210 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that are operable to enable storage of data and/or other information utilized by theNM server200. For example, theserver memory206 is utilized to store processed data generated by theSP208. TheSM210 is also utilized to store information such as session profiles that are utilized to control various operations of theNM server200. TheSM210 is operable to store information necessary to enable or disable a particular service for a given user device. Theserver memory206 is also operable to store some executable instructions for, for example, a connection session set-up, session profile update, and/or connection session re-establishment via re-using updated session profiles. TheSM210 comprises RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage capable of storing data and instructions.
• In operation, theNM server200 receives a service request message from a user device such as thecell phone140a. The service request message comprises information such as the associated QoS requirements of the requested service, candidates of access networks that thecell phone140auses, and an identity of an intended peer user device such as thesmartphone140b. TheSP208 forwards the received service request information to theSCMM202. The serverconnection management module202 is enabled to communicate with the peer user device such as thesmartphone140bto confirm the received service request. If thesmartphone140bagrees to communicate with thecell phone140afor the requested service, then, theSCMM202 coordinates with theSMMM204 to gain mobility information of the related clients. In instances where a multipath connection is requested by thecell phone140a, theSCMM202 communicates with theCRMM206 to determine whether there are enough routes with available resources in the core network120 for the requested service. TheCRMM206 then provides the core resource information to theSCMM202. The core network resource information may comprise information regarding network nodes (routers), network node memory, and/or the links.
• TheSCMM202 is operable to determine multiple routes and/or access networks based on the core resource information, accordingly. TheSP206 generates a session ID for communicating packet streams of requested service over the selected multiple routes between the two the smartphone140 and the notebook computer150. The generated session ID together with the selected access network information are communicated with related clients. In addition, an associated session profile comprising various session parameters such as session ID and type of service is created and stored in theSM210 to be used for later communication. In the event that theSP208 receives packets, which indicate that the received packets are associated with the generated session ID stored in theSM210, theSP208 is operable to communicate or deliver the packets over the selected multiple routes to a corresponding recipient, accordingly.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary connection management module that enables multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 3, there is shown aconnection management module202 comprising aprovisioning database302, arouting engine304, atraffic recording engine306, and atraffic database308.
• Theprovisioning database302 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that enable storage of information necessary to route particular calls over the Internet. For example, the information regarding client ID, client preferred services, client account, enhancing QoS for particular calls, client credit verification, and carrier trunk groups. Theprovisioning database302 is stored in RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage capable of storing data and instructions.
• Therouting engine304 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that is operable to select various routes for the received service requests based upon one or more attributes such as, for example, the preferred carrier service provider, a desired Quality of Service (QoS), cost, or other factors. The routing information generated by therouting engine304 comprises a destination router address, and/or a preferred Internet Service Provider, which are used for communicating the traffic or contend for the service to the Internet. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more exclusionary rules are applied to candidate routes based on known bad routes, provisioning information from theprovisioning database302, and/or other data. In this regard, therouting engine304 utilizes provisioned client information stored in theprovisioning database302, for example, client preferred service, client account and billing information, to select multiple routes to forward packets of the requested service. In one embodiment of the invention, packets for the service are communicated through the selected multiple routes simultaneously. Traffic load is shared among the selected multiple routes. In this regard, the content or packets for selected multiple routes are queued based on, for example, corresponding route reliabilities. The corresponding traffic load is initially serviced by the primary route. In the event that service quality degrades over the primary route, the traffic load then is shared by some secondary selected routes or apportioned among the primary and second route so as to eliminate or mitigate the effects of the degradation.
• Thetraffic recording engine306 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that is operable to format traffic information about, for example, a VoIP call, such as the originator, recipient, date, time, duration, incoming trunk group, outgoing trunk group, call states, or other information, into a Call Detail Record (CDR). The CDR is stored in thetraffic database308, and is used to generate billing information for network services.
• Thetraffic database308 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that enable storage of CDR data from thetraffic recording engine306. The CDR data are stored in a preferred format to facilitate storage of the CDR data. The CDR data is utilized to support customer billing for network services. Thetraffic database308 is stored in RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage capable of storing data and/or instructions.
• In operation, therouting engine304 of theSCMM202 receives a service request for a VoIP call between thecell phone140aand thesmartphone140bThecell phone140ainitiated the request. Upon receiving the request, therouting engine304 then evaluates the client provisioning information of the cell phone. In the event that the provisioning information stored in theprovisioning database302 of thecell phone140aindicates that a desired QoS required for this call request, therouting engine304 selects multiple routes to support the requested VoIP call. The traffic information is recorded in the traffic details recording engine305 as CDR data. The CDR data are saved in thetraffic database308 for supporting customer billing of the network service.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user device that is operable to support a multipath connection call, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 4, there is shown auser device400 comprising a client application management module (CAMM)402, a client connection management module (CCMM)404, a network interface module (NIM)406, a client processor (CP)408, a client memory (CM)410, and a user interface (UI)412 comprising akeypad412a, a microphone (Mic)412b, adisplay412c, and aspeaker412d, respectively.
• TheCAMM402 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that are operable to manage various application requirements and status. The various application requirements may comprise information regarding best user quality and QoS attributes. The application status may indicate that, for example, the corresponding service is reserved and/or resumed. TheCAMM402 is configured to monitor the fixed and variable port numbers used for identifying and monitoring application data.
• TheCCMM404 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that are operable to monitor network connectivity as well as the available bandwidth, transmission delay, and error rate of the connected access networks such as the access networks130a-130c. TheCCMM404 is configured to handle various connection session signaling messages with theNM server110a, for example, to access services with desired QoS, via theCP308. The connection session signaling messages comprises various service request messages such as a QoS request message provided by theCAMM402.
• TheNIM406 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that are operable to transmit and/or receive radio signals over an access network which is coupled with the core network120. The access network may be wired or wireless. The communicated radio signals comprise information from the core network120 which is managed via theNM server110.
• TheCP408 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that are enabled to control and/or data processing operations for theuser device400. TheCP408 is operable to process signals to communicate with a supporting communication network. In this regard, the signals comprise various service signaling messages such as a QoS request message. Theuser device400 is operable to signal theNM servers110 for communication session establishment/re-establishment which enables communication of packet streams to intended recipients over the core network120. In this regard, theCP408 is configured to communicate with theNM servers110 to provide and/or modify client provisioning parameters such as client account information and desired QoS for particular preferred services. TheCP408 is enabled to perform client provisioning automatically with predetermined user configuration profile stored in theCM410 and/or manually with user inputs via, for example, thekeypad412aand/or themicrophone412b.
• Theuser interface412 comprises suitable logic, circuitry and/or code that service theuser device400 via entering user inputs and/or presenting various services to users. Theuser interface412 comprises thekeypad412a, the microphone (Mic)412b, thedisplay412c, thespeaker412d, and/or any other type of interfaces that are employed by theuser device400. In the event that a user of theuser device400 is not satisfied with received QoS, the user is allowed to enter user input(s) via, for example, thekeypad412aand/or themicrophone412bto provide and/or modify client provisioning information such as, for example, the user is willing to pay more to enhance the QoS of the on-going service.
• TheCM410 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that enable storage of data and/or other information utilized by theCP408. For example, theCM410 is utilized to store processed data generated by theCP408. TheCM410 is operable to store information, such as user device configuration information, that is utilized to control various operations of theuser device400. Some software and/or code stored in theCM410 are used to translate user input operations via thekeypad412aand/or themicrophone412binto identifiable triggering events to theCP308 for performing client provisioning with theNM server110. Communication session information such as associated access router IP addresses and session ID received from theNM servers110 is stored in thememory410. TheCM410 is operable to store some executable instructions for running various services on theuser device400.
• In operation, in the event that theuser device400 wishes to communicate with a peer user device, the CAMM provides theCP408 with client application requirements and/or a port number used to identify the client application data at theuser device400. Exemplary client application requirements comprise service type of the application and various QoS attributes such as bit rate and delay constrains associated with the application. TheCCMM404 passes an identity of the peer device such as a telephone number and IP address of a NM server such as theNM server110ato theCP408. TheCP408 then issues a service request to theNM server110avia theNIM406. The service request represents a request to initiate a connection session with theNM server110afor a desired QoS with the peer device. Upon receiving a response via theNIM406 from theNM server110a, theCP408 is operable to extract connection session information such as a session ID and access router address from the response and store in theCM410. TheCP408 is enabled to communicate packet streams associated with the requested service through theNIM406 according to the established connection session. The received service is presented to the user via theuser interface412 such as thedisplay412cand/or thespeaker412d, respectively. TheCP408 is operable to provide and/or modify provisioning information regarding user preferred QoS level for the requested service via theNIM406 before and/or during the requested service established.
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary multipath connection session setup procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 5, the exemplary steps start with thestep502, where a NM server such as theNM service device110areceives a connection session setup request from a user device such as thecell phone140a. The received request comprises information such as, for example, a client application QoS profile (client application requirements), identifiers, candidate access networks that the cell phone140 uses. The identifiers comprise, for example, an IP address of theNM server110a, port numbers used for identifying application data, destination user device name or address. Instep504, upon receiving the request, theNM server110acommunicates with the indented user device such as thesmartphone140bto confirm the received request.
• Instep506, theNM server110adetermines whether thesmartphone140bwill accept or honor the request. In instances where thesmartphone140baccepts or honors the request, then instep508, theNM server110aevaluates client provisioning profiles stored in theprovisioning database302 to determine actual resources needed such as, for example, a QoS guaranteed multipath connection setup, for the requested service. In instances where theNM server110adetermines that a multipath connection setup is required for the requested service based on corresponding client provisioning profiles, then in step510, theNM server110adetermines whether the core network120 has available resources to be provided for the requested service. In instances where theNM server110adetermines that there are available resources provided for the requested service in the core network120, then in step512, where theNM server110aselects multiple routes for the requested service based on corresponding client provisioning profile.
• Instep514, theNM server110agenerates a session ID for the selected multiple routes. A session profile, which comprises session parameters such as, for example, session ID, time stamp, QoS requirements, type of service, Codec type, user ID, and router IP address, is created and stored in theSM210 to be used for later communication. Instep516, theNM server110acommunicates the generated session ID and access router information such as the corresponding access router IP addresses for thecell phone140aor thesmartphone140bto access. The exemplary connection setup procedure stops instep522.
• Instep506, in instances where thecell phone140adoes not accept the request, then theNM server110asignals the cell phone140 for the rejection decision and the exemplary steps return to thestep502. Instep508, in instances where theNM server110adetermines that a multipath connection setup is not required for the requested service based on corresponding client provisioning profiles, then instep518, theNM server110adetermines whether the core network120 has available resources for the requested service. In instances where theNM servers110 determines that there are available resources for the requested service in the core network120, then instep520, theNM server110aselects a single route for the requested service based on corresponding client provisioning profile. The exemplary steps continue instep514.
• In step510, in instances where theNM server110adetermines that there are no available resources for the requested service in the core network120, then theNM server110asignals thecell phone140afor the rejection decision and the exemplary steps return to thestep502. Instep518, in instances where theNM server110adetermines that there are no available resources provided for the requested service in the core network120, then theNM server110asignals thecell phone140afor the rejection decision and the exemplary steps return to thestep502.
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary multipath connection packet routing, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 6, the exemplary steps start with thestep602, where a multipath connection session has been setup as described inFIG. 5. Instep604, theNM server110adetermines whether packets streams for the requested service are routed over the selected multiple routes simultaneously. In instances where simultaneous multiple routing is applied for packet forwarding, then instep606, where theNM server110amanage the access routers to communicate or deliver the packets over the selected multiple routes simultaneously. The exemplary steps proceed with continuing packet streaming instep616. Instep604, in instances where simultaneous multiple routing is not required for packet forwarding, then instep608, theNM server110aqueues the selected multiple routes and may rank the selected multiple routes from best to worst, for example. Instep610, the packets are forwarded over the primary route. The ranking may be updated during the communication session. Instep612, theNM server110adetermines whether the QoS over the primary route is degraded. In instances where the QoS over the primary route is degraded, then instep614, a soft handoff of the packets from the primary route to one or more secondary routes. Alternatively, packets are forwarded over the primary route together with one or more secondary routes as a backup. The exemplary steps continue instep616. The use of soft handoff enables the service being delivered over the one or more secondary routes prior to stopping the delivery of contents for the service over the primary route.
• Aspects of a method and system for multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services are provided. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a user device such as thecell phone140atransmits a request to theNM server110afor a service such as a VoIP call with an intended user device such as thesmartphone140b. TheNM server110ais connected to the core network120. Upon receiving the request, theNM server110adetermines multiple routes for the requested service based on a provisioning profile of the user device. The determined multiple routes are used to communicate or deliver content for the requested service over the core network120. Thecell phone140athen utilizes the requested service via the determined multiple routes.
• The client provisioning information stored in theNM server110amay be updated by the user of thecell phone140athrough theaccess network130aand/or the core network120. The provisioning profile comprises information such as, for example, preferred service types, desired QoS for particular services, client account information, and/or client credit verification information. A load for the requested service is distributed over the determined multiple routes in various ways. For example, theNM server110ais configured to manage various components in the core network120 to deliver content for the service served over the determined multiple routes simultaneously. In this regard, theNM server110ais operable to enable routing same packets associated with the service over the determined multiple routes simultaneously. In some embodiments of the invention, different sets of packets associated with the service may be routed over different routes among the determined multiple routes. Moreover, theNM server110amay be configured to allocate the determined multiple route based on, for example, the route cost and/or route reliability levels. The determined multiple routes are prioritized, for example, as one primary route and a plurality of secondary routes.
• TheNM server110ais enabled to route the requested service over the primary route alone, or with assistances of one or more secondary routes. In instances where the primary route QoS degrades, theNM server110ais configured to enable a soft handoff the service to one or more secondary routes from the primary route. The soft handoff feature provides a seamless user experience by delivering content for the service over the determined alternate route prior to stopping delivering content for the service over the primary route. In addition, theNM server110ais operable to deliver content for the service over the primary route along with one or more secondary routes as a backup.
• Another embodiment of the invention may provide a machine and/or computer readable storage and/or medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the steps as described herein for multiple pathway session setup to support QoS services.
• Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
• The present invention may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
• While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

at a network management server computer,

receiving a connection session setup request from an originating user device;

identifying resources needed to satisfy the connection session setup request, including determining that a multipath connection is requested by the originating user device;

identifying resources of a core network for the requested multipath connection between the originating user device and a terminating user device;

selecting multiple routes for the requested multipath connection in the core network between the originating user device and the terminating user device;

generating a session identifier for the selected multiple routes;

communicating connection information including the session identifier to the originating user device and the terminating user device; and

delivering content associated with the connection session setup request between the originating user device and the terminating user device via the selected multiple routes.

2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

determining whether the terminating user device will honor the connection setup request from the originating user device.

3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein receiving the connection session setup request from the originating user device comprises:

receiving one or more of

a client application quality of service (QoS) profile defining processing requirements of the originating user device,

identification information for the originating user device and the terminating user device, and

identification information for one or more access networks used by the originating user device.

4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein identifying resources needed to satisfy the connection session setup request comprises:

retrieving a client provisioning profile for the originating user device; and

evaluating information of the retrieved client provisioning profile for the originating user device to identify the resources needed to satisfy the connection setup session request.

5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein identifying resources needed to satisfy the connection session setup request comprises:

retrieving a client provisioning profile for the terminating user device; and

evaluating information of the retrieved client provisioning profile for the originating user device and the retrieved client provisioning profile for the terminating user device to identify the resources needed to satisfy the connection setup session request.

6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein receiving the connection session setup request from the originating user device comprises

receiving a client application quality of service (QoS) profile defining processing requirements of the originating user device, and

wherein identifying resources of a core network for the requested multipath connection comprises:

determining resources of the core network required for a QoS guaranteed multipath connection setup.

7. The method ofclaim 6 further comprising:

creating a session profile including QoS requirements,

and wherein communicating connection information comprises:

communicating the session profile to the originating user device and the terminating user device.

8. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

creating a session profile including one or more of

time stamp information,

QoS requirements,

information defining a type of service over the selected multiple routes,

information about a codec to be used for communication between the originating client device and the terminating client device,

identification information for the originating client device and the terminating client device or both, and

address information for routers of the core network to be used or the selected multiple routes.

9. The method ofclaim 8 wherein delivering content comprises:

determining if the content is to be supplied simultaneously between the originating user device and the terminating user device via the selected multiple routes;

if the content is to be delivered simultaneously, managing access routers of the core network to communicate packets from the originating user device to the terminating user device;

if the content is not to be delivered simultaneously,

queuing the selected multiple routes including a primary route for delivery of packets to the terminating user device;

forwarding packets to the terminating user device over the primary route;

monitoring quality of service (QoS) over the primary route;

if QoS over the primary route is degraded, handing off communication of subsequent packets from the primary route to a secondary route of the selected routes.

10. The method ofclaim 9 wherein queuing the selected routes comprises ranking the selected multiple routes according to QoS.

11. A method comprising:

at a network management server,

selecting multiple routes through a core network for delivery of content from a source to a terminating user device

setting up the selected multiple routes through the core network for delivery of the content to the terminating user device;

if simultaneous content routing is specified for delivery of the content to the terminating user device, delivering the content to the terminating user device simultaneously over the selected multiple routes;

else, queuing the selected multiple routes including a primary route for delivery of packets to the terminating user device;

forwarding packets to the terminating user device over the primary route;

monitoring quality of service (QoS) over the primary route;

if QoS over the primary route is degraded, handing off communication of subsequent packets from the primary route to a secondary route of the selected routes.

12. The method ofclaim 11 wherein queuing the selected routes comprises ranking the selected multiple routes according to QoS.

13. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising:

subsequently, during communication of the packets to the terminating user device, updating ranking of the selected multiple routes.

14. A communication system comprising:

server connection management circuitry configured to access client provisioning information in response to a received request for a multipath communication service from a requesting user device and set up a multipath communication session over multiple selected routes through a core network for provision of the requested service to the requesting user device;

server mobility management circuitry in communication with the server connection management circuitry and configured to provide to the server connection management circuitry mobility information for user devices in communication with the core network including the requesting user device; and

processing circuitry in communication with the server connection management circuitry and configured to generate a session identifier for communicating packet streams of the requested service over the multiple selected routes to the requesting user device, the processing circuitry configured to communicate the session identifier to devices including the requesting user device for communication of the requested service, the processing circuitry further configured to receive packets having an indication that the received packets are associated with the generated session identifier and communicate the received packets over the multiple selected routes to the requesting user device.

15. The communication system ofclaim 14 further comprising:

core resource management circuitry in communication with the server connection management circuitry and configured to determine multiple routes through the core network to support provision of the requested service over the multiple selected routes to the requesting user device and to provide multiple routes information to the server connection management circuitry.

16. The communication system ofclaim 15 wherein the core resource management circuitry is configured to receive quality of service (QoS) information for the requesting user device and to determine the multiple routes through the core network using the QoS information.

17. The communication system ofclaim 16 wherein the server connection management circuitry is configured to receive from the core resource management circuitry information about the multiple routes through the core network and to set up the multipath communication session over the multiple selected routes through a core network for provision of the requested service using in the received information from the core resource management circuitry.

18. The communication system ofclaim 17 wherein the server connection management circuitry is configured to receive from the requesting user device QoS requirements of the requested service and to set up the multipath communication session over the multiple selected routes through a core network for provision of the requested service in fulfillment of the QoS requirements.

19. The communication system ofclaim 14 further comprising:

memory circuitry in communication with the processing circuitry wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine a session profile for the requested service, the session profile including information about the session identifier and type of service.

20. The communication system ofclaim 14 wherein the server connection management circuitry is configured to determine multiple routes through the core network to support provision of the requested service from an originating user device to the requesting user device.

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