Alcatel

Ludwig Alice Julienne Pauwels

Stefaan Jozef De Cnodder

Sven Maurice Joseph Ooghe

The present invention is applicable to access networks across which virtual connections have been provisioned to meet traffic and QoS requirements. The present invention improves service integrity by controlling the right for a service instance to use the network resources that have been provisioned for its class of service. Whenever a subscriber requests a service that requires a pre-determined bandwidth with a pre-determined QoS, one checks whether the virtual connection over which the service will be delivered to the subscriber can convey the required bandwidth with the required QoS. According to the check outcome, the service is granted or denied to the subscriber. The present invention may further improve the usage of the network resources. This second object is achieved by adapting the configuration of the access network according to the real traffic demand.

Resource admission control in an access network

A method for allocating a bandwidth between a plurality of network terminals (NT) coupled, via a common link (L), to a main network station (LT) in a communication network. A medium access controller (MC) forwards permits to the network terminals, each permit containing a terminal identifier and allowing a predetermined share of bandwidth. It comprises two sets of counters, each set including one counter (Gor F) for each terminal. The bandwidth is split into a guarantee bandwidth that is shared by operating the first set of counters and an excess bandwidth that is shared by operating the second set of counters. The guaranteed bandwidth is allocated according to fixed weights, and the excess bandwidth is also allocated according to weights. The weights for the excess bandwidth are either fixed or varying according to the load status of the terminals.

Method for allocating a bandwidth between network terminals in a communication network and network including a medium access controller for performing such a method

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Beveren, Belgium

Ludwig Alice Julienne Pauwels