User network control

Abstract

A network control device and methods that incorporate user decisions into network management and controlling the network accordingly. The users are provided network information such as bandwidth and special services that are available due to current network conditions. The users may elect to communicate via one of the offered special services or choose to communicate using specific network parameters in the form of a request. The network control device either responds to the request by providing the selected service or if network parameters are specified, by assessing current network conditions and determining whether the network can support the requested communication. If the communication is supportable, then the network control device may indicate to the user that fact and may also provide a corresponding cost estimate and/or other pertinent information. If the network cannot support the requested communication due to lack of bandwidth, for example, then the network control device may generate and send alternatives to the user. If the user selects one of the alternatives, or accepts the cost estimate for the original request, the network control device may issue appropriate commands to various network elements to commence the requested communication.