Hierarchical closed-loop control of policy, goal, and resource allocation in bandwidth management using both service-specific and network monitor observations

Abstract

A Unified Bandwidth Manager that functions as a multi-service bandwidth manager to interface with and hierarchically manage a plurality of service-specific bandwidth reservation and session management systems for at least one associated network resource is described. The Unified Bandwidth Manager includes a hierarchical control structure, and an interface for providing observed information relevant to policy, goal, and observed resource usage to the hierarchical control structure. At least one service-specific observation element and at least one network monitor observation element provide observation information relating to network conditions imposed on and observed in the associated network resource. The hierarchical control structure is provided with a plurality of feedback inputs that are responsive to associated ongoing observation information from each of an associated observation reporting element. The hierarchical control structure uses the plurality of feedback inputs, together with policy information or goal information, to produce at least one element of outgoing control information.