An adaptive algorithm for Internet multimedia delivery in a differentiated services environment

We present an adaptive class switching algorithm (ACSA) that provides good quality with good price for real-time multimedia applications running in a differentiated services (DiffServ) environment. The algorithm selects the most suitable class by taking both QoS and price into account. Class switching is based on both the QoS feedback received and the highest user utility. The user utility reflects the service quality and price tradeoff. The simulation results demonstrate that ACSA can react fast to the current class state and can control the tradeoff between price and quality.