Defining and monitoring QOS metrics in the next generation wireless networks

Defining and monitoring QoS metrics for service level agreements (SLA) in next generation wireless networks is a challenging task for a service provider. Some complex issues that need to be addressed are: different QoS requirements for different classes of applications; support of real-time applications (such as voice, video) over packet based networks; heterogeneous characteristics of wireless and wireline networks; mobility of users; evolving applications; services; etc. Existing SLAs and their monitoring methodologies and tools lack the sophistication required to address these new issues. This work provides a framework to address them. It classifies next generation applications into several classes and identifies the important QoS metrics for each class. It provides the measurement methodologies for these QoS metrics so that a service provider may establish and verify a service level agreements with his/her customers. It identifies the requirements for the tools in order to monitor/measure these new QoS metrics. Finally, it discusses the challenges faced by service providers while implementing these recommendations.