Dynamic bandwidth management and adaptive applications for a variable bandwidth wireless environment

This article describes an approach for providing dynamic quality of service (QoS) support in a variable bandwidth network, which may include wireless links and mobile nodes. The dynamic QoS approach centers on the notion of providing QoS support at some point within a range requested by applications. To utilize dynamic QoS, applications must be capable of adapting to the level of QoS provided by the network, which may vary during the course of a connection. To demonstrate and evaluate the dynamic QoS concept, we have implemented a new protocol called dynamic resource reservation protocol (dRSVP) and a new QoS application program interface (API). The paper describes this new protocol and API and also discusses our experience with adaptive streaming video and audio applications that work with the new protocol in a testbed network, including wireless local area network connectivity and wireless link connectivity emulated over the wired Ethernet. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of the dynamic RSVP protocol are provided.