QoS routing mechanisms and OSPF extensions

This paper presents and discusses path selection algorithms to support QoS routes in IP networks. The work is carried out in the context of extensions to the OSPF protocol, and the initial focus is on unicast flows, although some of the proposed extensions are also applicable to multicast flows. We first review the metrics required to support QoS, and then present and compare several path selection algorithms, which represent different trade-offs between accuracy and computational complexity. We also describe and discuss the associated link advertisement mechanisms, and investigate some options in balancing the requirements for accurate and timely information with the associated control overhead. The overall goal of this study is to identify a framework and possible approaches to allow deployment of QoS routing capabilities with the minimum possible impact to the existing routing infrastructure.