ORCHESTRA: an experimental agent-based service control architecture for broadband multimedia networks

This paper deals with the development of a prototype software architecture, named ORCHESTRA, aimed at the provision of advanced multimedia services in broadband networks, and supporting by both Internet and ATM signaling protocols. The focus is an experimental service control architecture capable of fulfilling the major requirements of emerging broadband multimedia services. The key points of the implementation are: (1) the use of software agents to enhance the architecture's flexibility, autonomy and distribution, and (2) the use of global service brokers for orchestrating services among terminals, servers and network elements, and for the control and management of network resources.