Showing papers on "Differentiated service published in 1992"

A continuous media transport and orchestration service

Abstract: The desire to transfer continuous media such as digital audio and video across packet switched networks imposes a number of new requirements on transport level communication services. This paper identifies a number of these requirements in the context of an experimental distributed multimedia infrastructure, and reports on research which addresses some of the associated issues. Particular attention is paid to two areas: (i) extended Quality of Service (QoS) provision; and (ii) support for the co-ordination of multiple related connections. We then describe an application level service, known as an orchestrator, which performs synchronisation functions over multiple related transport connections. We also outline the design and implementation of a continuous media transport service which meets the identified requirements. Finally, we outline the way in which the orchestrator and transport services are integrated into an object-based distributed multimedia application platform.

Strategic impact of broadband telecommunications in insurance, publishing, and health care

Abstract: The business environment of the insurance, publishing, and health care industries is described, and key points to their operations where broadband telecommunications can play a role are identified. Broadband applications are analyzed as to whether they provide both an operational and strategic benefit to innovating organizations in each of the three industries. The following impacts of broadband are identified: fast, efficient, and differentiated service to customers, reduced costs, targeted marketing, and market expansion. The traffic characteristics of the applications in terms of bandwidth and business are analyzed and shown to map on to the rollout of North American public network services by first implementing the less bursty, lower bandwidth applications requiring the interconnections of a small number of sites, and later those involving more bursty, higher bandwidth traffic and more numerous sites. >

Traffic analysis for a custom video architecture

Abstract: A custom news service is analyzed. A service provider prepares and distributes daily news programs customized to subscriber interest. The customers may ask for their program any time in the evening, but may have to wait for a few minutes until their program starts. This service is modeled, and a network architecture that can support it is proposed. Popular material is stored closer to the customers, which decreases the load on the network. The delay that customer requests experience is addressed. Three approximate techniques capture the behavior of the system and are used for designing the network. It is shown that the service rate of the system should be approximately equal to the arrival rate so that the performance of the system is acceptable and the service is as economical as possible. >

AT&T's electronic mail service for government users-FTS2000MAIL

Abstract: AT&T's Federal Telecommunications Service 2000 (FTS2000) is a unified digital integrated voice-data-video network. FTS2000MAIL is a store-and-forward messaging service offered to users through the General Services Administration (GSA) as a part of the packet-switched service (PSS). It has a rich, user-friendly feature set and is highly reliable. The provisioning, network management, and billing systems are customized for FTS2OOO users. The service architecture, the service features, and the service management are described. >

Pricing in multiple service class computer communications networks

Abstract: In order to meet the varied quality-of-service requirements of network applications (such as file-transfer, video, and voice), future packet-switched computer networks will offer multiple service classes. Multiclass network service disciplines, if used properly, utilize network resources more efficiently than single-class service disciplines. Whether or not these multiple service classes are used properly depends on the incentives users encounter when using the network. Thus, the issue of user incentives must be considered in the design and implementation of internet protocols. Two important forms of user incentives in internets are network performance and pricing. We study the role of pricing policies in multiple service class networks. We first argue that some form of service-class sensitive pricing is required in order for any multiclass service discipline to have the desired effect. Borrowing heavily from the Nash implementation paradigm in economics, we present an abstract formulation of service disciplines and pricing policies, allowing us to clearly describe the interplay between service disciplines and pricing policies. Effective multiclass service disciplines allow networks to focus resources on performance sensitive applications. Effective pricing policies can distribute the benefits of multiple service classes to all users, rather than having these benefits remain exclusively with the users of performance sensitive applications. We next analyze the effect of a usage-sensitive pricing scheme on total happiness. Economists have long argued that any scarce resource shared by a large group of self-interested users, requires some form of usage-sensitive incentive structure to discourage overuse. We assess utility in two types of network models: reservation-oriented and reservationless. The former model examines charging in the context of admission control where user demand is a function of the price paid for network service. The charge discourages a fraction of the population with lower benefits so that uses with higher benefits experience less delay in obtaining network service, thereby, experiencing increased utility. The latter model holds offered load constant and varies the data pipe size to reflect different levels of network congestion. In this model, the charge encourages users to select the priority most appropriate to their application. (Copies available exclusively from Micrographics Department, Doheny Library, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182.)

Service quality measurement at American express traveler's cheque group

Abstract: Combining fact-based management with executive vision is necessary to fully satisfy the expectations of customers. The American Express Traveler's Cheque Group uses a quality measurement tool called the Service Tracking Report to scrutinize service from the viewpoint of the customers. They also have developed a process which applies traditionally manufacturing-focused statistical tools to service industry quality improvement.

Network operations data for service management

Abstract: This paper presents the integration and correlation of network operations data for service management systems. Quality customer service is of prime importance for customers in distinguishing and choosing among service providers. Customers want to take an active role in accessing and maintaining their telecommunication networks without totally depending on the service providers. The solution begins by obtaining optimal flexibility within the network management layers and offering maximum customization for your customers. This paper describes an effective service management system whose main objective is to provide high quality customer service and offer customers the advantage of network access through end user workstations. This well-designed integrated system offers a more customer oriented network through dependable and accurate service functions. >

The relational structure of human services planning: an input-output analysis.

Abstract: The relationship between human needs and human services can be quantified in terms of service standards and service units. A service standard is defined as the adopted norm for the minimum number of service units per person. The relationship between need, service (or care ) and service standard is similar to the relationship between demand, supply and price in economics. Of particular interest in planning is the case where service units are given in terms of service providers per person. In a population where each person is considered to be a receiver of n categories of service and a provider of one category of service, the relationship between needs and services can further be presented in a service standard matrix . Examination of such a matrix shows that it fulfills a function analogous to the input-output matrix in economics. The principal eigenvector of the service standard matrix expresses ratios of activity levels for a human service system in an equilibrium. Another, related equilibrium is identified for a human service system in which there are providers as well as nonproviders. Application of the two equilibria identifies optimum planning conditions for the provision of human services when service standards and population are known.

Implementation of the BellSouth advanced intelligent network

Abstract: The advanced intelligent network (AIN) promises to deliver rapid response to customer needs and vendor independence for the services that generate revenue for BellSouth. The BellSouth AIN architecture have service control points (SCP) connected to service switching points (SSP) through a signalling system 7 (SS7) network and service nodes (SN) connected to SSPs using ISDN. A service management system (SMS) is connected to the SCP and SN to provide the service provisioning and software update functions. The experience to date indicates that AIN will in fact provide BellSouth with an important business opportunity and with improved customer response and vendor independence. A sound business case exists for the AIN which supports the development of the technology, the deployment of the infrastructure, the deployment of the services, and the ongoing activities necessary to continue the AIN. BellSouth's experience in the implementation of AIN indicates that multiple levels of customer response and vendor independence will exist. It is important to understand these levels in order to get a realistic appraisal of the value to customer and service providers of AIN. >

Towards a generic service control and signalling

Abstract: Considerable work has been spent on defining and characterizing the services and applications that could be offered on broadband networks. They include both well-known services that are offered by today's networks, such as telephony, and more advanced services, such as multimedia retrieval, that can only be offered through new broadband networks. The authors consider the new role the telecommunications network will play in the future. This new charter will influence attitudes toward service provisioning, service control, and signaling. They analyze the different classes of services known at present and try to extract the requirements with respect to service control and signaling. It is argued that a more innovative approach to the problem may be beneficial for service provisioning in the future. Key issues are the programmability of the network and the generic nature of the service control. >

Service creation environment for the intelligent network

Abstract: An advanced service creation environment is necessary in the intelligent network to quickly provide services for user's needs. The authors propose a SCE system structure for nonexpert users of telecommunication software that allows customers to develop service logic. To describe and verify service specifications in the high level specification description language is possible using the prototype system. For the future, more advanced and user-friendly services based on broadband ISDN are expected. For these enhancements, service creation environment will play an important role.