Network Characteristics of the QoS

This topic describes the concepts of the network characteristics of the QoS.

The Quality of Service (QoS) of any communication network is defined by the bandwidth, reliability, and latency. The other defining factors such as coverage, security and interoperability are taken as a provided by the user.

When the demand for the network services increases the network carriers need a way to share the network resources among the subscribers. Some subscribers demand a high bandwidth such as streaming video, others require basic characteristics such as voice telephony and messaging.

The service provider must handle the competing demands and charge for them appropriately. The service provider needs tools to limit the rate and volume of the traffic entering and passing through the network. These tools must adapt to the changes in the environment so that the resources available to the network are allocated when required.

The QoS determines:

• the actual performance of the network.

• the network management and the distribution of shared resources.

• the cost of carrying the traffic so that any level of QoS can be charged at a reasonable rate.