A Framework for QoS Support in the UMTS/GPRS Backbone Network Using DiffServ

Abstract

A distinguishing feature of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is the support of different levels of quality of service (QoS) as required by subscribers and their applications. To provide QoS, the UMTS backbone network needs an efficient QoS mechanism to provide the demanded level of services on a UMTS core network. This paper presents a methodology of provisioning QoS in this backbone network based on the Differentiated Services (DiffServ) model. DiffServ is a relatively simple but scalable IP-based technology, which can efficiently provide QoS in networks of DiffServ supporting routers. This is accomplished by defining a framework for setting a DiffServ-based UMTS backbone router, as well as the requisite mapping function for interworking between a DiffServ domain and UMTS. Efficient schemes are presented for the scheduling and buffer management components of the backbone router supporting DiffServ. The performance of this system for provisioning UMTS primary QoS classes is evaluated by computer simulations. The results show that DiffServ can be an effective candidate for UMTS backbone bearer service.