A data flow system, where a source 100 transmits a reservation packet
to
an ingress element 102. The ingress element 102 polices incoming
message traffic and collects data flow information. Quality of service differentiation
is realized by marking data packets of different data flows. The ingress element
102 registers the reservation packet and forwards the request to a core
router 106. The core router 106 evaluates the service level required,
and available resources. Based on this evaluation the core router 106 will
reject, accept, or modify the received message, indicate the price for the requested
level of service, and forward the reservation packet. The process is repeated until
the reservation packet reaches the destination 110, which sends a feedback
message to the source 100 indicating the result of the reservation packet.
After establishing a reservation, source 100 transmits periodic control
messages and collects information regarding resource availability, and the flow path.
