A node for routing of calls in a network has an interface coupled to the
network and at least one processor operable to route a packet-based call
to a telephony destination in accordance with a protocol that includes a
set of attributes that describe packet-network routing characteristics of
one or more Internet Protocol (IP)-IP gateway devices in the network. The
attributes are used by the at least one processor to specify a call route
through an IP-IP gateway device for the packet-based call. The set of
attributes include a first attribute that identifies a total
administratively provisioned bandwidth capacity available on a given call
route to accommodate application traffic, and a second attribute that
identifies a current bandwidth that is available on the given call route
to accommodate the application traffic at a given point in time. It is
emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules
requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to
quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is
submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or
limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72 (b).