Analytical Models for L2 versus L3 QoS Provisioning

摘要

Layer 3 QoS is the default choice for large-scale QoS provisioning today. Layer 2 technologies like VLAN also exist but are rarely used on large scale. Layer 2 can be implemented in Ethernet switches or as light paths in optical networks. The difference between the layers is obvious - a Layer 2 technology normally offers stronger QoS guarantees. This paper develops and tests analytical models for common technologies in use at both layers today. Optical solutions are given special attention.