IP multiservice network and method for making resource reservations for priority traffic

摘要

A multiservice IP network and a method are described herein that use an enhanced QOS message which makes it possible for an IP router to reserve resources for and admit a high priority traffic flow without needing to terminate an existing low priority traffic flow. In accordance with the present invention, in the event an emergency reservation request arrives at an IP router and there are not enough resources to support the high priority traffic flow, then the IP router reduces the reservation of one or more low priority traffic flows to a reduced level. The IP router also sends a notification message to the sender indicating that the reservations have been reduced. Thereafter, the high priority traffic flow can be admitted. As such, if there is enough adaptive traffic in the multiservice IP network, then the low priority calls need not be terminated instead only the resources are reduced to a lower but still acceptable QoS level. And, when traffic conditions improve the reduced reservations can be increased back to the original level.