METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING RESOURCES WITHIN AN IP-NETWORK

摘要

The present invention relates to a method an arrangement for reserving resources in an IP network. By mixing open-ended reservations with in-advance reservations, by utilising a common pool of resources, the resource utilisation will be high. Despite the support for open-ended reservations, the present invention allows immediate and in-advance time-limited reservations wherein the resources are guaranteed. It also allows modification of active and "soon to be active" reservations, which in turn permit soft-state reservations. The invention supports different types of applications with varying time-distributions and varying risk of pre-emption. A new concept of open-ended in-advance reservations is also introduced in the present invention.