End-to-end quality of service support for integrated multimedia workstations

This dissertation describes a method of providing network communications at a specified Quality of Service (QoS) in an integrated multimedia environment. A Communications Resource Manager (CRM) is used to coordinate application requests with current workstation and network usage in order to maximise the QoS perceived by the user. The CRM forms part of a software architecture to service generic multimedia applications. It uses the principles of connection management to establish, coordinate and teardown multimedia connections. Where required the CRM can insert intermediate QoS control and monitoring modules into the information flow to match application requirements, workstation capabilities, and media formats. The CRM thus provides an additional layer of abstraction from the operating system to support distribution, device and presentation transparency leading to the simplification of applications, increased portability, and the ability to control and monitor abstract connections.