Deploying IP and MPLS QoS for Multiservice Networks

1 QOS Requirements and Service Level Agreements

1.1 Introduction

When sending a parcel, the sender can generally select from a range of contractual commitments from the postal courier service provider; that the parcel will arrive within two working days of being sent, for example. The commitments may include other parameters or metrics such as the number of attempts at redelivery if the first attempt is unsuccessful, and any compensation that will be owed by the courier if the parcel is late or even lost. The more competitive the market for the particular service, the more comprehensive and the tighter the commitments or service level agreements (SLAs) that are offered.

In the same way, within the networking industry the increased competition ...