On the use of accounting data for QoS-aware IP network planning

We present an economically efficient framework for provision of essential input for QoS-aware IP network planning. Firstly, we define a process for reuse of network accounting data for construction of a QoS-aware network demand matrix. Secondly, we define a process for estimation of QoS-related effective bandwidth coefficients from packet traces collected per traffic classe. Taken together, these processes provide the necessary input required to plan a network in accordance with QoS constraints. We present results of a sensitivity analysis of the demand estimation process, and of an economic analysis of the relative merit of deployment of our approach in comparison to a traditional direct measurement-based approach. We conclude that although there is a degree of inaccuracy in our network demand estimation process this inaccuracy is within acceptable bounds, and that this is offset by the potential for significant cost reductions for the ISP.