System and Method for Service Assurance in IP Networks

Abstract

A system and method for providing service assurance in a data network is provided. Resource control points are positioned throughout a data network, such as an IP data network. The resource control points obtain network topology information and correlates that information with information associated with a particular service session. The resource control points utilize the correlated information to generate quality service records and to provide status information regarding the network topology and particular sessions. The resource control points may further retrieve link and utilization information to control sessions during periods of congestion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A communications network comprising:
 a plurality of network elements in a first domain, each network element configured to route traffic through the respective network element, each network element being communicatively coupled to at least one other network element via a plurality of links; and   a control point associated with the first domain and coupled to the plurality of network elements to receive utilization and session information, the control point configured to generate and maintain an resource control point (RCP) routing table of routings of the plurality of network elements and routings between domains, the control point further configured to detect a congested link of a route within the first domain and to instruct one or more of the network elements to terminate or preempt one or more sessions on the congested link, the control point not being on a network element in the route.