User access to QoS parameters of IP networks

The matured multiservice IP networks are expected both by users and network providers. These networks will provide guaranteed quality of service (QoS) for selected groups of communication services. The type of services (for example, telephony, data transfer) and their QoS parameters are specified within service level agreements (SLAs). An SLA is a common practice in classical telecommunication networks, too. But users of IP networks will be probably able to verify their SLA much more easily and efficiently in comparison with present networks. Users will be able to verify QoS parameters either alone or in cooperation with the network provider or some other independent organisation. The methods used for QoS parameters verification can be based on similar principles. Then their results can be used not only for SLA verification. We can compare results of different users as well and users of different networks can share their data and compare QoS of these IP networks, too. This paper discusses the different ways users can access IP services and goes on to compare methods of IP QoS parameters verification (from the user's point of view). Finally the possible cooperation between users and providers is presented (this way is probably most useful for both sides).