Framework and requirements of quality of service for multimedia applications

In this paper we introduce a comprehensive framework for identification, definition and quantification of Quality of Service (QOS) parameters for multimedia applications. Our framework covers several aspects of QOS for multimedia applications. We have categorized multimedia applications considering key attributes of networking and communication mode, and have specified major QOS parameters and requirements within each categories. We have partitioned the end-to-end networking architecture into four distinct logical levels considering both terminal equipment and network. Within each logical level we have defined QOS parameters and requirements for each application category. We have also provided guidelines for future work on identification and definition of QOS parameters of the intermediate higher logical levels.