An adaptive quality of service channel borrowing algorithm for cellular networks

A multimedia call consists of three main sub-streams (i.e. video, audio and data) each with its own distinct quality of service (QoS) requirements (e.g. packet loss rate, delay tolerance, and jitter). These requirements constitute a specific fixed QoS level. In contrast to static approaches, we propose an adaptive QoS platform in which each sub-stream declares a preset range of acceptable QoS levels (e.g. maximum, acceptable, minimum) instead of just a single level. This range of QoS levels is pre-defined in a user-defined profile (UDP). In this paper, we propose a channel borrowing algorithm based on such adaptive QoS platform. In our proposed algorithm, an acceptor cell that has used all its channels can borrow from any neighbouring (donor) cell as long as this donor cell has some channels available after satisfying a minimum QoS (minQ) level defined in the UDP. A donor cell that is assigning QoS levels (to calls under its coverage) higher than the minQ levels will declare those channels as available for borrowing by other acceptor cells. The criteria for choosing the free channel include not only the number of free channels, but also the QoS levels in the donor cell. The criteria are also extended to include the effect of channel locking on the number of free channels, and the QoS levels on the locked cells. The algorithm is not triggered unless it does not cause any call dropping in either the donor cell, or the cells affected by call blocking. In the meantime, the call blocking rate is significantly decreased while the offered load increases. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.