Open Access to Resource Management through Web Services

The paper investigates the capabilities for open access to resource management in multimedia networks through Parlay X Web Services. Resource management allows the network operator to provide Quality of Service (QoS) to user sessions and to apply advanced charging. The study is based on the analysis of Policy and Charging Control (PCC) functions defined for evolved packet systems The PCC comprises flow-based charging including charging control and online credit control, gating control, and Quality of Service Control (QoS) control. The required functionality for open access to QoS management and advanced charging is identified. Parlay X Web Services are evaluated for the support of PCC and some enhancements are suggested. Implementation aspects are discussed and Parlay X interfaces are mapped on IMS control protocols. Use Cases of Parlay X Web services for PCC are presented.