Service and connection management architecture for distributed multimedia applications

This paper addresses a novel networking architecture model on DPE for various multimedia services suitable to high speed networks and for the flexible and rapid introduction of services. In this model, applications are assembled from software 'building blocks' which copy with information, service and network providers. Each building block provides a layered view, enabling the effective management of multimedia network resources and services according to the concept of TMN and TINA. In this paper, we also propose the use of a directory system and its naming structure for the management of user profiles and session profiles, and a control model of effective multimedia logical device objects that uses a stream process approach. Our model is implemented on a DPE platform that provides various transparencies. For the purpose of flexible service provision to users, this architecture presents Ad hoc service building blocks such as a video on demand building block and a CSCW building block.