Abstract: A system implementing an optical steering domain that steers traffic flows through a plurality of processing nodes is described. The system includes a first, second, and third wavelength selective switch (WSS). The first WSS receives the traffic flows, and transmits traffic flows out a plurality of tributary ports toward the processing nodes. The second WSS receives the processed traffic from the processing nodes, and sends it to a third WSS. The third WSS receives the processed traffic from the second WSS, and causes the processed traffic requiring further processing to be transmitted out its third plurality of tributary ports to be looped back toward the plurality of processing nodes, and causes the processed traffic that does not require further processing to be transmitted by a different tributary port of the third WSS that is an exit port leading out of the optical steering domain.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for differentiating subscriber devices of a subscriber hidden by a network address translation device and enables traffic flow steering on a per device basis rather than a per subscriber basis. Identification of subscriber devices is achieved by assigning a reserved set of external ports to each subscriber device. Different service paths can be defined for different subscriber devices to provide a subscriber with a different experience for each subscriber device of the subscriber.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for differentiating subscriber devices of a subscriber hidden by a network address translation device and enables traffic flow steering on a per device basis rather than a per subscriber basis. Identification of subscriber devices is achieved by assigning a reserved set of external ports to each subscriber device. Different service paths can be defined for different subscriber devices to provide a subscriber with a different experience for each subscriber device of the subscriber.

Abstract: A method of enhancing Quality of Experience (QoE) associated with an application flow for an end-user in a communication network comprises: receiving a packet belonging to the application flow, the packet comprising QoE information determined based on previous packets exchanged within the application flow; decoding the QoE information from the received packet; and adjusting a QoS mechanism for the packet, based on the decoded QoE information for enhancing the QoE of the application flow. A network node for carrying out this method is disclosed. Also, a method for relaying QoE associated with an application flow for an end-user in a communication network comprises: receiving packets belonging to the application flow; calculating QoE information based on the received packets; and sending the calculated QoE information back to the communication network, the QoE information being included in a packet belonging to the application flow. A network node for carrying out this method is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and router for receiving a request message addressed from a first router to setup an inter-domain QoS reservation toward a second router in a further domain, forwarding the request message to setup the inter-domain QoS reservation, receiving an acknowledgment message to confirm that the inter-domain QoS reservation is setup, reserving resources in accordance with the inter-domain QoS reservation, forwarding the acknowledgment message toward the first router, receiving a packet related to the inter-domain QoS reservation and encapsulating, toward the second router, the packet in accordance with the inter-domain QoS reservation by adding a first label to the packet, the first label indicating that the packet is not for delivery in the current domain. Optionally, the methods and the router could encapsulate the first label and the packet by adding a second label thereto, wherein the second label enables proper routing of the thereby encapsulated packet within the current domain.

Abstract: A Resource Manager node and methods for establishing and modifying an inter-domain QoS reservation between a first node in a first domain and a further node in a further domain. After detection that the QoS reservation with at least one QoS characteristic is needed or needs to be refreshed, obtaining, at the first node, network state information associated to at least one possible choice of path between the first domain and the further domain. Thereafter, determining at least one choice of path between the first domain and the second domain in view of the at least one QoS characteristic, selecting a selected path to support the QoS reservation and sending a reservation message to trigger establishment of the inter-domain QoS reservation.

Abstract: Methods and router for receiving a request message addressed from a first router to setup an inter-domain QoS reservation toward a second router in a further domain, forwarding the request message to setup the inter-domain QoS reservation, receiving an acknowledgment message to confirm that the inter-domain QoS reservation is setup, reserving resources in accordance with the inter-domain QoS reservation, forwarding the acknowledgment message toward the first router, receiving a packet related to the inter-domain QoS reservation and encapsulating, toward the second router, the packet in accordance with the inter-domain QoS reservation by adding a first label to the packet, the first label indicating that the packet is not for delivery in the current domain. Optionally, the methods and the router could encapsulate the first label and the packet by adding a second label thereto, wherein the second label enables proper routing of the thereby encapsulated packet within the current domain.