Intelligent network design: User Layer architecture and its application

Yu Lu, Mehul Motani, Wai-Choong Wong

Abstract: This paper addresses building networks that emphasizes on user-centric human computer interaction and context awareness. To achieve this user-centric intelligent network goal, we propose to explicitly take the end-user into account by defining a new layer called the User Layer above the traditional application layer. By exposing some lower layer information to the end-user, the new User Layer establishes a feedback loop between the end-user and the underlying network infrastructure, empowering the end-user to control and influence network performance based on his own behavior and preferences. A cross-layer design approach using a shared database between the different lower layers is adopted. To illustrate the User Layer in action, we present an exemplary implementation of the User Layer, which can dynamically allocate network resources by leveraging on the TCP flow control mechanism. We evaluated network performance via simulation and show that such a design improves the user perceived quality of service (QoS).