Dynamic resource allocation in 3GPP SIP overlay networks

The session initiation protocol (SIP) is the IETF alternative for session related signalling. SIP was used in the IP multimedia subsystem of 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) UMTS networks. To be able to guarantee quality of service (QoS) to customers in carrier grade networks it is required to ensure QoS for signalling. Resources provided by the multiservices transport network have to be allocated to the signalling traffic. This paper introduces a methodology that enables dynamic resource allocation (DRA) on the basis of current message numbers. In particular, it can be used to dimension virtual SIP links (VSLs). The paper defines the DRA scheme, outlines its operation and gives simulation results that underline the advantages of dynamic resource allocation.