A measurement framework for inter-domain SLA validation

Validating network services conformance to the guarantees given in an SLA becomes particularly challenging in inter-domain environments. We propose a system that enables the remote configuration of measurement processes across domains, allowing providers to perform coordinated non-intrusive inter-domain measurements. The system incorporates AAA functions for authorization of neighbor providers. Since the amount of result data can grow immense for non-intrusive measurements, we propose the use of sampling techniques to reduce the exported traffic load. The efficiency of the system has been validated through measurements obtained during a distributed gaming session. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.