This Technical Report identifies user requirements for systems supporting time-critical communications systems and the network management aspect which are specific to time-critical communications architecture in peer-to-peer and multipeer communications in or between application processes.

This Technical Report translates user requirements for systems supporting time-critical communications into QoS requirements for the management and support of a time-critical communications network, using the concepts and terminology of the QoS Basic Framework developed by ISO/IEC JTC1/SC21/WG7.

This Technical Report also describes a model, characteristics and functions for network management in time-critical communications systems.

This Technical Report focuses on time-critical communications systems used in discrete parts manufacturing applications; however, these time-critical communications systems may also be used in other applications, including process control.

This Technical Report concentrates primarily on time-critical communications systems for event-driven applications in which traffic flow and network configuration change dynamically; however, this Technical Report may also be applicable to state-driven applications in which traffic patterns and configuration are static.