This document addresses requirements for a client device to obtain access to IPCablecom network resources. In particular, it specifies a comprehensive mechanism for a client device to request a specific Quality of Service from the DOCSIS^® network. Extensive examples illustrate the use of the specification.

The scope of this specification is to define the QoS Architecture for the "Access" portion of the PCablecom network, provided to requesting applications on a per-flow basis. The access portion of the network is defined to be between the Multi-media Terminal Adapter (MTA) and the Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS), including the DOCSIS network. The method of QoS allocation over the backbone is unspecified in this document. Interface to the managed IP backbone and issues related to IP multicast are not within the scope of this document. This specification also recognizes that per-flow reservations may be required within the customer premises, and the protocol developed addresses this potential need.