Resource allocation in packet network

A method for allocating transmission resources between two network elements in a packet switching network, characterized in that the resources are allocated by exchanging messages above a network layer between the two networks elements by:

• sending a request message, from the first network element to the second network element, the request message including the value of the capacity that the first element desires to allocate for use between the two network elements,
• receiving the request message in the second network element and finding a capacity value which is acceptable from the point of view of the second network element and not greater than the value received in the request message,
• sending a response message from the second network element to the first network element, the response message including the capacity value found in the second network element,
• receiving the response message in the first network element and making a decision, based on the capacity value received in the response message, on the acceptability of the resource allocation, and
• sending a confirmation message from the first network element to the second network element, the confirmation message including data indicating the decision made.