System and method for providing multimedia quality of service sessions in a communications network

A method for use in a multilayered computer communication network having at least an N+1 layer and an N layer to ensure transmission of data elements between computers at least at one predetermined quality of service, comprising

• establishing two or more service channels in said N+1 layer;
• establishing one or more service channels in said N layer;
• and
• transferring said data elements from said two or more channels in said N+1 layer to said one or more channels in said N layer at said predetermined quality of service.

An apparatus for use in a multilayered computer communication network having a pre-existing session established to ensure transmission of data elements between computers at least at one predetermined quality of service;

• comprising
• means for generating a request from one of said computers for said transmission of data elements at said at least one quality of service;
• means for multiplexing said transmission at said at least one quality of service on said pre-existing session;
• and
• means for transferring said data elements of said at least one quality of service transmission through at least one service channel of a first layer of said network to at least one service channel of a second layer of said network.

Apparatus for use in a multilayered computer communication network having at least an N+1 layer and an N layer to ensure transmission of data elements between computers at least at one predetermined quality of service, comprising

• means for establishing two or more service channels in said N+1 layer;
• means for establishing one or more service channels in said N layer;
• and
• means for transferring said data elements from said two or more channels in said N+1 layer to said one or more channels in said N layer at said predetermined quality of service.

A computer program product for use in a multilayered computer communication network having at least an N+1 layer and an N layer comprising

• a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in said medium to ensure transmission of data elements between computers at least at one predetermined quality of service, said computer program product having:
• program code means for establishing two or more service channels in said N+1 layer;
• program code means for establishing one or more service channels in said N layer;
• and
• program code means for transferring said data elements from said two or more channels in said N+1 layer to said one or more channels in said N layer at said predetermined quality of service.