Abstract:
The present invention teaches methods and systems for providing a gaming server system (Gaming System) for enabling a quality-of-service on-demand (QoS) broadcast system to provide a gaming computer or game console with premium levels of quality-of-service. The gaming server provides premium network connection service levels based upon customer profile, current activity, account status or other criteria.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to methods for providing enhanced quality-of-service (QoS) to online gaming users of game networks. More specifically, it relates to a method for supporting network-based gaming with quality-of-service assigned to an address in computer networks supporting dynamic allocation of QoS.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Video gaming has long been the province of individual game systems such as personal computers with stored games, Nintendo® and PS-2® systems that interact on a user&#39;s television or on an integral screen. Such systems can also interact with one another (as in the Gameboy® systems) thereby allowing users on different systems to interact with another on a particular game. For purposes of these applications, such systems are collectively referred to as “game consoles.” 
           [0003]    This desire for interactive gaming has expanded to the Internet where individuals can engage in a gaming experience on a server, and of late, interact with other users in a specific game on a specific server. This desire for “network gaming” is growing.  
           [0004]    Network-based gaming involves one or more persons playing a game using Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) (such as a personal computer or game consoles) where those CPEs are connected together by a carrier network to a gaming web server. As used herein, a “Carrier Network” generally refers to a computer network through which users communicate with various service providers (e.g. gaming web servers). The Carrier Network extends from the location of each user to an intermediate switched/routed network (hereinafter “Intermediate Network”). A gaming web server, in turn, is connected to the Intermediate Network, either directly or indirectly via the Internet, for communications with the users. The Carrier Network is maintained by a “Carrier,” which also may serve as a service provider for certain services. For example, a Carrier or a related entity may serve as an Internet service provider (ISP).  
           [0005]    Carrier Networks include “Shared Access Carrier Networks,” in which data of multiple users are conveyed together over a shared communications medium between the users and the Intermediate Network, and “Dedicated Connection Carrier Networks,” in which data of each user are conveyed alone between the user and the Intermediate Network and are not combined with data of other users. One of the most prevalent Shared Access Carrier Networks today is found in the Data-Over-Cable (DOC) Network, which includes the traditional network constructed from coaxial cable and the hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network constructed with both fiber optical cabling and coaxial cable. Other Shared Access Carrier Networks include wireless and digital subscriber line (xDSL) networks (the xDSL lines typically being aggregated onto an oversubscribed backhaul trunk into the Intermediate Network, with the trunk defining the shared communications medium).  
           [0006]    Network carriers and their equipment providers have adopted industry standards in order to increase interchangeability and reduce manufacturing costs for network hardware. For example, DOC Carriers have adopted industry standards such as the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS). DOCSIS version 1.0 was issued in 1997 with hardware devices being certified starting in 1999. DOCSIS version 1.1 replaced version 1.0 in 1999-2001. Although released, DOSIS version 2.0 is not yet widely available. As a result, networks conforming to DOCSIS (i.e. DOCSIS-compliant) use DOCSIS version 1.0 and 1.1 hardware in most cases.  
           [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of such a typical DOCSIS-compliant network. Data packets are transmitted in a downstream direction from a cable modem termination system (CMTS)  21 , which is located in headend  31  (or distribution hub) of a Carrier, over a coaxial cable  22  to respective cable modems (CMs)  14  of users. All of CMs  14  are attached by the coaxial cable  22  to the CMTS  21  in an inverted tree configuration, and each CM  14  connected to the coaxial cable  22  listens to all broadcasts from the CMTS  21  transmitted through the coaxial cable  22  for data packets addressed to it, and ignores all other data packets addressed to other CMs  14 .  
           [0008]    Theoretically, a CM  14  is capable of receiving data in the downstream direction over a 6 MHz channel with a maximum connection speed of 30-40 Mbps. Data packets also are transmitted in the upstream direction over a 2 MHz channel by the CMs  14  to the CMTS  21  typically using time division multiplexing (TDM) and at a maximum connection speed of 1.5-10 Mbps (up to 30 Mbps when DOCSIS version 2.0 is available)  
           [0009]    The headend  31  in the DOCSIS Network includes a plurality of CMTSs, with each CMTS supporting multiple groups of CMs each connected together by a respective coaxial cable. Each such group of CMs connected to a CMTS defines a Shared Access Carrier Network, with the coaxial cable in each representing the shared communications medium. This arrangement of a group of CMs connected to a CMTS by a coaxial cable is referred to herein as a “Cable Network.” Accordingly, the DOCSIS network includes a plurality of Cable Networks  20  originating from CMTSs at the headend  31  of the Carrier, with a particular Cable Network  21  being illustrated in an expanded view in FIG. 1. The DOCSIS network may also include multiple headends, for example,  31 ,  32  and  33 .  
           [0010]    Game playability for participants is often affected by the speed and quality of their respective network connections. This results in many participants preferring high-speed network connections, for example, cable networks (see FIG. 1) and digital subscriber link (xDSL) networks. In many of the popular game programs, game playability is ultimately limited by the player with the slowest and lowest quality network connection. As a result, many game participants (“gamers”) opt for the higher speeds available of DOCSIS networks.  
           [0011]    Data transmission over a DOCSIS network can be thought of as a downstream data path and an upstream data path. Downstream paths normally refer to transmission from a web server to a workstation or personal computer user. Upstream data transmission is the opposite with data originating in the workstation  11  or personal computer  12 .  
           [0012]    In the example of a gaming network, downstream data packets originate with a gaming web server. Such data comprises Internet protocol packaged graphic images, audio signals and textual information. Upstream flowing Internet packets comprise authenticating and “sign-in” information, as well as cursor and game control instructions.  
           [0013]    An economy of gaming web server resources results in the case of online gaming with two or more garners participating in the same game session. In this situation, the game instructions respond to upstream flowing game control instructions. Instructions are normally executed in a first-in fashion. Once a game instruction is executed, the graphics, audio signals, or representations of other participating gamer responses can be transmitted downstream to all the participants.  
           [0014]    When a cable modem  14  in a DOCSIS network is initialized, at least one downstream path, typically  6  MHz wide, from the cable-modem-termination system  21  to cable modem  14  is set up. The allocation is made so as to ensure coexistence of television broadcasts and data connections. In addition at least one upstream path is established. The upstream path, even when within the cable network, does not usually have a bandwidth of 6 MHz.  
           [0015]    The frequency ranges occupied are different as well. Downstream paths are typically in the range of 50 MHz to approximately 1 GHz while the upstream paths are within 5 MHz to 42 MHz with a specific slot defined by the cable-modem-termination system.  
           [0016]    As a cable modem  14  is initialized in a DOCSIS network, it registers with a cable-modem-termination system  21 . As part of a registration request message, the cable modem forwards configuration information to the CMTS. This exchange also establishes the properties of the CM to the CMTS. If the data over cable network supports Quality-of-Service, the DOCSIS network may allocate resources to the cable modem in the course of registration. DOCSIS version 1.1 and version 1.1 compliant hardware have significant quality-of-service (QoS) enhancements as compared to version 1.0.  
           [0017]    DOCSIS version  1 . 0  uses a static QoS model that is based on a class of service (CoS) that is preprovisioned in the TFTP configuration file for the cable modem. The CoS is a bi-directional QoS profile that has limited control, such as peak rate limits in either direction, and relative priority on the upstream data stream.  
           [0018]    DOCSIS version 1.0 defines the concept of a service identifier (SID), that specifies the devices allowed to transmit and provides device identification and CoS.  
           [0019]    In DOCSIS version 1.0, each CM is assigned only one SID, creating a one-to-one correspondence between a cable modem and the SID. All traffic originating from, or destined for, a cable modem is mapped to that cable modem&#39;s SID.  
           [0020]    Typically, a DOCSIS version 1.0 cable modem has one CoS and treats all traffic the same, which means that data traffic on a cable modem can interfere with the quality of other traffic. The CMTS, however, can prioritize downstream traffic based on IP precedent type-of-service (ToS) bits. For example, voice calls using higher IP precedence bits receive a higher queuing priority (but without a guaranteed bandwidth or rate of service). A DOCSIS version 1.0 cable modem could increase voice call quality by permanently reserving bandwidth for voice calls, but then that bandwidth would be wasted whenever a voice call is not in progress.  
           [0021]    In contrast to version 1.0, DOCSIS version 1.1 implemented a number of changes to allow great flexibility in the ability of a cable modem and service provider to transmit almost any combination of data traffic and real-time traffic. These changes required a fundamental shift in how a cable modem requests service and how traffic can be transmitted across the cable network.  
           [0022]    In DOCSIS version 1.1, a service flow gets created at the time of cable modem registration (a static service flow) or as a result of a dynamic Media Access Control layer (“MAC”) message handshake between the cable modem and the CMTS (a dynamic service flow). At any given time, a service flow might be in one of three states (provisioned, admitted, or active). Only active flows are allowed to pass traffic on the DOCSIS link.  
           [0023]    Every service flow has a unique (unique per DOCSIS MAC domain) identifier called the service flow identifier (SFID). The upstream flows in the admitted and active state have an extra Layer  2  SID associated with them. The SID is the identifier used by the MAC scheduler when specifying time-slot scheduling for different service flows.  
           [0024]    When a packet is presented to the DOCSIS MAC layer at the CMTS or cable modem, it is compared to a set of packet classifiers until a matching classifier is found. The SFID from this classifier is used to identify the service flow on which the packet will be sent. The packet is then transferred to the service flow manager for rate shaping and output queuing.  
           [0025]    In the upstream direction, the output queues at the cable modem are remotely served by the CMTS MAC scheduler, based on DOCSIS version 1.1 slot scheduling constraints such as grant-interval and grant-jitter. In the downstream direction, the CMTS packet scheduler serves the flow queues depending on the flow attributes like traffic priority, guaranteed rate, and delay bound.  
           [0026]    The principal mechanism for providing enhanced QoS is to classify data packets into service flows. A service flow is a MAC-layer transport service that provides unidirectional transport of packets to upstream packets transmitted by the cable modem or to downstream packets transmitted by the CMTS.  
           [0027]    DOCSIS version 1.1 adds several new MAC scheduling disciplines to provide guaranteed QoS for real-time service flows on the multiple access upstream channel.  
           [0028]    Multiple grants per interval help in supporting multiple subflows (such as voice calls) on the same SID. Multiple subflows per SID reduce the minimum SID requirement in cable modem hardware. The CMTS is responsible for supporting QoS for all cable modems in its control. The traffic in the downstream is assumed to be a combination of voice, committed information rate (CIR) data, and excess burst best-effort data.  
           [0029]    While DOCSIS quality-of-service is limited to the cable network, users of a gaming network are more interested in the overall quality-of-service (QoS-game). QoS-game collectively specifies the performance of a gaming network service that a device expects on a network. QoS parameters include transit delay expected to deliver data to a specific destination, the level of protection from unauthorized monitoring or modification of data, cost for delivery of data, expected residual error probability, the relative priority associated with the data and other parameters.  
           [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified view of a typical gaming network. Downstream data packets originate in gaming web server  47 , are transmitted over the Internet and routed to CMTS  21  in headend  31 . From CMTS  21 , the downstream packets are routed over cable  22  to cable modem  14  via the cable network. Cable modem  14  is connected to game console  11  (or other device performing as a game console, for example a personal computer). In similar fashion upstream data packets originate in game console  11  and are routed to gaming web server  47  via cable network  20  and Internet connection  50 .  
           [0031]    Overall quality-of-service to a gamer using a game network of FIG. 2 is dependent upon both downstream QoS and upstream QoS. Downstream QoS, in turn, depends upon the QoS between game console  14  and CMTS  21  and also the QoS between CMTS  21  and gaming web server  47 . Similarly, upstream QoS depends on the QoS between gaming web server  47  and CMTS  21  along with QoS between CMTS  21  and game console  14 .  
           [0032]    User perceptions of quality-of-service for online gaming in gaming networks differs from other network QoS such as television transmission, voice over Internet (VoIP) or data access. In general, gaming networks have asymmetrical needs. Downstream feeds of video and audio signals need high downstream bandwidth for near real-time performance. In contrast, upstream control instructions have low bandwidth overhead but require low latency routing. In order to economically allocate network resources it is desirable to provide gaming networks with QoS custom fitted to gaming needs. For example, a gamer might want a higher QoS during a gaming session but will not require enhanced QoS for other functions not associated with the game in question (i.e. instant chat, web surfing etc).  
           [0033]    Thus what would be useful is a system and method by which game players can reserve gaming network quality-of-service when desirous of playing online in enhanced environment. Such a system would allow selectively enhanced QoS for gaming activity but not necessarily for other activity. In addition, such a system would also allow a gamer to reserve the enhanced QoS only for a time desired, thereby saving network resources. The system would also take advantage of the ability to economically allocate network resources by taking advantage of the asymmetrical nature of gaming networks. Finally, the system would allow a means by which carriers and providers of game content can extract increased revenue from game participants using enhanced game quality-of-service (QoS-game).  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0034]    Cable network providers need a means to provide premium quality-of-service limited to subscribers paying for the premium service and further limiting the premium QoS to the times such premium service is selected by cable network subscribers. The present invention satisfies this need for on-demand premium QoS network gaming by utilizing a “gaming agent” (GA) through which a participant can request reserved bandwidth with QoS guarantees for the purpose of playing network games.  
           [0035]    The present invention comprises a gaming network having dynamically reserved enhanced game quality-of-service (QoS-game). A gaming agent restricts access to enhanced QoS-game to those participants opting for a higher cost subscription network service. In one preferred embodiment the gaming agent, monitors the time a game participant is utilizing enhanced QoS-game in order to limit charges to actual QoS-game usage. In another preferred embodiment, the gaming agent is maintained by the gaming web server.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]    [0036]FIG. 1 illustrates a typical gaming network as known in the art and using cable network connectivity;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustrating a gaming network in a data-over-cable environment;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 a  illustrates a simplified schematic illustrating a gaming network of the present invention in a data-over-cable environment;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 3 b  illustrates a simplified schematic illustrating a gaming network of the present invention in a data-over-cable environment without any non-DOC network connectivity;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 3 c  illustrates a simplified schematic illustrating a gaming network of the present invention in a data-over-cable environment wherein the gaming agent is integrated with the gaming web server;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 3 d  illustrates a simplified schematic illustrating a gaming network of the present invention in a data-over-cable environment wherein the gaming agent and gaming web server are located in the headend; and  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for requesting enhanced QoS-game. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0043]    The present invention relates to methods for providing enhanced quality-of-service to online gaming users of game networks. More specifically, it relates to a method for supporting network-based gaming with quality-of-service (QoS) assigned to an address in a computer network supporting dynamic allocation of quality-of-service. The QoS for gaming is customized to the game being played; the duration of time desired by a gamer, and in some cases the overall network connections that exist between the gamer and the game server.  
         [0044]    As illustrated in FIG. 2 a typical gaming network comprises a game console  11 , gaming web server  47  and network connectivity elements. FIG. 2 depicts for network connectivity a cable network  20 , cable modem  14 , cable network cable  22 , cable management termination system (CMTS)  21  and other Internet connectivity. However, gaming network connectivity is not limited to the devices and means of FIG. 2. Any computer network with suitable bandwidth may be utilized. Examples of other suitable network connectivity include dial-up networks, XDSL, ISDN, local area network, etc.  
         [0045]    In the gaming network depicted in FIG. 2, downstream data packets originate in gaming web server  47 , are transmitted over the Internet and routed to CMTS  21  in cable network carrier headend  31 . From CMTS  21 , the downstream packets are routed over cable  22  to cable modem  14  via the cable network. Cable modem  14  is connected to game console  11  (or other device performing as a game console, for example a personal computer). In similar fashion upstream data packets originate in game console  11  and are routed to gaming web server  47  via cable network  20  and Internet connection  50 .  
         [0046]    Overall quality-of-service to a gamer using a game network of FIG. 2 is dependent upon both downstream QoS and upstream QoS. Downstream QoS, in turn, depends upon the QoS between game console  14  and CMTS  21  and also the QoS between CMTS  21  and gaming web server  47 . Similarly, upstream QoS depends on the QoS between gaming web server  47  and CMTS  21  along with QoS between CMTS  21  and game console  14 .  
         [0047]    Game console  11  may be a special purpose game terminal or a computer (e.g. personal computer) running gaming or graphic emulation programs. Examples of special purpose game terminal includes, for example Microsoft X-box® gaming system and Sony PlayStation2® gaming system. Suitable computers for use as game console  11  include “IBM compatible” personal computers, Apple Macintosh® computers, and the like.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 3 a , FIG. 3 b , FIG. 3 c  and FIG. 3 d  illustrate how a gaming network is modified to incorporate the features of the present invention. Gaming agent  45  is added to the traditional gaming network of FIG. 2 to obtain the desirable features of dynamic QoS-game provisioning and QoS activity tracking. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 a  illustrates the general case where gaming agent  45  is remotely attached to the gaming network. FIG. 3 b  illustrates having the gaming network residing on a single carrier&#39;s cable network. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 c  gaming agent  45  has been integrated into gaming web server  47 . FIG. 3 d  illustrates gaming agent  45  in headend  31  and connected to the gaming network via headend network  29 . In all embodiments it is preferable that gaming agent  45  have secure, trusted communication with gaming web server  47 . Secure communication techniques are known in the art and include public and private key encryption schemes as well as restricted access and physical isolation schemes.  
         [0049]    Quality-of-service (QoS) for computer networks commonly refers to guaranteed bandwidth; packet loss rate, delay jitter and packet transfer delay. In order to provide guarantee of a certain QoS, a network needs to make long-term assumptions on the statistical characteristics of its traffic. But network traffic comprises various connections with their own respective characteristics. Additionally, assumptions made by a network regarding a specific connection must be valid for its entire duration. Traffic profiles of interactive multimedia connections are generally unknown when it is setup. Therefore, long-term statistical representations are in general unsuitable for such interactive multimedia connections. Specifically, parameters used in long-term statistical representations do not represent the specific QoS requirements of multimedia applications. It is generally accepted that distributed multimedia applications require a network service that can match the dynamic and heterogeneous bandwidth requirements that are typical of such applications.  
         [0050]    Gaming networks have many of the same QoS considerations as interactive multimedia. However such considerations are further complicated by the diversity in the types of online game offerings. Further, QoS for gaming networks is best analyzed from a user&#39;s perception. Users associate high QoS for gaming (QoS-game) with game playability. Playability criteria are also functions of the type of online game. As a result, in certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the gaming agent (illustrated as  45  in FIG. 3 a , FIG. 3 b , FIG. 3 c  and FIG. 3 d ) incorporates a database of desired enhanced QoS criteria that are related to a specific game. Alternatively, QoS criteria can be related to a class of online game. Although a database is a convenient means to relate QoS parameters to a specific game or class of game, other means of identifying enhanced QoS criteria to a game are possible. Such means include look-up tables, firmware encoding, and the like.  
         [0051]    Enhanced network QoS is associated with higher costs to network carriers. To offset this cost, carriers desire means to both restrict access to users who wish to “opt in” to the enhanced QoS as well as track and charge fees for use of enhanced gaming. For this reason gaming agent  45  may incorporate a tracking means to charge subscribers for enhanced QoS-game. Charges can be based upon either successful enhanced QoS-game initiation, duration of active enhanced QoS-game, duration of enhanced QoS-game reserved or any combination thereof. Network carriers may also opt to not charge premium network subscribers for using enhanced QoS-game. In this situation gaming agent  45  can either restrict enhanced QoS-game to identified premium subscribers, or in the alternative apply a zero amount charge to identified premium subscribers.  
         [0052]    Users who are allowed to utilize enhanced QoS-game are preferably first authenticated. Authentication may occur on a user or game console basis. One form of user authentication requires the user to transmit a user identification and password to the authenticating device. In the case of the present invention, user authentication can occur at the gaming web server, at the gaming agent or at both devices.  
         [0053]    Console authentication requires that the game console transmit a user identification and/or password. Once again, either the gaming web server or the gaming agent may perform the authenticating function. Console identification may be embedded in firmware, disguised in software keys, or entered by the console user. Transmission may be initiated by console user or transmitted automatically, for example upon booting of the console, or upon requesting online gaming.  
         [0054]    Authentication may also occur on a cable modem basis. Such authentication has the advantage of being controlled by the cable services carrier. However, cable modem authentication may inadvertently authorize multiple users connected to a cable modem router.  
         [0055]    Various configurations for gaming networks are possible. Gaming web servers and gaming agents may be physically connected to the same network segment as the game console. Similarly the gaming web server, gaming agent and game console may be connected to a single cable network, CMTS, or same headend router.  
         [0056]    In FIG. 3 a  and FIG. 3 c  gaming web server  47  is separated from the game console by an Internet connection  50  and cable network  20 . It is apparent that for these gaming networks the playability quality-of-service (QoS-game) is dependent upon quality-of-service provided in two different network segments: Segment 1—Internet network  50  connection between headend  31  and gaming web server  51 ; and Segment 2—network connection  22 ,  20  between headend  31  and game console  11 .  
         [0057]    The second segment is eliminated in FIG. 3 b  where all of the gaming network components are connected to a single carrier&#39;s network. FIG. 3 b  illustrates the use of a single cable network carrier. However, this is not to be considered limiting, as the techniques are equally suitable to other networks, for example XDSL or local area networks.  
         [0058]    In terms of Internet QoS, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has defined two models: Integrated Services (IntServ) and Differentiated Services (DiffServ). IntServ follows the signaled-QoS model, where the end-hosts signal their QoS need to the network, while DiffServ works on a provisioned-QoS model with network elements set up to service multiple classes of traffic of varying QoS requirements. Both IntServ and DiffServ can be driven off a policy base, using the Common Open Policy Server protocol. (CoPS).  
         [0059]    The IntServ model relies on Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) to signal and reserve the desired QoS for each flow in the network. An lntServ flow is defined as an individual, unidirectional data stream between two applications. Two types of service can be requested via RSVP (assuming adequate network devices). The first type is a very strict guaranteed service that provides for firm bounds on end-to-end delay and assured bandwidth for traffic that conforms to the reserved specifications. The second type is a controlled load service that provides for a better than best-effort and low delay service under light to moderate network loads. Thus, it is possible (at least theoretically) to provide the requisite QoS for every flow in the network, provided it is signaled using RSVP, and the resources are available.  
         [0060]    DiffServ uses a relatively simple and coarse method of categorizing network traffic into different classes, and applying QoS parameters to those classes. To accomplish this, packets are first divided into classes by marking the type of service (ToS) byte in the IP header. Once packets are classified at the edge of the network, specific forwarding treatments, formally called Per-Hop Behavior (PHB), are applied on each network element, providing the packet the appropriate delay-bound, jitter-bound, bandwidth, etc. This combination of packet marking and well-defined PHBs results in a scalable QoS solution for any given packet.  
         [0061]    For enhanced QoS in a gaming network, appropriate support for QoS requests to IntServ or DiffServ must be provided. In the present invention, the gaming agent provides this support. When requesting enhanced QoS-game, the gaming agent requests the appropriate QoS service (IntServ, DiffServ or other service protocol).  
         [0062]    Gaming network connectivity from the network carrier to a game console may take various forms including those of lntServ and DiffServ, discussed above. This connectivity may also take place over a cable network, as exemplified in FIG. 3 a , FIG. 3 b  and FIG. 3 c . Cable networks are preferably DOCSIS compliant and more preferably DOCSIS version 1.1 or higher compliant.  
         [0063]    In DOCSIS version 1.1 and 2.0 compliant cable networks downstream and upstream network traffic flows are separately considered. For example, DOCSIS version 1.1 has for the basic unit of QoS the service flow, which is a unidirectional sequence of packets transported across between the cable modem and CMTS. A service flow is characterized by a set of QoS parameters such as latency, jitter, and throughput assurances.  
         [0064]    Every cable modem establishes a primary service flow in both the upstream and downstream directions. The primary flows maintain connectivity between the cable modem and CMTS at all times. In addition, a DOCSIS version 1.1 cable modem can establish multiple secondary service flows. The secondary service flows either can be permanently created (they persist until the cable modem is reset or powered off) or can be created dynamically to meet the needs of the on-demand traffic being transmitted.  
         [0065]    Each service flow has a set of QoS attributes associated with it. These QoS attributes define a particular class of service and determine characteristics such as the maximum bandwidth for the service flow and the priority of its traffic. The class of service attributes can be inherited from a preconfigured CMTS local service class (class-based flows), or they can be individually specified at the time of the creation of the service flow. The QoS attributes of a service flow can be specified in two ways: either explicitly by defining all attributes, or implicitly by specifying a service class name. A service class name is a string that the CMTS associates with a QoS parameter set.  
         [0066]    Any service flow can have its QoS parameter set specified in any of three ways:  
         [0067]    1. Explicitly including all traffic parameters;  
         [0068]    2. Indirectly referring to a set of traffic parameters by specifying a service class name; or  
         [0069]    3. Specifying a service class name along with modifying parameters.  
         [0070]    When using service-class-based provisioning, the service classes must be configured at the CMTS before cable modems attempt to make a connection.  
         [0071]    An example of quality-of-service attributes for a DOCSIS version 1.1 compliant network can be found in documentation for Cisco Systems uBR7200 Series Universal Broadband Routers and is reproduced below in Table 1.  
                         TABLE 1                       DOCSIS version 1.1 Compliant Cable Modem - Service       Class Parameters                                activity-timeout   Specifies the quality of service parameter set activity           timeout (0-65535).       admission-   Specifies the admitted quality of service parameter set       timeout   timeout (0-65535).       grant-interval   Specifies the grant interval (0-4294967295 micro-           seconds).       grant-jitter   Specifies the grant jitter (0-4294967295 micro-seconds).       grant-size   Specifies the grant size (0-65535 bytes).       grants-per-   Specifies the grants per interval (0-127 grants).       interval       max-burst   Specifies the maximum transmission burst           (1522-4294967295 bytes).       max-concat-   Specifies the maximum concatenation burst       burst   (0-65535 bytes).       max-latency   Specifies the maximum latency allowed (0-4294967295           micro-seconds).       max-rate   Specifies the maximum rate (0-4294967295 bps).       min-packet-   Specifies the minimum packet size for reserved rate       size   (0-65535 bytes).       min-rate   Specifies the minimum rate (0-4294967295 bps).       name   Specifies the service-class name string.       poll-interval   Specifies the poll interval (0-4294967295 microseconds).       poll-jitter   Specifies the poll jitter (0-4294967295 microseconds).       priority   Specifies the priority (0-7, where 7 is the highest           priority).       req-trans-   Specifies the request transmission policy bit field (0x0-       policy   0xFFFFFFF in hexadecimal).       sched-type   Specifies the service class schedule type:           2-Best-Effort Schedule Type           3-Non Real-Time Polling Service Schedule Type (not           supported in Cisco IOS Release 12.1 CX)           4-Real-Time Polling Service Schedule Type           5-Unsolicited Grant Service with Activity Detection           Schedule Type           6-Unsolicited Grant Service Schedule Type       tos-overwrite   Overwrites the type-of-service (ToS) byte by setting the           mask bits to specific value (0x1-0xFF in hexadecimal).                  
 
         [0072]    Integral to the gaming networks of the present invention is the gaming agent.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 3 a , FIG. 3 b , FIG. 3 c  and FIG. 3 d  illustrate various preferred embodiments of the present invention. During a game session, downstream data packets originate in gaming web server  47 , are transmitted and routed to cable management termination system (CMTS)  21  in headend  31 . From CMTS  21 , the downstream packets are routed over cable  22  to cable modem (CM)  14  via the cable network. Cable modem (CM)  14  is connected to game console  11  (or other device performing as a game console, for example a personal computer). In similar fashion upstream data packets originate in game console  11  and are routed to gaming web server  47  via cable network  20  and other intervening networks (for example, in FIG. 3 a  over Internet  50 ). Gaming agent  45  is connected to the game network and provides desired game functions not available in other networks.  
         [0074]    In FIG. 3 a  gaming agent  45  is remotely attached to the gaming network. In contrast FIG. 3 c  illustrates gaming agent  45  as being integrated into gaming web server  47 . FIG. 3 b  illustrates gaming agent  45  attached to a single cable network carrier&#39;s network. In FIG. 3 b , gaming agent  45  may also be integrated into gaming web server  47 . Such a modification is included in the scope of the present invention.  
         [0075]    Gaming agent  45  and gaming web server  47  may also be located in headend  31 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 d.    
         [0076]    In all embodiments it is preferable that gaming agent  45  has secure, trusted communication with gaming web server  47 . Secure communication techniques are known in the art and include techniques such as public and private key encryption schemes as well as restricted access and physical isolation schemes. With the embodiments such as illustrated in FIG. 3 c , secure communication between gaming agent  45  and gaming web server  47  is inherent. In situations where the inherent security suffices, encryption may be eliminated.  
         [0077]    Gaming agent  45  provides four major functions: 1) authorizing use of enhanced QoS-game; 2) polling game network service availability; 3) requesting enhanced network QoS, tailored for the specific game selected; and optionally 4) tracking durations for use of enhanced QoS-game. Tracking durations is needed in order to charge game users for the amount of time using enhanced QoS-game. When the network carrier does not separately charge for enhanced QoS-game time, this function can be omitted.  
         [0078]    Another optional function of the gaming agent is a scheduler. With a scheduler function, a game user is allowed to enter reservation times for enhanced QoS-game. The gaming agent billing routines can then be tailored to charge different fees for reserved-and-activated enhanced QoS-game as well as reserved-but-not-activated enhanced QoS-game.  
         [0079]    Means of fulfilling the gaming agent functions are known in the art and must be customized to a particular gaming network. The gaming agent implementation may utilize common computer and software components, including, but not limited to, computer servers with UNIX operating system software.  
         [0080]    A special situation may arise when the gaming network is to be integrated into a voice over Internet (VoIP) network. A network carrier may provide a voice gateway or other means for making requests for enhanced voice quality-of-service. In this situation, the VoIP gateway and gaming agent are required to coordinate requests for enhanced QoS. One solution is to integrate the gaming agent and VoIP gateway into a single hardware and software system. An integrated VoIP/gaming agent would respond, coordinate and prioritize QoS requests for both enhanced gaming and VoIP. It is envisioned that the VoIP/gaming agent would have database entries to support VoIP as well as VoIP combined with enhanced QoS-game. Such an integrated VoIP/gaming agent would then separately perform call signalling functions (e.g. notification of receiving a call).  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a typical process for obtaining enhanced QoS-game that illustrates one example of how gaming agent  45  interacts with other components of the gaming network.  
         [0082]    The process begins at process start  60  and continues to process end  73 . It is to be understood that FIG. 4 is exemplary and it is expected that modification to the flow chart is normally required to accommodate various network configurations and network carrier business policies.  
         [0083]    An online game participant transmits game session initiation  61 . A game participant views game web page  62 , authenticates himself, provides information on game to be played, and billing information. Information entered  62  is then transmitted to the gaming agent  63 . It is important that transmittal of game participant information to the gaming agent take place over a secure connection in order to prevent fraud, prevent theft of services and prevent theft of participant identity. Means of secure transmission are known in the art and include encryption techniques as well as methods of limiting the transmitted information to non-sensitive information (e.g. partial customer account number and password).  
         [0084]    Upon receipt of valid authorizing information about the game participant  63 , the gaming agent requests reservation of the necessary Quality-of-Service from the appropriate cable management termination system (CMTS)  64 . CMTSs are used in data-over-cable networks, for example DOCSIS version 1.1 compliant networks. When the gaming network contains non-DOCSIS segments, the gaming agent makes the appropriate request to reserve QoS in other network segments. In general separate requests are required for downstream DOCSIS quality-of-service vs. downstream non-DOCSIS quality-of-service.  
         [0085]    As this illustrates, the gaming agent is needed for efficient and user transparent requests for quality-of-service. Multiple QoS requests, often with multiple QoS parameters are made automatically by the gaming agent and include: downstream DOCSIS QoS request; upstream DOCSIS QoS request; downstream Internet QoS request; and upstream Internet QoS request. Each request may comprise numerous parameters, as for example illustrated in Table 1.  
         [0086]    The gaming agent may use default enhanced QoS gaming parameters or optionally comprise a database containing QoS parameters related to selected game identification words. When present, this database feature can be used to “tune” QoS requests so that gaming network resources can be most efficiently allocated.  
         [0087]    Upon receipt of a QoS request, the CMTS polls the cable network and attempts to reserve sufficient QoS  64 . Similarly, other network segment QoS controllers receiving gaming agent requests attempt to reserve sufficient QoS. The other network segment controllers may include IntServ as well as DiffServ protocol controllers. The CMTS along with other network segment QoS controllers, if any, then report back to the gaming agent whether or not sufficient QoS was reserved.  
         [0088]    Based upon those responses received  65  the gaming agent will decide to either request the enhanced QoS  66  or transmit a query for instructions to the game participant  70 . The transmitted query allows the game participant to either play the game over best-effort QoS  71 - 72  or, in the alternative, to abandon the game and end the game session  73 .  
         [0089]    Provided results from the requests to reserve QoS were positive  65 , the CMTS and other network segment QoS controllers, if any commit the reserved QoS resources to the gaming session  66 . This results in the CMTS (and other network segment QoS controllers, if any) allocating QoS for the game participant&#39;s cable modem where the traffic being transmitted and received by that cable modem meet the characteristics of the packets associated with the chosen game  67 .  
         [0090]    The QoS-game characteristics may be based upon protocol type, port number, packet size, etc. As indicated above, the gaming agent may comprise a database of quality-of-service parameters related to game identifiers. If network QoS availability is only slightly limited, then the use of a parameter database may be unnecessary. For example, in the gaming network of FIG. 3 c , sufficient bandwidth and other QoS parameters may be available for  99 % or more of the time. Enhanced QoS-game in this situation may be simplified to a set of high QoS settings compatible with all online games, eliminating the need for a QoS-game database.  
         [0091]    Game participant then starts game  68 . Network data packets for the game application are routed with enhanced QoS-game. Non-game packets receive best-effort or other QoS service (for example QoS for Voice-over-IP traffic).  
         [0092]    The CMTS can end the enhanced QoS-game routing after a defined amount of time, after a defined amount of gaming inactivity, or upon game participant&#39;s request (via the Gaming Web Server)  69 . As the CMTS ends the enhanced gaming session, a notification is transmitted to the gaming agent. This notification triggers an end-of-session tracking event (e.g. for charging fees to subscribers) in the gaming agent. The gaming agent, in turn, triggers the transmittal of requests to stop enhanced QoS in other non-cable network segments, thereby ending charges to the user for the enhanced QoS.  
         [0093]    If the gaming agent comprises a scheduler, the gaming agent may also initiate a shutdown of the enhanced QoS-game session at the end of the reserved game period by requesting best-effort class QoS. In addition, the gaming agent can alert game participants of impending loss of enhanced QoS by transmitting a cautionary message prior to releasing best-effort class QoS requests.  
         [0094]    The gaming agent may also enforce business policies of network carriers and gaming web service providers. For example, the gaming agent may allow short trial periods of enhanced QoS-game to entice potential online game participants to agree to higher subscription fees. Another envisioned business policy the gaming agent may enforce is terminating enhanced QoS-game service when unpaid charges accumulated for a game participant exceed credit limits.  
         [0095]    As a result of the CMTS and gaming agent an enhanced QoS-game session ends after a defined amount of time, after a defined amount of gaming inactivity, upon game participant&#39;s request (via the Gaming Web Server) or upon requests originating in the gaming agent  73 .  
         [0096]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, various types of general purpose or specialized computer apparatus may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein. Additionally, the claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention. The scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims: