The principles on which the Internet was designed and has evolved were first laid out in an explicit way 20 years age. The basic principle is that in layered communications network such as the Internet, functions should always be implemented at the end systems whenever the option exists. This applies to all functions that can be implemented either in the network or at the end systems. End-to-end arguments have recently been reexamined as the Internet and its uses have evolved, and a new set of requirements has begun to emerge. In addition to these, it add a new, and perhaps more important, requirement to this list in the case of heterogeneous networks: the proliferation of unpredictable wireless networks. Wireless networks must cope with dynamic link conditions not present in wired infrastructures, which place a heavy burden on quality of service management solutions. Managing QoS in the face of constantly changing operating conditions demands dynamic management approaches that span multiple layers in the protocol stack. Such as cross-layer design approaches have recently received attention in the context of cellular and mobile special networks. This article introduce the notion of network predictability and describe its relationship to achievable QoS. This relationship is used to propose a framework for cross layer design that can be used to guide development efforts and direct investment decisions for future networks.