Abstract

This paper investigates the design of resource usag e feedback mechanisms for packet switched internetworks. After a discussion of the motivations for feedback mechanisms, feedback channels and policies are described. We then outline issues raised by the design of mechanisms to realize these policies, including: network service disciplines, accounting granularity, metrics, authentication, and coordination among transit carriers. Usage-based charging is only one means of feedback. Our purpose is to begin a systematic discussion of th e technical issues associated with a range of usage feed-back alternatives. Therefore the paper should not b e read as a policy statement promoting usage sensitiv e charging in internets. In fact, one of the goals of th e feedback mechanisms explored in this paper is to allo w network service providers and users to avoid the introduction of usage sensitive charges if they so wish; while still realizing the benefits of statistical resource sharin g offered by packet switching and the benefits of efficien t resource utilization offered by usage feedback.

Citations