Paying for high speed network services

Abstract

The real-time services offered by modern high speed networks are complex enough to prompt a new look at how these services should be paid for. In this article, it is motivated that paying for the use of guaranteed services can ensure fairness in the availability of limited data communication resources. The limitations of conventional accounting frameworks for communication services are discussed. A new framework for accounting in high speed networks is proposed and the advantages thereof pointed out. A quotation and the payment are included as part of the basic protocol to establish a channel. This saves the cost of recording usage information for every user, sending out invoices and collecting payments. It furthermore makes it possible for users to use and pay for services provided by distant service providers with whom they do not have an account. It is proposed that users pay a flat rate connection fee for unguaranteed services, but pay more if the services are guaranteed. Finally, the importance of a service reservation protocol, and of the guarantees offered by these protocols are pointed out.