Charging schemes for reservation-based networks

The definition of an adequate charging scheme for reservation-based multi-service networks and internetworks is one of the key factors destined to influence the wide use and deployment of these networks in the next decades. This paper presents some of the authors' ideas on this subject and is intended to be a framework on which future works in this area can be based. It comprises an approach to the design of a charging scheme and a first proposal for a charging formula. The approach is based on the fundamental belief that, in the context of reservation-based networks, there should be a direct relationship between user fees and network resources utilisation. The scheme can be applied both to multi-service networks like ATM ones and to such internetworks as the Integrated Services Internet. Charging Schemes for Reservation-based Networks