Importance

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Abstract

A technique for regulation of packet switched network traffic through usage-sensitive pricing is disclosed. The network is partitioned into logical channels and a user incurs a cost for use of each of the logical channels. The logical channels differ primarily with respect to the cost to the user. Each user will select a channel that provides the subjectively optimal balance of cost and perceived quality of service, with the lowest cost channels presumably carrying the most traffic (and hence being more congested) and the highest cost channel accordingly carrying the least traffic (and hence being the least congested). Network traffic will accordingly be distributed between channels and each user will incur predictable charges without being precluded from seeking a higher quality of service when desired.

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First Claim