Importance

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Abstract

An end user/station can dynamically control the service levels to/from a second user/station (i.e., locally or remotely controlling service levels). The service levels being provided over packet based networks (which may include Internet Protocol (IP) networks). Dynamic control may be provided for either or both of the service level (e.g., priority of transmission, class or type of service, bandwidth, etc.) and allocation of the costs associated with the service levels provided to users of the embodiments. In some embodiments, users, subscribing to a level of service (e.g., a set bandwidth and/or type of service) can request and obtain a different (e.g., better or worse) level of service (e.g., higher bandwidth access, higher priority of transmissions, etc.) for each call or session between the user and a called station over the packet network. Moreover, the level of service provided for the upstream direction (i.e., transmissions from the user) can be different from the level of service provided for the downstream direction (i.e., transmissions to the user). Further, the settlement procedures for the costs of these services can be allocated to the user, to the station called by the user, or a third station.

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First Claim