Network Tolling Mechanism for Dynamic IaaS Invoicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing environments that offer Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), accurately charging users for resource utilization is challenging, especially when multiple users share the same resources, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms for tracking and invoicing based on actual usage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines toll values for each connection and component in a network, using these values to adjust routing tolls and store them in a frame for accurate invoicing, allowing for dynamic pricing based on factors like usage, time, and congestion, while enabling users to set routing policies that balance cost and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If charging is based on utilization in IaaS environments, then billing accuracy is improved, but tracking and invoicing becomes difficult when many users share the same resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network resources into individual billable units by assigning unique identifiers to each virtual machine, network interface, and communication path. This segmentation enables precise tracking of resource utilization by each user, transforming the complex shared resource environment into discrete, measurable units that can be individually billed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary billing system that sits between the network infrastructure and users. This intermediary automatically monitors resource usage, calculates tolls based on predefined pricing policies, and generates invoices without requiring direct user intervention or complex user-side tracking mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If toll values are determined for each connection and component, then invoicing precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into discrete billable components (virtual machines, network interfaces, communication paths) and assigns toll values to each segment. This segmentation allows precise invoicing by summing the tolls of individual components while maintaining manageable complexity through modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resource identification from generic shared resources to specific uniquely identified components. By assigning unique identifiers and toll values to each network component, the system achieves precise invoicing while the automated parameter management keeps complexity可控.
3Productivity
If dynamic pricing is implemented based on usage, time, and congestion, then resource management optimization is improved, but calculation and routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic toll values that automatically adjust based on real-time conditions such as network congestion, time of day, and resource utilization. This dynamics enables optimized resource management by incentivizing off-peak usage and load balancing, while the automated adjustment mechanism keeps implementation complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where toll calculations based on current network conditions are fed back into routing decisions. This feedback mechanism automatically optimizes resource allocation by routing traffic through less congested paths during peak times without requiring manual intervention or complex external systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If routing policies balance cost and latency, then user control over resource optimization is improved, but policy configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows users to implement routing policies at different levels of detail - from simple cost-based routing to complex multi-criteria optimization balancing cost and latency. Users can start with partial implementation (cost-only) and gradually add complexity (latency considerations) based on their needs, avoiding unnecessary configuration complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet of data is obtained at one device of a network. A path from the one device to a next device of the network is determined, as well as at least one toll value for the path from the one device to the next device. Based on the at least one toll value for the path from the one device to the next device, a routing toll is adjusted. The routing toll is stored in a frame used in routing the packet of data in the network.