A framework for flow-based accounting on the Internet

H.-W. Braun
Applied Network Research
San Diego Supercomputer Center,
University of California, San Diego

K. Claffy, and G. Polyzos
Computer Systems Laboratory
University of California, San Diego

We describe steps toward an accounting mechanism to attribute Internet resource consumption based on service quality. Our objective is not to describe a complete accounting and billing system. Rather we advocate taking advantage of existing Internet instrumentation to implement incremental improvements in the short to medium term. Experience from these improvements can enable us to make more eduacted progress towards a comprehensive Internet accounting system.