System and method for providing statistics for flexible billing in a cable environment
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a network control computer configured to;
receive a request for service at an identified bit rate from an identified network access device, the request for service comprising at least a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate over an upstream channel shared by at least one other network access device;
allocate a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate for an authorized level of service for the identified network access device;
compare the authorized level of service with the identified bit rate; and
compute a route for a communication from the identified network access device if the authorized level of service exceeds or is equivalent to the identified bit rate.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for providing flexible billing in a cable environment can establish billing practices based on tier level of service, quality of service or the amount of network resources consumed. A plurality of tiers or levels of service can be defined by parameters including at least a maximum or peak bit rate or bandwidth for providing services over a shared channel. A plurality of levels or tiers of services are defined by maximum bandwidth or bit rate and a subscriber receives service at that subscribe-to level or at a slower data rate depending on availability of shared bandwidth. Quality of service is maintaining the specified bandwidth, jitter or delay. The amount of network resources consumed may be expressed in terms of the amount of data transmitted or the connect time of a network access device to the network.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
a network control computer configured to; receive a request for service at an identified bit rate from an identified network access device, the request for service comprising at least a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate over an upstream channel shared by at least one other network access device; allocate a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate for an authorized level of service for the identified network access device; compare the authorized level of service with the identified bit rate; and compute a route for a communication from the identified network access device if the authorized level of service exceeds or is equivalent to the identified bit rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method comprising:
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providing a network access device with an authorized level of service including at least a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate over a shared upstream channel, the upstream channel shared with at least one other network access device; and denying service to the network access device if a requested bandwidth or bit rate by the network access device exceeds a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate of the authorized level of service. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system comprising:
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a network control computer for detecting parametric data related to an originated communication from a network access device; and a link access controller for policing a connection of the network access device to assure an authorized level of service for the network access device, the authorized level of service comprising at least a maximum bandwidth or data bit rate over a shared upstream channel. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification