Patent ID: 6671285
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: H04L,H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
A network for carrying variable bandwidth calls between entities and comprising a network resource which generates charges, said resource comprising means arranged to determine dynamically the charging rate for its use dependent on at least one of call bandwidth, total resource utilisation and congestion, and to transmit the charging rate representing at least one of an actual charging rate, a proposed charging rate and a change in the charging rate through the network to the entity liable to the resource for the charges, wherein said entity is able to change the bandwidth of a call in response to the transmitted charging rate and to predetermined connection and charging rate criteria and wherein said network includes at least one resource in the form of a domain containing at least one of a transmission element and a switching element, and for which total domain utilisation of said element is related to at least one of bandwidth and bit rate.