Path-coupled Signaling for Dynamic Metering Configuration in IP-based Networks

Metering for accounting, charging, and QoS measurements is an important functionality of modern IP-based networks. Many approaches have been published and some of the outcomes have been already deployed. So far, the configuration of the metering entities is based on centralized management systems. These systems usually have no knowledge about the ongoing routing decisions, and as a consequence do not allow to choose the metering entities based on algorithms that depend on the currently chosen data path. However, some scenarios require a path-dependent metering configuration functionality, e.g. for load-balancing between multiple meters. In this paper we present a pathcoupled metering configuration that allows for sophisticated configuration options. Based on three different application scenarios, we discuss the requirements on a configuration signaling method, and present a path-coupled signaling approach which meets the identified requirements. Subsequently, we use the same application scenarios successfully assessing the approach.