Controlling applications by managing network characteristics

Edge network operators have limited tools to control activities on their networks. This paper examines network dissuasion, a new approach to edge network control, based on controlling the fundamental parameters of the network, such as loss rate, delay, and jitter, with the intention of making particular uses of a network intolerable, while providing acceptable services for approved network uses. We investigate using this technique to prevent use of Voice Over IP (VoIP), while allowing other services. We designed network controls to achieve this goal and performed experiments using both measurements and subjective testing with human beings. We report on the degree of success and discuss the general promise of network dissuasion.