Toll-free IP (TIP): architecture and implementation

The paper describes the architecture of toll-free IP (TIP) and the use of the diameter base protocol defined by IETF to implement the key protocol interfaces in the architecture. TIP is a new approach to providing no-charge-to-user ("toll-free") access over IP-based access networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11 and 802.16 wireless local area networks). Usage of IP access networks to communicate with a toll-free IP destination (identified by, for example, a toll-free IP address, Internet Domain Name, or Universal Resource Locator) is paid by the toll-free destination\´s owner. TIP allows one to use an IP access network without a service subscription, and without the need to authenticate with the access network or service provider (hence, no need for terminal software or hardware for authentication with access networks). It allows one to provide services over IP-based access networks without any business arrangement with the network operators or aggregators. TIP can be easily incorporated into, and hence coexist with, existing network access control frameworks.