Charging model based on QOS level for media streaming over P2P networks

Peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a high level logical network architecture build over end-user nodes interconnected by a physical network infrastructure. The main interest of their distributed structure is to avoid any centralized point. The characteristics of P2P networks make them a better choice for multimedia content sharing/streaming over IP networks. This kind of applications demands a QoS (quality of service) level. However, different customers are believed to have different QoS perception levels for the same application. Some customers may content to pay less in exchange for a lower QoS. On the other hand, in order to provide users the required QoS level, an incentive mechanism to motivate peers to contribute is required. In this paper we focus the problem of charging for real-time media streaming of IP packet over P2P networks. We consider a model of multiple senders to a single receiver. We define an incentive mechanism that allows peers generating revenues for their contributions. The incentive mechanism is based on competitive market model. Therefore, a charging model based on the QoS level is defined. Finally, the proposed model defines a sender peers selection mechanism based on the competitive market model and the user´s QoS satisfaction level.