Resource usage measurement technique for pricing in a communications network

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring the usage of a communications network, based on a two level sampling and measuring technique. A sampling interval, T, represents the intervals at which the network resource is observed. In addition, during each sampling interval, a measurement window of length, τ, is utilized. Generally, while the values for the sampling interval, T, and the measurement window, τ, are calibrated, actual measurements are only taken for the smaller measurement window, τ, and the actual measurements are extrapolated to estimate the usage over the larger sampling interval, T. The sampling interval, T, and measurement window, τ, values may be periodically recalibrated. An extrapolation process consists of two phases: (i) a 'learning period' (LP) during which both exact and extrapolated measurements are performed, the error is determined, and, if necessary, adjustments are made to the values of the sampling interval, T, and the measurement window, τ; and (ii) a 'measurement and extrapolation period' (MEP) during which only measurements during the sampling interval, T, continue and the sampled measurements are extrapolated without performing the exact measurements. Several learning periods, LPs, may be interleaved during a communication session with larger measurement and extrapolation period, MEP, intervals.