The big problem is the current incentive to cripple network connections. Why should it cost more to connect at 100MB/sec vs. 56KB/sec? If the same amount of packets are transfered? Why should I pay more beyond the one-time cost of buying interface electronics? Many real-time problems with packet switching (out of order arrival of packets, need to re-order packets) essentially go away when speed increases, i.e. things move out of perceptible ranges into in-perceptible time variations. Settlement based on whoever takes more traffic would be nice. It gives a very direct incentive to build better networks. Lets say MAE's and NAP's are run in a cost-recovery mode and my only monthly cost as a network is the cost of my circuits, i.e. having a connection to the MAE/NAP. As soon as my network takes more traffic than my circuit costs I'm making money. Money that can be used directly to build a better network which will take even more traffic, i.e. generate more money. In a sense, this would provide best case capitalism with routers deciding from whom to buy. All energy would go into building better networks... neither advertising, nor salespeople are necessary in this scenario! Dirk On Sun, 26 Jan 1997, Vadim Antonov wrote:
Pushpendra Mohta wrote a good essay on economics of content distribution.
Now, i have a silly question -- should we bother with any elaborate pricing? I don't think the current Internet economy is broken.
--vadim