Research on ICN Caching and Pricing Strategies under the Package Billing Model

Abstract

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) is a commercially viable network architecture that enables content and location separation through in-network caching, reducing dupli-cate traffic and improving network resource utilisation. As with other networks, a reasonable pricing mechanism can facilitate the deployment of ICNs by encouraging operators to participate in the deployment of ICNs. A large number of studies on ICN pricing mechanisms have been conducted in which users pay for traffic on a per-unit basis, as opposed to the real-life method of paying for traffic on packages set by operators. In this paper, based on studying the interaction between users and ISPs and CPs and establishing the utility functions of each role, we analyse the caching and pricing strategies of each entity under NASH equilibrium and compare and analyse which charging model is more able to meet the needs of network entities in the ICN environment. It is found that the package billing model is more in line with the needs of operators and users in I CN s, and can achieve the objective of incentivising ICN development. This paper also contributes to the development of the best pricing strategy for ICN networks.