Managing a data communication network comprises detecting a bursty data transfer, inferring, using machine learning, a flow burst and pause profile of the bursty data transfer using measurements of the bursty data transfer, and managing the data communication network according to the flow burst and pause profile. Managing the data communication network may include managing the bursty data transfer, managing other data transfers, or both according to the flow burst and pause profile. By using the flow burst and pause profile, the desired performance for the burst data transfer may be more readily achieved and the resources of the data communication network may be more efficiently used.
H04L 41/0816 - Configuration setting characterised by the conditions triggering a change of settings the condition being an adaptation, e.g. in response to network events
H04L 41/16 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using machine learning or artificial intelligence
H04L 43/062 - Generation of reports related to network traffic
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Mobile computer software platforms and computer operating
software consisting of data transceivers, wireless networks
and gateways for collection and management of data; computer
networking hardware; downloadable computer networking
software. Advisory services relating to telecommunications; providing
information in the field of telecommunications; transfer of
data by telecommunication; transfer of data by
telecommunications. Computer services, namely, operating computer systems and
computer networks featuring broadband transmission and
energy transmission software for public utilities and
others; providing online non-downloadable software for use
in mobile and fixed broadband network enhancement, namely,
network data traffic flow optimization and data congestion
reduction; design, development, consulting, and
implementation of computer software for increasing network
capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks;
design, development, and implementation of computer software
for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and
fixed broadband networks; computer software consulting
regarding software for increasing network capacity for use
with mobile and fixed broadband networks. Licensing of computer software for increasing network
capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Advisory services relating to telecommunications; providing information in the field of telecommunications; transfer of data by telecommunication; transfer of data by telecommunications Mobile computing hardware with embedded operating system software platforms consisting of data transceivers, wireless networks and gateways for collection and management of data; computer networking hardware; downloadable computer networking software Computer services, namely, operating computer systems and computer networks featuring broadband transmission and energy transmission software for public utilities and others; providing online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic flow optimization and data congestion reduction; design, development, consulting, and implementation of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks; design, development, and implementation of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks; computer software consulting regarding software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks Licensing of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Advisory services relating to telecommunications Mobile computing and operating platforms consisting of data transceivers, wireless networks and gateways for collection and management of data Computer services, namely, operating computer systems and computer networks featuring broadband transmission and energy transmission software for public utilities and others
A method includes examining a first data packet transmitted to a first network equipment from a second network equipment. A data flow type of the first data packet is determined. If the data flow type is determined to be the first type of data flow, determining a delivery throughput of the first data packet to the first network equipment over a data flow path. The determined delivery performance of the first data packet is compared to an expected peak data throughput capacity for a data packet transmitted to the first network equipment from the second network equipment. Transmission of data packets to the first network equipment is paced if the comparison of the determined delivery performance and the expected peak data throughput capacity indicates a congestion exists over the data flow path.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Advisory services relating to telecommunications; Providing information in the field of telecommunications; Transfer of data by telecommunication; Transfer of data by telecommunications Mobile computing and operating platforms consisting of data transceivers, wireless networks and gateways for collection and management of data; Computer networking hardware; Downloadable computer networking software Computer services, namely, operating computer systems and computer networks featuring broadband transmission and energy transmission software for public utilities and others
7.
System and method for tracking domain names for the purposes of network management
A method includes intercepting a first data packet being transmitted from a domain name system (DNS) server to a first client device, the first data packet being a DNS response, extracting a first internet protocol (IP) address and a first hostname from the first data packet, and storing the first IP address and the first hostname in a first entry of an identification table.
H04L 47/2441 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS relying on flow classification, e.g. using integrated services [IntServ]
H04L 45/7453 - Address table lookupAddress filtering using hashing
H04L 47/80 - Actions related to the user profile or the type of traffic
H04L 61/4511 - Network directoriesName-to-address mapping using standardised directoriesNetwork directoriesName-to-address mapping using standardised directory access protocols using domain name system [DNS]
8.
Greedy user equipment data transport network selection
A wireless device determines whether a data session is performance sensitive, and in response to the data session being performance sensitive, selects a data transport node (DTN) and performs the data session using the selected DTN. Whether a data session is performance sensitive may be determined using information on a process associated with the data session, by monitoring the data session, or both. The DTN may be selected from a list of available DTNs according to which DTN will probably provide the highest performance for the data session, or according to which DTN or DTNs will probably provide adequate performance. Micro speed tests, historical performance information, or other criteria may be used to predict the performance of the available DTNs. When multiple DTNs satisfy the selection criteria, a “good neighbor” policy may be used to select the DTN.
A method is performed by a computing device in a data transport network. The computing device receives congestion-related information corresponding to current conditions of a portion of the network. The computing device determines whether a data transport session has a fair-share protocol. When the data transport session has the fair-share protocol, determining a congestion policy for the data transport session, and applying, using the congestion-related information, the congestion policy to the data transport session.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed
broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic
flow optimization and data congestion reduction; design,
development, consulting, and implementation of computer
software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile
and fixed broadband networks. Licensing of computer software for increasing network
capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed
broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic
flow optimization and data congestion reduction; design,
development, consulting, and implementation of computer
software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile
and fixed broadband networks. Licensing of computer software for increasing network
capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks.
12.
System and method for peak flow detection in a communication network
A method includes determining a delivery performance of a data flow being transmitted from a first network equipment to a second network equipment over a network; determining whether the network is congested based on the determined delivery performance of the data flow being transmitted to the second network equipment; and pacing delivery of the data flow to the second network equipment by reducing a rate at which the data flow is delivered to the second network equipment when the network is determined to be congested.
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
H04B 17/309 - Measuring or estimating channel quality parameters
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Providing online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic flow optimization and data congestion reduction; design, development, and implementation of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks; computer software consulting regarding software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks Licensing of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Providing online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic flow optimization and data congestion reduction; design, development, and implementation of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks; computer software consulting regarding software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks Licensing of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks
15.
Coordinated data sharing in virtualized networking environments
rd Generation Partnership Project interfaces, Long Term Evolution interfaces, and custom interfaces. The MPC may further allow applications to register to publish data, subscribe to data, or both.
A computer-implemented method and a transport manager system operate to reduce network congestion by detecting one or more data flows in a network, determining, using a candidate flow detection threshold, whether a data flow of the one or more data flows is a candidate flow, the candidate flow detection threshold being based on one or more characteristics of the one or more data flows, and in response to determining that the data flow is the candidate flow, managing the data flow. A consumption rate, a duration, a number of bytes communicated, a throughput, or aggregated characteristics of the one or more data flows may be used to determine the candidate flow detection threshold.
H04L 47/28 - Flow controlCongestion control in relation to timing considerations
H04L 47/2441 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS relying on flow classification, e.g. using integrated services [IntServ]
H04L 47/41 - Flow controlCongestion control by acting on aggregated flows or links
H04L 47/2483 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS involving identification of individual flows
H04L 41/5025 - Ensuring fulfilment of SLA by proactively reacting to service quality change, e.g. by reconfiguration after service quality degradation or upgrade
H04L 43/026 - Capturing of monitoring data using flow identification
Crowd-sourced real-time information for portions of a network may be used to monitor and optimize the network. The real-time information may include information on a shared channel, such as a cell of a wireless network, produced by monitoring data sessions in the network and using mapping information that maps IP addresses of the data sessions to cell identifiers. A process for managing network congestion may use the real-time information to create and/or update a congestion profile for a cell, and the congestion profile may be used to select and set parameters of a congestion control algorithm. The real-time information may be used to determine, in real time, a level of monitoring for each of the cells, performance of video streams in each cell, that a cell is experiencing a performance anomaly, or combinations thereof. The crowd-sourced real-time information may be provided at a fine temporal granularity (e.g., every second).
Real-time cell performance information for each of cells in a mobile communication network, referred to herein as network topology information, is produced using IP addresses of data sessions in the cells, measured performance of the data sessions, and IP address to cell identifier mappings. The network topology information may be used to determine, in real time, a level of monitoring for each of the cells. The network topology information may be used to determine, in real time, performance of video streams in each cell. The network topology information may be used to determine, in real time, that a cell is experiencing a performance anomaly. Determinations made using the network topology information may be used to configure, maintain, and optimize the performance of the mobile communication network.
Information regarding current conditions in a RAN or hybrid RAN/WAN are provided at fine geographic and temporal granularities (for example, on a per cell basis every second) using measurements and statistics produced in real time by monitoring a plurality of data sessions carried on the data plane of the network and tagging the measurements from the data sessions with a network location identifier (such as an identifier of a cell) associated with an endpoint of the data session. The information may include a profile for a shared channel (such as a cell) of the network, monitoring statistics for a portion of the network (such as a cell), or both. The information may have application in, for example, automatic network management (such as in congestion control), in automatic network diagnosis, and in network resource management and planning.
A process for managing network congestion uses crowd-sourced real-time information about current conditions in a network. The crowd-sourced real-time information may include information on a shared channel, such as a cell of a wireless network, produced by monitoring data sessions in the network and using mapping information that maps IP addresses of the data sessions to cell identifiers to associate measurements of the data sessions with corresponding cells. The measurements corresponding to a cell may be used to create and/or update a congestion profile for the cell, and the congestion profile may be used to select and set parameters of a congestion control algorithm. The congestion control algorithm may include an Initial Congestion Window Algorithm for controlling a congestion window.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic flow optimization and data congestion reduction
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Online non-downloadable software for use in mobile and fixed broadband network enhancement, namely, network data traffic flow optimization and data congestion reduction
23.
System and method for tracking domain names for the purposes of network management
A method includes intercepting a first data packet being transmitted from a domain name system (DNS) server to a first client device, the first data packet being a DNS response, extracting a first internet protocol (IP) address and a first hostname from the first data packet, and storing the first IP address and the first hostname in a first entry of an identification table.
H04L 47/2441 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS relying on flow classification, e.g. using integrated services [IntServ]
H04L 45/7453 - Address table lookupAddress filtering using hashing
H04L 61/4511 - Network directoriesName-to-address mapping using standardised directoriesNetwork directoriesName-to-address mapping using standardised directory access protocols using domain name system [DNS]
H04L 47/80 - Actions related to the user profile or the type of traffic
A method includes examining a first data packet transmitted to a first network equipment from a second network equipment. A data flow type of the first data packet is determined. If the data flow type is determined to be the first type of data flow, determining a delivery throughput of the first data packet to the first network equipment over a data flow path. The determined delivery performance of the first data packet is compared to an expected peak data throughput capacity for a data packet transmitted to the first network equipment from the second network equipment. Transmission of data packets to the first network equipment is paced if the comparison of the determined delivery performance and the expected peak data throughput capacity indicates a congestion exists over the data flow path.
A wireless device determines whether a data session is performance sensitive, and in response to the data session being performance sensitive, selects a data transport node (DTN) and performs the data session using the selected DTN. Whether a data session is performance sensitive may be determined using information on a process associated with the data session, by monitoring the data session, or both. The DTN may be selected from a list of available DTNs according to which DTN will probably provide the highest performance for the data session, or according to which DTN or DTNs will probably provide adequate performance. Micro speed tests, historical performance information, or other criteria may be used to predict the performance of the available DTNs. When multiple DTNs satisfy the selection criteria, a “good neighbor” policy may be used to select the DTN.
A wireless device determines whether a data session is performance sensitive, and in response to the data session being performance sensitive, selects a data transport node (DTN) and performs the data session using the selected DTN. Whether a data session is performance sensitive may be determined using information on a process associated with the data session, by monitoring the data session, or both. The DTN may be selected from a list of available DTNs according to which DTN will probably provide the highest performance for the data session, or according to which DTN or DTNs will probably provide adequate performance. Micro speed tests, historical performance information, or other criteria may be used to predict the performance of the available DTNs. When multiple DTNs satisfy the selection criteria, a good neighbor policy may be used to select the DTN.
Systems and methods for delivering content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g. a pre-delivery of content) within predetermined delivery windows and/or during suitable pre-delivery conditions are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, select a delivery window that satisfies one or more pre-delivery policy conditions associated with pre-delivery of content to the user device, and cause the content to be delivered to the user device upon commencement of the selected delivery window.
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
H04L 67/61 - Scheduling or organising the servicing of application requests, e.g. requests for application data transmissions using the analysis and optimisation of the required network resources taking into account QoS or priority requirements
H04L 67/06 - Protocols specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
H04L 67/62 - Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests
H04L 67/5681 - Pre-fetching or pre-delivering data based on network characteristics
A method includes identifying one or more elephant flows operated by a plurality of user equipment (UE) terminals located in a first coverage area, comparing the one or more elephant flows to threshold characteristics, determining whether the coverage area is congested, causing handover of the plurality of UE terminals from the first coverage area when the one or more elephant flows exceed the threshold characteristics and the first coverage area is congested.
H04W 36/04 - Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
H04W 36/28 - Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by agreed or negotiated communication parameters involving a plurality of connections, e.g. multi-call or multi-bearer connections
H04W 36/38 - Reselection control by fixed network equipment
29.
System and method for peak flow detection in a communication network
A method includes determining a delivery performance of a data flow being transmitted from a first network equipment to a second network equipment over a network; determining whether the network is congested based on the determined delivery performance of the data flow being transmitted to the second network equipment; and pacing delivery of the data flow to the second network equipment by reducing a rate at which the data flow is delivered to the second network equipment when the network is determined to be congested.
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Design, development and implementation of computer software
for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and
fixed broadband networks; design, development, and
consulting services in the field of computer software;
installation of computer software. Licensing of computer software.
31.
Coordinated data sharing in virtualized networking environments
rd Generation Partnership Project interfaces, Long Term Evolution interfaces, and custom interfaces. The MPC may further allow applications to register to publish data, subscribe to data, or both.
A Metrics Parser Coordinator (MPC) coordinates data sharing between components of a network. A process performed by the MPC may include receiving data from a plurality of input interfaces, parsing the data, filtering the parsed data, storing the filtered data in a metric storage, mapping the filtered data according to the input interfaces, and providing the filtered data stored in the metric storage to the first registered application. Each interface may be defined differently from each other interface, and the filtered data including information requested by a first registered application. The interfaces may include 3rd Generation Partnership Project interfaces, Long Term Evolution interfaces, and custom interfaces. The MPC may further allow applications to register to publish data, subscribe to data, or both.
A computer-implemented method and a transport manager system operate to reduce network congestion by detecting one or more data flows in a network, determining, using a candidate flow detection threshold, whether a data flow of the one or more data flows is a candidate flow, the candidate flow detection threshold being based on one or more characteristics of the one or more data flows, and in response to determining that the data flow is the candidate flow, managing the data flow. A consumption rate, a duration, a number of bytes communicated, a throughput, or aggregated characteristics of the one or more data flows may be used to determine the candidate flow detection threshold.
H04L 47/28 - Flow controlCongestion control in relation to timing considerations
H04L 47/2441 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS relying on flow classification, e.g. using integrated services [IntServ]
H04L 47/41 - Flow controlCongestion control by acting on aggregated flows or links
H04L 47/2483 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS involving identification of individual flows
H04L 41/5025 - Ensuring fulfilment of SLA by proactively reacting to service quality change, e.g. by reconfiguration after service quality degradation or upgrade
H04L 43/026 - Capturing of monitoring data using flow identification
A computer-implemented method and a transport manager system operate to reduce network congestion by detecting one or more data flows in a network, determining, using a candidate flow detection threshold, whether a data flow of the one or more data flows is a candidate flow, the candidate flow detection threshold being based on one or more characteristics of the one or more data flows, and in response to determining that the data flow is the candidate flow, managing the data flow. A consumption rate, a duration, a number of bytes communicated, a throughput, or aggregated characteristics of the one or more data flows may be used to determine the candidate flow detection threshold.
A method includes examining a first data packet transmitted to a first network equipment from a second network equipment. A data flow type of the first data packet is determined. If the data flow type is determined to be the first type of data flow, determining a delivery throughput of the first data packet to the first network equipment over a data flow path. The determined delivery performance of the first data packet is compared to an expected peak data throughput capacity for a data packet transmitted to the first network equipment from the second network equipment. Transmission of data packets to the first network equipment is paced if the comparison of the determined delivery performance and the expected peak data throughput capacity indicates a congestion exists over the data flow path.
Systems and methods for delivering fractions of content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g., a pre-delivery of content) are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, determine a fraction (e.g., size) of the content available for pre-delivery that satisfies one or more predicted content playback conditions, and causes the determined fraction of the content available for pre-delivery to be delivered to the user device.
A method is performed by a computing device in a data transport network. The computing device receives congestion-related information corresponding to current conditions of a portion of the network. The computing device determines whether a data transport session has a fair-share protocol. When the data transport session has the fair-share protocol, determining a congestion policy for the data transport session, and applying, using the congestion-related information, the congestion policy to the data transport session.
A method is performed by a computing device in a data transport network. The computing device receives congestion-related information corresponding to current conditions of a portion of the network. The computing device determines whether a data transport session has a fair-share protocol. When the data transport session has the fair-share protocol, determining a congestion policy for the data transport session, and applying, using the congestion-related information, the congestion policy to the data transport session.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Design, development and implementation of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks; design, development, and consulting services in the field of computer software; installation of computer software licensing of computer software
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Design, development and implementation of computer software for increasing network capacity for use with mobile and fixed broadband networks; design, development, and consulting services in the field of computer software; installation of computer software. Licensing of computer software.
41.
System and method for tracking domain names for the purposes of network management
A method includes intercepting a first data packet being transmitted from a domain name system (DNS) server to a first client device, the first data packet being a DNS response, extracting a first internet protocol (IP) address and a first hostname from the first data packet, and storing the first IP address and the first hostname in a first entry of an identification table.
A method includes intercepting a first data packet being transmitted from a domain name system (DNS) server to a first client device, the first data packet being a DNS response, extracting a first internet protocol (IP) address and a first hostname from the first data packet, and storing the first IP address and the first hostname in a first entry of an identification table.
A method includes identifying one or more elephant flows operated by a plurality of user equipment (UE) terminals located in a first coverage area, comparing the one or more elephant flows to threshold characteristics, determining whether the coverage area is congested, causing handover of the plurality of UE terminals from the first coverage area when the one or more elephant flows exceed the threshold characteristics and the first coverage area is congested.
A method includes identifying one or more elephant flows operated by a plurality of user equipment (UE) terminals located in a first coverage area, comparing the one or more elephant flows to threshold characteristics, determining whether the coverage area is congested, causing handover of the plurality of UE terminals from the first coverage area when the one or more elephant flows exceed the threshold characteristics and the first coverage area is congested.
H04W 36/04 - Reselecting a cell layer in multi-layered cells
H04W 36/22 - Performing reselection for specific purposes for handling the traffic
H04W 36/28 - Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by agreed or negotiated communication parameters involving a plurality of connections, e.g. multi-call or multi-bearer connections
H04W 36/38 - Reselection control by fixed network equipment
A method includes detecting a data flow between a user equipment in a radio access network (RAN) and a content provider, measuring a delivery performance between the user equipment and a transport manager by inspecting a plurality of data packets in the data flow, and inferring control information associated with the data flow using the measured delivery performance. The transport manager is connected between the RAN and the content provider.
A method includes detecting a data flow between a user equipment in a radio access network (RAN) and a content provider, measuring a delivery performance between the user equipment and a transport manager by inspecting a plurality of data packets in the data flow, and inferring control information associated with the data flow using the measured delivery performance. The transport manager is connected between the RAN and the content provider.
Systems and methods for delivering fractions of content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g., a pre-delivery of content) are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, determine a fraction (e.g., size) of the content available for pre-delivery that satisfies one or more predicted content playback conditions, and causes the determined fraction of the content available for pre-delivery to be delivered to the user device.
An adaptive file delivery system and method transmits a data file, such as an audio-video file, over a network or collection of networks in segments, each segment transmitted during a different time period. Each time period has a transmission portion to transmit its associated file segment and a wait portion in which no further interaction with the network occurs regarding the transmitted segment. In some implementations, the duration of the transmission portion of each time period is sufficient to reach a steady-state throughput condition, which allows the traffic load status of the network or networks to be determined from rate measurements of file segment transmissions. A peak flow determination is made to assure that the delivery of file segments does not cause network congestion. The system has spurious peak rejection to avoid the false detection of network congestion.
Systems and methods for managing and pacing data flows are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may select a data flow for management, the data flow being transmitted from a first network equipment to a second network equipment, determine, at a third network equipment, a delivery performance of the data flow being transmitted to the second network equipment, detect network congestion based on the determined delivery performance of the data flow being transmitted to the second network equipment, and pace, at the third network device and based on the detected network congestion, delivery of the data flow to the second network equipment by reducing a rate at which the data flow is delivered to the second network equipment.
Systems and methods for managing and pacing data flows are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may select a data flow for management, the data flow being transmitted from a first network equipment to a second network equipment, determine, at a third network equipment, a delivery performance of the data flow being transmitted to the second network equipment, detect network congestion based on the determined delivery performance of the data flow being transmitted to the second network equipment, and pace, at the third network device and based on the detected network congestion, delivery of the data flow to the second network equipment by reducing a rate at which the data flow is delivered to the second network equipment.
Systems and methods for downloading data by conditionally using idle network capacity are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods downloads into a buffer a first portion of media content in accordance with a first content streaming mode that permits downloading of media content data even when there is no idle network capacity, and upon determining that the buffer has been filled to a threshold level, downloads into the buffer a second portion of the media content in accordance with a second content streaming mode that permits downloading of media content data, e.g., only when there is idle network capacity.
Systems and methods for downloading data by conditionally using idle network capacity are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods downloads into a buffer a first portion of media content in accordance with a first content streaming mode that permits downloading of media content data even when there is no idle network capacity, and upon determining that the buffer has been filled to a threshold level, downloads into the buffer a second portion of the media content in accordance with a second content streaming mode that permits downloading of media content data, e.g., only when there is idle network capacity.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04N 21/238 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidthProcessing of multiplex streams
53.
CONTROLLING THE PRE-DELIVERY OF CONTENT TO A MOBILE DEVICE
Systems and methods for controlling pre-delivery of content to user devices, such as mobile devices, from remote content servers (e.g., content delivery nodes over a network) are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that a content item at a remote content server is available for pre-delivery to a mobile device over a mobile network, determine the mobile device is associated with sufficient content delivery credit to pre-deliver at least a fraction of the content item to the mobile device, and cause the at least fraction of the content item to be pre-delivered to the mobile device based on the determination.
Systems and methods for controlling pre-delivery of content to user devices, such as mobile devices, from remote content servers (e.g., content delivery nodes over a network) are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that a content item at a remote content server is available for pre-delivery to a mobile device over a mobile network, determine the mobile device is associated with sufficient content delivery credit to pre-deliver at least a fraction of the content item to the mobile device, and cause the at least fraction of the content item to be pre-delivered to the mobile device based on the determination.
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
55.
PLAYBACK OF CONTENT PRE-DELIVERED TO A USER DEVICE
Systems and methods for displaying content pre-delivered to a user device, playing back content pre-delivered to a user device, and/or pre-delivering content to a user device during concurrent content playback, are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include or interact with a mobile application that displays descriptions of content available for playback via the mobile application along with indicators that represent a state of delivery (e.g., a state of pre-delivery) for the content items.
Systems and methods for displaying content pre-delivered to a user device, playing back content pre-delivered to a user device, and/or pre-delivering content to a user device during concurrent content playback, are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include or interact with a mobile application that displays descriptions of content available for playback via the mobile application along with indicators that represent a state of delivery (e.g., a state of pre-delivery) for the content items.
G11B 27/36 - Monitoring, i.e. supervising the progress of recording or reproducing
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
57.
FRACTIONAL PRE-DELIVERY OF CONTENT TO USER DEVICES
Systems and methods for delivering fractions of content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g., a pre-delivery of content) are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, determine a fraction (e.g., size) of the content available for pre-delivery that satisfies one or more predicted content playback conditions, and causes the determined fraction of the content available for pre-delivery to be delivered to the user device.
Systems and methods for delivering fractions of content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g., a pre-delivery of content) are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, determine a fraction (e.g., size) of the content available for pre-delivery that satisfies one or more predicted content playback conditions, and causes the determined fraction of the content available for pre-delivery to be delivered to the user device.
Systems and methods for delivering content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g. a pre-delivery of content) within predetermined delivery windows and/or during suitable pre-delivery conditions are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, select a delivery window that satisfies one or more pre-delivery policy conditions associated with pre-delivery of content to the user device, and cause the content to be delivered to the user device upon commencement of the selected delivery window.
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
60.
CONDITIONAL PRE-DELIVERY OF CONTENT TO A USER DEVICE
Systems and methods for delivering content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g. a pre-delivery of content) within predetermined delivery windows and/or during suitable pre-delivery conditions are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods receive an indication that content is available for pre-delivery from a content server to a user device over a network, select a delivery window that satisfies one or more pre-delivery policy conditions associated with pre-delivery of content to the user device, and cause the content to be delivered to the user device upon commencement of the selected delivery window.
Systems and methods for delivering content to user devices before the content is selected or requested (e.g., a pre-delivery of content) are described. In some embodiments, the system and methods receive, from a content server, information associated with content items available for retrieval from the content server and associated with one or more applications resident on a user device, select a subset of content items from the content items available for retrieval to deliver to the user device based on content usage information associated with the user device, and cause the user device to retrieve at least a portion of the selected subset of content items from the content server.
Systems and methods for discovering content sources and/or delivering content to applications resident on mobile devices are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods transmit information identifying one or more applications resident on a mobile device to a server, receive, from the server, information associated with content items available for retrieval from a content server and associated with the identified one or more applications, and cause the mobile device to retrieve at least one of the content items available for retrieval from the content server.
Systems and methods for discovering content sources and/or delivering content to applications resident on mobile devices are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods transmit information identifying one or more applications resident on a mobile device to a server, receive, from the server, information associated with content items available for retrieval from a content server and associated with the identified one or more applications, and cause the mobile device to retrieve at least one of the content items available for retrieval from the content server.
G06F 15/167 - Interprocessor communication using a common memory, e.g. mailbox
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06F 15/173 - Interprocessor communication using an interconnection network, e.g. matrix, shuffle, pyramid, star or snowflake
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
Systems and methods for pre-delivering content to user devices are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may assign a user device to a group of user devices that receive content from a common network edge cache, identify one or more differences between content delivered to the user device and content delivered to the group of user devices via the common network edge cache, select a piece of content to deliver to the user device based on the identified one or more differences of content, and cause delivery of the selected piece of content to the user device.
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04N 21/433 - Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request or caching operations
Systems and methods for pre-delivering content to user devices are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may assign a user device to a group of user devices that receive content from a common network edge cache, identify one or more differences between content delivered to the user device and content delivered to the group of user devices via the common network edge cache, select a piece of content to deliver to the user device based on the identified one or more differences of content, and cause delivery of the selected piece of content to the user device.
Systems and methods for selecting a delivery policy and/or protocol via which to delivery media and other content from a content provider to a receiving device, is described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods access a request from an application supported by a mobile device to receive a media file from a remote content server, select a delivery policy via which to deliver the media file from the remote content server to the application based on information associated with the media file, and cause the media file to be delivered from the remote content server to the application via the selected delivery policy.
H04N 21/2381 - Adapting the multiplex stream to a specific network, e.g. an IP [Internet Protocol] network
H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/23 - Processing of content or additional dataElementary server operationsServer middleware
Congestion information is determined based on a file segment transferred to one of user terminals. The congestion information is available to a server or controller communicatively linked with a plurality of user terminals. The congestion information is shared with other user terminals that share a bottleneck link.
Congestion information is determined based on a file segment transferred to one of user terminals. The congestion information is available to a server or controller communicatively linked with a plurality of user terminals. The congestion information is shared with other user terminals that share a bottleneck link.
Sustainable average data throughput rates for data transfer between a sender and a receiver are determined for a network in a steady-state condition. Delivery performance for data transferred in non-steady-state conditions is disregarded in determining sustainable average data throughput rates. The rates may be used to adapt file delivery to network conditions.
Sustainable average data throughput rates for data transfer between a sender and a receiver are determined for a network in a steady-state condition. Delivery performance for data transferred in non-steady-state conditions is disregarded in determining sustainable average data throughput rates. The rates may be used to adapt file delivery to network conditions.
Systems and methods for providing the progressive download of media content using techniques that preferentially identify and use periods of surplus network capacity to maintain the content delivery. A buffer of a receiving system is maintained and pre-filled with enough content to bridge playback intervals where a network is unable to deliver content as fast as it is played out. When no surplus network capacity is available, a user requesting content may be given the option to continue the delivery in the background so that the content may be played at a later time. The user may then resume their playback experience once the content has been completely delivered using surplus network capacity as it becomes available. A first portion of a content file may be pre-delivered to the receiving system so that users may consume the first portion content while the buffer is pre-filled.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
Systems and methods for providing the progressive download of media content using techniques that preferentially identify and use periods of surplus network capacity to maintain the content delivery. A buffer of a receiving system is maintained and pre-filled with enough content to bridge playback intervals where a network is unable to deliver content as fast as it is played out. Content delivery does not impact other users' applications and use of the network and its resources since content is preferentially sent when surplus network capacity exists in the network. When no surplus network capacity is available, a user requesting content may be given the option to continue the delivery in the background so that the content may be played at a later time. The user may then resume their playback experience once the content has been completely delivered using surplus network capacity as it becomes available.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
Pre-delivery or "pre-positioning" of advertising content to client computing devices for later playback thereon when users of the client computing devices are consuming non-advertising content. The pre-delivery may be accomplished using transport technology that avoids further burdening the network, such as delivering in real-time using available surplus network capacity. Users may have a limited number of times to watch non-advertising content on a client computing device before a pre-positioned advertisement is played on their client computing device. The advertising content may be viewed instantly without delay since it has been pre-positioned to the client computing devices. Advertising viewing statistics and reports are also generated and distributed.
Systems and methods for determining or "predicting" which media content files are popular or will be popular, and based on that determination, pre-delivering or "pre-positioning" media content files to user devices automatically and without intervention from users so that the media content will be already stored on users' devices when they later select the media content for viewing. The determination of a media content file's popularity may be based on one or more combinations of content statistics (e.g., view count, viewing rate, etc.). The decision to pre-position a media content file may also be based on user profile information (e.g., viewing history). The pre-positioning may be accomplished using transport technology that avoids further burdening the network, such as delivering in real-time using available surplus network capacity.
Systems and methods for determining or “predicting” which media content files are popular or will be popular, and based on that determination, pre-delivering or “pre-positioning” media content files to user devices automatically and without intervention from users so that the media content will be already stored on users' devices when they later select the media content for viewing. The determination of a media content file's popularity may be based on one or more combinations of content statistics (e.g., view count, viewing rate, etc.). The decision to pre-position a media content file may also be based on user profile information (e.g., viewing history). The pre-positioning may be accomplished using transport technology that avoids further burdening the network, such as delivering in real-time using available surplus network capacity.
A system and method is disclosed to dynamically alter service offerings to a user based on the available network resources. As network resources are diminished, the end user will see less available services so as to avoid diminished network performance. If network performance improvements, the system detects the improved network recourse availability and provides more offerings to the end user.
A wireless device includes a data structure that relates peak channel capacity to the quality of the wireless communication Sink. The wireless communication link quality forms an index to indicate the expected peak channel capacity for that particular quality value of the wireless communication link. The wireless device uses the data storage structure to determine an expected data transfer throughput based on the quality of the wireless communication link. A transfer rate Sower than expected may indicate congestion in the core network or the RAN. in this case, the network may slow the data delivery from the data source or temporarily suspend delivery. Conversely, low data throughput may be the result of a poor quality wireless communication link. If the data structure indicates that the data throughput corresponds to the expected throughput for the quality value of the wireless communication link, the system need not take any steps to reduce congestion.
A wireless device includes a data structure that relates peak channel capacity to the quality of the wireless communication link. The wireless communication link quality forms an index to indicate the expected peak channel capacity for that particular quality value of the wireless communication link. The wireless device uses the data storage structure to determine an expected data transfer throughput based on the quality of the wireless communication link. A transfer rate lower than expected may indicate congestion in the core network or the RAN. In this case, the network may slow the data delivery from the data source or temporarily suspend delivery. Conversely, low data throughput may be the result of a poor quality wireless communication link. If the data structure indicates that the data throughput corresponds to the expected throughput for the quality value of the wireless communication link, the system need not take any steps to reduce congestion.
A networked computing system for coordinating the distribution of burdensome media content using historical usage patterns. The networked computing system includes multiple network resources (e.g., wireless and wireline network access points) that provide communications service, user equipment, and data communications network facilitating data communications. Within the networked computing system, a current reference to a communications location of a user equipment can be evaluated to determine if a schedule for a media content transfer session should be modified based on a comparison of the current reference with historical references to one or more prior communications locations of the same user equipment. When it is determined that the schedule for the media content transfer session should be modified, a preferred network resource or a preferred device state, facilitating a less burdensome media content delivery, is determined for subsequent communications.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
80.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRESSIVE DOWNLOAD USING SURPLUS NETWORK CAPACITY
Systems and methods for providing the progressive download of media content using techniques that preferentially identify and use periods of surplus network capacity to maintain the content delivery. A buffer of a receiving system is maintained and pre-filled with enough content to bridge playback intervals where a network is unable to deliver content as fast as it is played out. Content delivery does not impact other users' applications and use of the network and its resources since content is only sent when surplus network capacity exists in the network. When no surplus network capacity is available, a user requesting content may be given the option to continue the delivery in the background so that the content may be played at a later time. The user may then resume their playback experience once the content has been completely delivered using surplus network capacity as it becomes available.
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
81.
ALIGNING MEDIA CONTENT DELIVERY SESSIONS WITH HISTORICAL NETWORK USAGE
A networked computing system for coordinating the distribution of burdensome media content using historical usage patterns. The networked computing system includes multiple network resources (e.g., wireless and wireline network access points) that provide communications service, user equipment, and data communications network facilitating data communications. Within the networked computing system, a current reference to a communications location of a user equipment can be evaluated to determine if a schedule for a media content transfer session should be modified based on a comparison of the current reference with historical references to one or more prior communications locations of the same user equipment. When it is determined that the schedule for the media content transfer session should be modified, a preferred network resource or a preferred device state, facilitating a less burdensome media content delivery, is determined for subsequent communications.
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
82.
Systems and methods for optimizing channel resources by coordinating data transfers based on data type and traffic
A networked computing system for optimizing network channel resources. The system includes a sender device, user equipment, a congestion sensing agent, a data transfer agent, and a data communications network facilitating data communications amongst all devices of the system. The networked computing system is configured to detect a portion of channel traffic that is associated with a first data type, detect a portion of the channel traffic that is associated with a second data type, and determine whether to modify at least one data transfer of the second data type based on a comparison of the portions of the channel traffic associated with the first data type and the second data type. The first data type may relate to either voice data communications or another high priority data type, and the second data type may relate to a media content file type.
A system and method are described for broadcasting/multicasting content using surplus network capacity. The systems and methods are directed to solving the problem of how to simultaneously broadcast/multicast large content files to a plurality of users for later retrieval by using existing network capacity as opposed to being forced to add new capacity to handle peak demand. Generally, the methods comprise receiving data to be distributed, determining surplus network capacity, and distributing the data within the surplus network capacity to a plurality of subscriber devices.
A system for improving digital data content delivery based on real time analysis of one or more network communications states. The networked computing system may include a network service provider device, a user equipment, a network link monitor, a data transfer agent, and a data communications network facilitating data communications amongst all devices of the networked computing system. The networked computing system may be configured to: detect at least one network communications metric, determine a network communications state associated with diminished communications throughput based on the detected at least one network communications metric, and then select an optimal rate for a data content transfer based on the determined network communications state. The network communications state may relate to either a state of network congestion or a state of reduced regional radio communications quality.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
85.
ENHANCED DATA DELIVERY BASED ON REAL TIME ANALYSIS OF NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS QUALITY AND TRAFFIC
A system for improving digital data content delivery based on real time analysis of one or more network communications states. The networked computing system may include a network service provider device, a user equipment, a network link monitor, a data transfer agent, and a data communications network facilitating data communications amongst all devices of the networked computing system. The networked computing system may be configured to: detect at least one network communications metric, determine a network communications state associated with diminished communications throughput based on the detected at least one network communications metric, and then select an optimal rate for a data content transfer based on the determined network communications state. The network communications state may relate to either a state of network congestion or a state of reduced regional radio communications quality.
A user equipment for optimizing a media content delivery based on a state of resident resources. The user equipment may include a memory component having a resource manager application stored therein, one or more processor components, a resident power source, and a transceiver. The resource manager is configured to determine one or more device resource metrics, compare the device resources metric(s) to one or more corresponding device resource thresholds(s), and then generate an instruction to throttle a media content delivery when it is determined that at least one resource metric has exceeded a resource threshold value or that a local policy metric has achieved a local policy threshold.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
87.
BROADCASTING CONTENT USING SURPLUS NETWORK CAPACITY
A system and method are described for broadcasting/multicasting content using surplus network capacity. The systems and methods are directed to solving the problem of how to simultaneously broadcast/multicast large content files to a plurality of users for later retrieval by using existing network capacity as opposed to being forced to add new capacity to handle peak demand. Generally, the methods comprise receiving data to be distributed, determining surplus network capacity, and distributing the data within the surplus network capacity to a plurality of subscriber devices.
H04W 4/06 - Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]Services to user groupsOne-way selective calling services
A user equipment for optimizing a media content delivery based on a state of resident resources. The user equipment may include a memory component having a resource manager application stored therein, one or more processor components, a resident power source, and a transceiver. The resource manager is configured to determine one or more device resource metrics, compare the device resources metric(s) to one or more corresponding device resource thresholds(s), and then generate an instruction to throttle a media content delivery when it is determined that at least one resource metric has exceeded a resource threshold value or that a local policy metric has achieved a local policy threshold.
A networked computing system for optimizing network channel resources. The system includes a sender device, user equipment, a congestion sensing agent, a data transfer agent, and a data communications network facilitating data communications amongst all devices of the system. The networked computing system is configured to detect a portion of channel traffic that is associated with a first data type, detect a portion of the channel traffic that is associated with a second data type, and determine whether to modify at least one data transfer of the second data type based on a comparison of the portions of the channel traffic associated with the first data type and the second data type. The first data type may relate to either voice data communications or another high priority data type, and the second data type may relate to a media content file type.
An adaptive file delivery system and method transmits a data file, such as an audio-video file, over a network or collection of networks in segments, each segment transmitted during a different time period. Each time period has a transmission portion to transmit its associated file segment and a wait portion in which no further interaction with the network occurs regarding the transmitted segment. In some implementations, the duration of the transmission portion of each time period is sufficient to reach a steady-state throughput condition, which allows the traffic load status of the network or networks to be determined from rate measurements of file segment transmissions. A peak flow determination is made to assure that the delivery of file segments does not cause network congestion. The system has spurious peak rejection to avoid the false detection of network congestion.
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
An adaptive file delivery system and method transmits a data file, such as an audio-video file, over a network or collection of networks in segments, each segment transmitted during a different time period. Each time period has a transmission portion to transmit its associated file segment and a wait portion in which no further interaction with the network occurs regarding the transmitted segment. In some implementations, the duration of the transmission portion of each time period is sufficient to reach a steady-state throughput condition, which allows the traffic load status of the network or networks to be determined from rate measurements of file segment transmissions. The duration of the wait portion of each time period is at least long enough to limit the average rate of file segment transmission to adapt to network traffic load variations and avoid network congestion. Various techniques for measuring congestion are described.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06F 15/173 - Interprocessor communication using an interconnection network, e.g. matrix, shuffle, pyramid, star or snowflake
92.
System and method for flow control in an adaptive file delivery system
An adaptive file delivery system and method transmits a data file, such as an audio-video file, over a network or collection of networks in segments, each segment transmitted during a different time period. Each time period has a transmission portion to transmit its associated file segment and a wait portion in which no further interaction with the network occurs regarding the transmitted segment. In some implementations, the duration of the transmission portion of each time period is sufficient to reach a steady-state throughput condition, which allows the traffic load status of the network or networks to be determined from rate measurements of file segment transmissions. The duration of the wait portion of each time period is at least long enough to limit the average rate of file segment transmission to adapt to network traffic load variations and avoid network congestion. Various techniques for measuring congestion are described.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
93.
System and method for progressive download using surplus network capacity
Systems and methods for providing the progressive download of media content using techniques that preferentially identify and use periods of surplus network capacity to maintain the content delivery. A buffer of a receiving system is maintained and pre-filled with enough content to bridge playback intervals where a network is unable to deliver content as fast as it is played out. Content delivery does not impact other users' applications and use of the network and its resources since content is only sent when surplus network capacity exists in the network. When no surplus network capacity is available, a user requesting content may be given the option to continue the delivery in the background so that the content may be played at a later time. The user may then resume their playback experience once the content has been completely delivered using surplus network capacity as it becomes available.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04L 12/835 - Bitrate adaptation in active flows using buffer capacity information at the endpoints or transit nodes
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
94.
System and method for delivery of secondary data files
An adaptive file delivery system and method transmits a data file, such as an audio-video file, over a network or collection of networks in segments in response to a request for the data file by a receiving system. In addition to the requested file, a sending system sends an unrequested secondary data file to the receiving system for playback before, during, or after playing of the requested data file.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04L 1/16 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
A networked computing system capable of distributing commercial digital media content utilizing existing interpersonal resources of a social network service (SNS). The networked computing system includes a media content provider (MCP), multiple personal computing devices (PCDs), a SNS and a data communications network that facilitates data communications amongst the MCP, the PCDs, and the SNS. A registered user of the SNS at a first PCD is able to access media content emanating from a MCP based on a media content referral from a registered user of the same SNS at a second PCD. The SNS may operate as an agent for the MCP so that the MCP can use the SNS as a viral media content marketing utility.
A computing system including a media content provider (MCP), a host device, a portable media content storage device (PMCSD), and a data communications network. In response to data communications being initiated between the PMCSD the host device, a data transfer application resident on the PMCSD is automatically executed to determine if any media content transfer instructions exist on the PMCSD or a MCP. The data transfer application resident on the PMCSD may be a portable application not requiring the installation of any configuration or support files to the host device or it may be an application having a boot process that installs configuration or support files to the host device prior to application execution. When one or more media content transfer instructions exists on the PMCSD or a MCP, the media content transfer instruction(s) is processed by the host device, to facilitate media content transfer between the PMCSD and the MCP.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06F 3/048 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
G06F 9/06 - Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
97.
Systems and methods for portable data storage devices that automatically initiate data transfers utilizing host devices
A computing system including a media content provider (MCP), a host device, a portable media content storage device (PMCSD), and a data communications network. In response to data communications being initiated between the PMCSD the host device, a data transfer application resident on the PMCSD is automatically executed to determine if any media content transfer instructions exist on the PMCSD or a MCP. The data transfer application resident on the PMCSD may be a portable application not requiring the installation of any configuration or support files to the host device or it may be an application having a boot process that installs configuration or support files to the host device prior to application execution. When one or more media content transfer instructions exists on the PMCSD or a MCP, the media content transfer instruction(s) is processed by the host device, to facilitate media content transfer between the PMCSD and the MCP.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
A networked computing system that is capable of detecting and coordinating the distribution of burdensome media content. The networked computing system includes one or more sending devices, one or more receiving devices, and a data communications network capable of facilitating data communications amongst all networked computing devices. In response to a sending or receiving device generating a data transfer request, an automatic determination is made as to whether the media content is burdensome to a portion of the data communications network over which the media content is to be transferred. The automatic determination may be made by a sending device, a receiving device, or another local network resource (such as a gateway). The determining device may then coordinate the media content transfer based on characteristics of the media content and available network resources.
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
A video content distribution system includes a remote content server, a communications network, and multiple media playback devices. One of the media playback devices generates a place marker that indexes a location in a video content where to resume playback of the video content and then the media playback device stores the place marker locally in the communications network. Subsequently, the same media playback device connects to the remote content server and stores a copy of the place marker remotely in the communications network.
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
A media distribution system that includes a media content provider, a relay device, a data communications network, and multiple media playback devices that each have distinct device dependent media playback capabilities. The relay device receives a media content from the media content provider over a remote portion of the data communications network, and in response to a received instruction from either the media content provider or a local media playback device, the relay device determines whether or not to reformat the received media content to be compatible with one or more media playback devices. After the reformatting determination and instruction processing, the relay device transfers the media content to designated media playback devices over a local portion of the data communications network.
