Controlling network congestion using a biased packet discard policy for congestion control and encoded session packets: methods, systems, and program products
US7042841B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L47/263
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A packet network congestion control system using a biased packet discard policy includes a plurality of end points having codecs operating in a framework, e.g. ITU-T H.323 protocol to establish a communication session. The protocol enables the codecs to negotiate codec type and associated parameters. Once a connection and session are established, compressed voice and data packets start flowing between the two end points. A control entity supplies congestion control packets periodically. The control packets provide a “heartbeat” signal to the codec at the other end of the session. Each codec receiver uses the “heartbeat” signal as an indication of network congestion. As network congestion increases, routers within the network discard excess packets to prevent network failure. The network discards all packets classified as congestion control packets whenever a flow control mechanism detects congestion or a trend toward congestion. As packets are discarded, the end points renegotiate codec type and/or parameters to realize lower bit rates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.