Bandwidth management

US9355420B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Jason L. Anderson · Milpitas, US
• Gregory J. Boss · American Fork, US
• Andrew R. Jones · Round Rock, US
• Kevin C. McConnell · Austin, US
• John E. Moore, Jr. · Pflugerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 5, 2012
• Grant date: May 31, 2016
• Expiry date: Sep 18, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/06
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A computer identifies a plurality of available network connections, wherein at least one of the identified network connections is contractually available to the computer under terms of a monthly data plan. The computer determines, based, at least in part, on characteristics of each network connection of the plurality of network connections and anticipated bandwidth consumption of the computer, a network connection to connect to from the plurality of network connections. The computer connects to the determined network connection. The computer determines, based, at least in part, on anticipated bandwidth consumption of the computer and contractual terms of the monthly data plan, an amount of excess bandwidth available for sale.