METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RATE GOVERNING COMMUNICATIONS
First Claim
1. A system for controlling communications with a communication unit comprising:
- a communication server, in communication with the communication unit, comprising a data transfer manager operable for communicating data between the communication unit and a host server, the data transfer manager comprising a rate governor for estimating a transmission value for data communicated between the communication server and communication unit, and comparing the estimated transmission value with an allocated transmission value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system including a rate governor is provided for monitoring and controlling the amount of communications between a remote communication unit (201) and communication server (220). Preferably, as threshold are passed a user is alerted to amounts (time and/or charges) spent or remaining, and once a use limit is reached further communication is restricted. A main rate governor (234) is maintained at the communication server (220), allowing access, control and the like by administrators (260) and the like. A further rate governor (209), responsive to the main rate governor, may also be used at the remote unit (201). By means of the rate governors a method is provided for both limiting user or group data transfer beyond a set amount, as well as providing alerts to users as a limit is approached.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A system for controlling communications with a communication unit comprising:
a communication server, in communication with the communication unit, comprising a data transfer manager operable for communicating data between the communication unit and a host server, the data transfer manager comprising a rate governor for estimating a transmission value for data communicated between the communication server and communication unit, and comparing the estimated transmission value with an allocated transmission value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of controlling communications with a communication unit comprising:
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at a communication server in communication with the communication unit via a first communication channel;
(a) receiving a first data unit, the first data unit being communicated between the communication unit and a further communication unit; and
(b) estimating a transmission value for the first data unit, and comparing the estimated transmission value with a transmission limit to determine whether to allow communication of further data units between the communication unit and the communication server. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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- 21. A communication server comprising a data transfer manager operable for communicating data with the communication unit, the data transfer manager comprising a rate governor for estimating a transmission value for data communicated between communication unit and a further communication unit, and comparing the estimated transmission value with a transmission limit to determine whether to permit further communications with the communication unit via the communication server.
Specification