Method and apparatus for managing data traffic associated with a user on a network

• US 20030163581A1
• Filed: 06/25/2002
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valtrus Innovations Limited (f/k/a Dolya Holdco 9 Limited) (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: 3Com Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Moran, Paul J., Linzell, Christopher R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,307,063 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/235
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/10 Flow control; Congestion control
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/15 in relation to multipoint traffic arrangements for broadcast or multicast in data networks H04L12/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/29 using a combination of thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/70 Admission control; Resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/808 User-type aware
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/824 Applicable to portable or mobile terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/826 Involving periods of time

Abstract

A method and processing device for controlling the communication of data associated with a user on a network 1 is described, in which the communication of data to and from a user is controlled according to user profile information. In a preferred embodiment, the user profile information is maintained in a database 9 accessible to processing devices 5 providing access to the network 1, and includes a volume allowance for a predetermined time period, a maximum transmission rate and current usage information for the user. Each time a user connects to the network 1, the method determines whether the user is within the volume allowance, and if so, permits access to the network 1. The communication of data is controlled according to the maximum transmission rate. The method may be implemented in software.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the communication of data associated with a user on a network, the method controlling the communication of data according to user profile information.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the user profile information includes a volume allowance for the user.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, in which the method further comprises obtaining current usage information for the user;

comparing the current usage information with the volume allowance for the user, and controlling the communication of data according to the result of the comparison.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, in which the volume allowance is a data volume for the user in a time period;

the current usage information includes a current volume for the user, the current volume corresponding to the volume of data associated with the user communicated on the network since the start of a current said time period, and the step of comparing comprises comparing the volume allowance with the current volume for the user.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, in which, if the step of comparing determines that the current volume is greater than or equal to the volume allowance, the step of controlling comprises preventing data communication by the user until said current time period has expired.

6. A method as claimed in claim 4, in which, if the step of comparing determines that the current volume is less than the volume allowance, the step of controlling comprises permitting the communication of data associated with the user whilst controlling the data rate.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which the user profile information includes a maximum data rate for the user, and the step of controlling the data rate comprises controlling the data rate according to the maximum data rate.

8. A method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:

monitoring the volume of data associated with the user communicated on the network.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising:

periodically determining a new current volume for the user;

comparing the new current volume with the volume allowance for the user, and controlling the communication of data accordingly.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, in which the step of controlling is performed in a network device providing access to the network, and in which the user profile information and current usage information is stored in a database;

the network access device being configured to communicate with the database.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, in which the step of monitoring is performed in the network access device, the method further comprising periodically sending the monitored volume of data for the user to the database for updating the current volume for the user in the current usage information.

12. A computer readable medium including a computer program for carrying out the method as claimed in claim 1.

13. A computer readable medium including a computer program comprising:

a program step for receiving profile information associated with a user connecting to a network;

a program step for determining whether the user can generate data on the network based on the user profile information, and

a program step for controlling communication of data, according to the user profile information, if it is determined that the user can generate data on the network.

14. A processing device associated with a device providing access to a network, the processing device configured to control the communication of data associated with a user on the network according to user profile information.