Bandwidth Measurement

• US 20100146107A1
• Filed: 10/12/2009
• Published: 06/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Seven Networks Inc
• Original Assignee: Seven Networks Inc
• Inventors: Fiatal, Trevor
• Granted Patent: US 8,909,759 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0882 Utilisation of link capacity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/06 specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/28 Timers or timing mechanisms used in protocols

Abstract

Methods for testing network bandwidth availability in a non-intrusive manner. By implementing occasional, base-line bandwidth testing, a more accurate indication of actual transfer rate results. When an application dependent upon network bandwidth is first executed, a series of file transfers takes place utilizing a series of different sized pieces of content.

Claims

1. A method for measuring bandwidth, the method comprising:

requesting a series of files for delivery to a client device, wherein the size of the series of file is known and the request takes place without user intervention;

measuring the time for the series of files to be received from a server at the client device;

calculating actual bandwidth availability based on the size of the series of files divided by the time to receive the series of files at the client device;

requesting a piece of content, wherein the request for the piece of content is made from the client device and accompanied by information concerning actual bandwidth availability; and

receiving the piece of content from a server hosting the content.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the piece of content was re-encoded prior to receipt in light of the information concerning actual bandwidth availability.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the series of files are related to the piece of content.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the series of files are metadata.