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Data streaming using caching servers with expandable buffers and adjustable rate of data transmission to absorb network congestion

  • US 6,405,256 B1
  • Filed: 03/31/1999
  • Issued: 06/11/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A data transmission system comprising:

  • a server, including a memory for storing data and means responsive to a request for said data for transmitting said data at a first data rate;

    a client device, including means for requesting said data and means for storing said data, and a communication network providing a communication path between said server and said client device, said communication network including, at least one caching server in said communication path, wherein said at least one caching server subdivides said communication path into a series of connections, said at least one caching server including, a buffer for storing said data, means for transmitting said data, a processor responsive to a determination that network congestion exists in one of said series of connections, for transmitting said data at a second data rate that is less than said first data rate in said one of said series of connections and for increasing the size of said buffer, said processor responsive to a subsidence of said network congestion in said one of said series of connections for transmitting said data at a third data rate and for decreasing the size of said buffer, wherein said third data rate is greater than said second data rate, and wherein said means for transmitting said data in said server and in said at least one caching server is a data streaming application.

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