Method and apparatus for improving bandwidth efficiency in a computer network
First Claim
1. A method for operating a server operable to transmit files to destinations on a computer network, the method comprising:
- querying a router unit to monitor bandwidth usage of a communication link connecting the server to a wide area network;
determining a current state of bandwidth usage in response to results of querying the router unit; and
serving stored files from the server to the wide area network via the communication link in compliance with a rule set defining rules for limiting serving of files from the server depending on file type and the current state of the bandwidth usage, so as to not permit serving of specified file types from the server during periods when the bandwidth usage exceeds a threshold amount relative to a finite bandwidth of the communication link, while permitting serving of the specified file types from the server when the bandwidth usage does not exceed the threshold amount;
wherein a type for each of the files is assigned based on at least a corresponding file name for each file such that the type indicates whether the files are configured to be aggregated into a larger file.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for operating a server to improve bandwidth efficiency in a computer network is disclosed. The server is operable to transmit files between a memory of the server and destinations on the computer network through a communication link having a finite bandwidth. The files are distinguishable by type and the server is provided with a rule set for prioritizing transmission of files by type. The method comprises monitoring a bandwidth usage of the communication link, and triggering application of the rule set when the bandwidth usage exceeds a threshold amount. The threshold amount is determined relative to the finite bandwidth. The method further comprises distinguishing between the files according to type, and prioritizing transmission of the files according to type and according to the rule set.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for operating a server operable to transmit files to destinations on a computer network, the method comprising:
- querying a router unit to monitor bandwidth usage of a communication link connecting the server to a wide area network;
determining a current state of bandwidth usage in response to results of querying the router unit; and
serving stored files from the server to the wide area network via the communication link in compliance with a rule set defining rules for limiting serving of files from the server depending on file type and the current state of the bandwidth usage, so as to not permit serving of specified file types from the server during periods when the bandwidth usage exceeds a threshold amount relative to a finite bandwidth of the communication link, while permitting serving of the specified file types from the server when the bandwidth usage does not exceed the threshold amount;
wherein a type for each of the files is assigned based on at least a corresponding file name for each file such that the type indicates whether the files are configured to be aggregated into a larger file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
- querying a router unit to monitor bandwidth usage of a communication link connecting the server to a wide area network;
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14. A computer-readable medium encoded with instructions for operating a server operable to transmit files over a computer network, the instructions comprising:
- receiving bandwidth utilization data indicating current bandwidth utilization of a communication link connecting the server to a wide area network;
receiving requests to transmit files from the server;
distinguishing between the files based on file types, wherein a type for each of the files is assigned based at least on a corresponding file name for each file such that the type indicates whether the files are configured to be aggregated into a larger file, and wherein the file types comprise a plurality of distinct types; and
serving the files from the server in response to the requests subject to application of a rule that defines limiting serving of files from the server depending on file type and the current bandwidth utilization, thereby delaying serving of files of at least one file type from the server when the bandwidth utilization exceeds a threshold amount specified by the rule set, and conversely serving the files of at least one file type from the server without delay when the bandwidth utilization does not exceed the threshold amount.
- receiving bandwidth utilization data indicating current bandwidth utilization of a communication link connecting the server to a wide area network;
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27. A computing system containing machine-executable instructions operable to transmit files to destinations on one or more computer networks, wherein in response to execution of the machine-executable instructions, the computing system performs operations comprising:
- determining a current state of bandwidth usage; and
transmitting files via one or more computer networks in compliance with a rule set defining rules for limiting transmitting of files, wherein the rule set is selected based on at least the current state of bandwidth usage and sets limits on transmission of files based on at least file types of respective files, wherein types of respective files are determined based on whether the respective files are configured to be aggregated into one or more larger files. - View Dependent Claims (28)
- determining a current state of bandwidth usage; and
Specification