Patent ID: 6973047
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for use in a packet network in which data is transferred over virtual circuit connections each having an associated sustained data rate guaranteed by said network, said network allowing data to be transferred over a connection at a data rate greater than its associated sustained data rate as a function of network load conditions, the method comprising: (a) causing said packet network to provision a first virtual circuit connection over said packet network for transfer of data between a first user and a second user, said first virtual circuit connection having a first associated sustained data rate; (b) transferring data between said first user and said second user over said connection; and (c) in response to a determination that said transferring is not achieving a predetermined minimum desired level of data flow, causing said packet network to automatically and substantially immediately provision a second virtual circuit connection over said packet network for said transfer of data from said first user to said second user, said second virtual circuit connection having a second associated sustained data rate that is greater than said first sustained data rate.