Patent ID: 6622172
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method of data communications in an asymmetric network connection according to a communications protocol wherein a receiver transmits acknowledgment packets for acknowledging data packets transmitted by a sender, said method including the steps of:measuring the interval between the transmission of data from one of said receiver and sender and the reception of a response thereto by said one of said receiver and sender; determining a window size indicative of the maximum number of said data packets transmittable by said sender for a duration absent any reception of said acknowledgment packets by said sender for said duration in accordance with said communications protocol, wherein said window size is determined using said measured interval; and regulating the frequency of transmission of said acknowledgment packets from said receiver, said regulation dependent on said determined window size; wherein said measuring step includes measuring said interval periodically; said determining step further includes counting the number of data packets arriving at said receiver for the duration of the last said measured interval and assigning said count to said window size; and counting the number of data packets further includes analyzing the arrival pattern of said data packets wherein said arrival pattern is indicative of the congestion condition of said asymmetric network connection; and further including the step of computing the number of said data packets receivable by said receiver whereupon the transmission of an acknowledgment packet therefor is conditional, wherein said number is represented by a variable known as PPA.