Patent ID: 6360271
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
In a packet switched network in which a real-time media signal is encoded into a sequence of packets and the packets are sequentially transmitted over the network from a transmitting-end and destined for a receiving-end, each packet being marked at the transmitting-end with a sender-time based on a first clock signal at the transmitting-end, a method of improving end-to-end communication of said real-time media signal comprising, in combination, at said receiving-end:maintaining a second clock signal substantially synchronized to the first clock signal, so that the second clock signal reflects substantially the same time as the first clock signal; and for each of at least a plurality of incoming packets, retaining said packet for a buffer period, and releasing said packet for play-out in response to said second clock signal indicating a time that is substantially a predetermined delay period after said sender-time.