Patent ID: 8483194
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling network traffic, the method comprising: receiving at a wireless network device a first network packet directed to a first network client; assigning the first network packet to a first quality of service category; determining a first cost value including a numerical value based on an estimated time consumed to communicate the first network packet towards the first network client over a wireless network interface of the wireless network device; comparing the first cost value with an airtime allocation balance value assigned to the first quality of service category, wherein the airtime allocation balance value represents an unused portion of time for communicating a packet assigned to the first quality of service category over the wireless network interface, and wherein the unused portion of time is associated with the first quality of service category; in response to the first cost value being less than or equal to the airtime allocation balance value, the wireless network device forwarding the first network packet towards the first network client via at least the wireless network interface and decreasing the airtime allocation balance value by the first cost value, thereby resulting in a modified airtime allocation value; in response to the first cost value being greater than the airtime allocation balance value, the wireless network device queuing the first network packet until the airtime allocation balance value is increased such that the first cost value is less than or equal to the increased airtime allocation balance value; in response to the first cost value being less than or equal to the increased airtime allocation balance value, the wireless network device forwarding the first network packet towards the first network client via at least the wireless network interface; monitoring the communication of the first network packet to the first network client to determine a second cost value including a second numerical value based on an actual airtime consumed to communicate the first network packet towards the first network client over the wireless network interface; determining an adjustment to the airtime allocation balance value based on a difference between the first and second cost values; and modifying the airtime allocation balance value based on the adjustment.