Patent ID: 7539748
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring packet usage of a local network, wherein the local network is connected to an external network and wherein the local network is subject to policies established by the external network, the method comprising: detecting from within the local network packet usage at a terminal means connected to the local network over an increment of time measured from a start time; grouping from within the local network packets according to selection criteria established within the local network; obtaining from within the local network a count of packets in each packet grouping for the time increment; aggregating from within the local network the packet count of the packet groupings for the time increment to derive a total packet count; establishing from within the local network a control curve, wherein the control curve represents a packet volume over a time period, wherein the time period is measured from the start time and wherein the time period is greater than or equal to the time increment; establishing from within the local network an alarm threshold relative to the control curve; comparing from within the local network the total packet count to the control curve; determining from within the local network whether the total packet count equals or exceeds the alarm threshold; and issuing from within the local network an alarm to a user of the terminal means when the total packet count equals or exceeds the alarm threshold.