Patent ID: 8599779
Filing Date: 2013-12-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of enforcing a rate limit for data traffic, the method comprising: identifying a unidirectional stream of data packets flowing to a downstream end user; classifying the unidirectional stream of data packets according to a rate class, the rate class having an associated rate limit, the rate limit specifying a maximum bit rate at which the unidirectional stream of data packets is transmitted; and discarding a data packet within the unidirectional stream of data packets to reduce a bit rate such that the bit rate is greater than zero and less than the maximum bit rate permitted for the rate class; wherein the unidirectional stream of data packets is provided as a combination of a first unidirectional stream of data packets in response to a first request from the end user and a second unidirectional stream of data packets in response to a second request from the same end user; wherein discarding the data packet includes discarding data packets from both the first unidirectional stream and second unidirectional stream to reduce a combined bit rate such that the combined bit rate is greater than zero and less than or equal to the maximum bit rate; wherein classifying the unidirectional stream of data packets comprises classifying according to (i) end user monthly payment history, wherein a history of delinquent payment influences a frequency of enforcement of the rate limit and (ii) end user history of excessive bit rate requests, wherein a history of repeated requests for data that exceeds the maximum bit rate influences the frequency of enforcement of the rate limit.