Patent ID: 8446452

Claim:
A method of exchanging videoconference data between a first endpoint and a second endpoint via a network, comprising: receiving at the first endpoint statistical data that are based on first videoconference data transmitted previously from the first endpoint to the second endpoint via the network, the statistical data determined at the second endpoint and relating to network performance characteristics during a known time-interval of transmitting the first videoconference data thereto; determining, based on the statistical data, a recommended data transmission rate for the network performance characteristics; capturing second videoconference data relating to the same videoconference at a time that is later than capturing of the first videoconference data at a settable frame rate and video resolution; adjusting the output bit rate of a video encoder associated with the first endpoint, so as to support transmission of videoconference data via the network at approximately the recommended data transmission rate if the recommended data transmission rate falls within a predetermined range of output bit rates tolerated by the video encoder; if the recommended data transmission rate falls outside said predetermined range, adjusting the frame rate or video resolution to maintain the output bit rate of said video encoder within said predetermined range; and encoding the second videoconference data with the video encoder to provide output data for transmission via the network.