Patent ID: 7751361

Claim:
A communication method, comprising: receiving voice media generated using a communication device, the communication device configured to be connected to a network; encoding the voice media to generate a full bit rate representation of the media generated while using the communication device; storing the full bit rate representation of the voice media generated while using the communication device; ascertaining if the usable bit rate on the network falls below a bit rate threshold, the bit rate threshold defining a minimum bit rate throughput sufficient for maintaining near real-time communication; transmitting the voice media generated using the communication device from storage when the ascertained usable bit rate is below the bit rate threshold, the voice media being transmitted at a bit rate below the bit rate threshold, thereby effectively extending the usable range and/or capacity of the network for voice communication when the ascertained usable bit rate falls below the bit rate threshold; receiving voice media over the network; storing the voice media received over the network; and providing the ability to render the voice media received over the network when the voice media received over the network is of sufficient completeness that it will be decipherable when rendered.