Bandwidth Allocation for Delay-Sensitive Traffic

The patent segments traffic into different classes (real-time and non-real-time) and applies different handling policies to each class. The bottleneck router categorizes packets based on their delay sensitivity and processes them through different queues, allowing time-sensitive packets to receive priority treatment while maintaining overall network simplicity through automated classification rules.

The patent changes the parameter of packet classification by examining packet headers and metadata to identify real-time traffic. By detecting specific packet characteristics (such as protocol type, source/destination information), the system dynamically adjusts routing decisions to prioritize time-sensitive packets without requiring complex manual configuration.

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the bottleneck router continuously monitors queue conditions and adjusts packet scheduling in real-time. When real-time packets are detected in the queue, the router dynamically prioritizes their transmission over non-real-time traffic, ensuring that bandwidth is allocated based on current traffic conditions rather than static provisions.

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the bottleneck router monitors queue depth and packet delay metrics, then adjusts its packet scheduling decisions accordingly. When queuing delay for real-time packets exceeds thresholds, the router increases priority handling for subsequent real-time packets, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both utilization and delay performance.

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where packets essentially identify their own priority requirements through header information and metadata. The bottleneck router performs automated classification based on predefined rules examining packet characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or intelligent agents at each router node.

The patent simplifies router complexity by changing the classification parameters to rely on easily extractable packet header fields and metadata rather than deep packet inspection. By using shallow classification based on protocol type, source/destination addresses, and other readily available packet attributes, the router achieves priority queuing with minimal processing overhead.