Router IP Session Regulation for P2P Bandwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively manage bandwidth usage in peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing without impacting other high-bandwidth applications, while also avoiding privacy concerns and accurately quantifying usage for billing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A router with programming that tracks and regulates the number of open Internet Protocol (IP) sessions, allowing only a predetermined number of sessions to be active, and offering additional sessions for payment, thus managing bandwidth usage without deep packet inspection or restricting overall bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bandwidth caps are applied to limit P2P file sharing, then bandwidth usage is controlled, but disruptions or increased latency occur in high-bandwidth applications like video streaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bandwidth control by application type rather than applying a uniform bandwidth cap. It identifies P2P file sharing sessions through session characteristics (multiple concurrent sessions, background processes) and applies different bandwidth management rules to different application categories, allowing video streaming to maintain high bandwidth while limiting P2P usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different network traffic types differently based on their specific characteristics. Instead of a blanket bandwidth restriction, it implements application-specific policies where P2P sessions are regulated through session count limits and bandwidth allocation, while legitimate high-bandwidth applications like video streaming receive prioritized treatment.
2Ease of operation
If deep packet inspection is used to control traffic by content or type, then traffic regulation is achieved, but privacy issues and potential liability arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traffic control function from deep packet inspection of content data. Instead of analyzing packet contents to identify applications, it uses session-level characteristics and connection metadata to identify and regulate traffic types, thereby achieving traffic control without compromising user privacy or inspecting actual data content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using session characteristics and connection patterns as proxies for application identification. Rather than directly inspecting packet contents, it uses intermediate indicators like session duration, concurrent connection counts, and timing patterns to infer application type and apply appropriate regulation.
3Productivity
If multiple IP sessions are opened for P2P file sharing, then data transfer capacity is increased, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth management that adapts to real-time session characteristics. It monitors the number of concurrent IP sessions, transfer rates, and connection patterns to dynamically adjust bandwidth allocation. When P2P activity is detected through multiple concurrent sessions, the system dynamically reduces bandwidth allocation for those sessions while maintaining capacity for essential traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as the number of permitted concurrent IP sessions, session time limits, and bandwidth allocation ratios. By modifying these parameters based on detected usage patterns, the system can regulate P2P file sharing bandwidth consumption while preserving data transfer capacity through controlled session management and parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, there are disclosed structures, systems and methods for monitoring and regulating access by consumers to computer network bandwidth, particularly with regard to peer-to-peer file sharing. A router (in certain embodiments, a core router) is programmed with a predetermined number of open or open and active internet protocol (IP) sessions a particular computer is allowed. Requests to open sessions that do not exceed that number are permitted. Requests to open sessions that exceed that number may be rejected, or an offer obtain additional session(s), perhaps with additional payment, may be made.