Abstract: Using location-independent names to identify content, a service for mapping endpoint requests to requested content. Content requested by an endpoint of the network is mapped to a dynamic “swarm” of server, peer, or other endpoints capable of supporting the content download. Content names are mapped to a dynamically generated content swarm, presenting a current set of hosts, which can provide the requested content. Optionally, varying degrees of explicit visibility into routing paths and the performance tradeoffs between those routing paths is supported. Based on a set of class of service parameters for a given request for content, a host can initiate route selection based on class of service parameters, predicated on routing metrics maintained by the network by cooperating endpoints and/or network routers.

Abstract: Dynamic channel and transmission rate selection is described. In an example, a communication resource for transmitting data to a receiver is selected from several channels, each having several associated rates. The selection comprises storing a weighting factor for each channel/rate combination, monitoring transmission performance on a selected channel and rate, and inferring performance for other rates on the selected channel from the monitored performance. Each weighting factor is then updated using the monitored and inferred performances, and used to select a channel/rate combination for subsequent transmission. In another example, a communication device comprises a transmitter, a processor, and a memory arranged to store a weighting factor associated with each receiver, channel and rate combination.

Abstract: Dynamic channel and transmission rate selection is described. In an example, a communication resource for transmitting data to a receiver is selected from several channels, each having several associated rates. The selection comprises storing a weighting factor for each channel/rate combination, monitoring transmission performance on a selected channel and rate, and inferring performance for other rates on the selected channel from the monitored performance. Each weighting factor is then updated using the monitored and inferred performances, and used to select a channel/rate combination for subsequent transmission. In another example, a communication device comprises a transmitter, a processor, and a memory arranged to store a weighting factor associated with each receiver, channel and rate combination.

Abstract: A resource allocation framework for wireless/wired networks is described. In an embodiment, methods of end host based traffic management are described which operate separately from the underlying access control protocol within the network (e.g. wireless MAC protocol or TCP). The rate limits for each flow are set based on per-flow weights, which may be user specified, and based on an estimate of the utilization of the shared resource and the rate limits are adjusted periodically so that the resource is not underutilized or saturated. Some embodiments compute a virtual capacity of the resource which is adjusted to optimize the value of the utilization and then the virtual capacity is shared between flows according to the per-flow weights. Methods for estimating the utilization of a wireless network and the capacity of a broadband access link are also described.

Abstract: A service for facilitating a determination of path quality between a first endpoint node and a second endpoint node in a network of nodes is provided. Path quality information is aggregated from across network internet service providers (ISPs), giving authorized endpoints access to path quality information for specified path segments of a path to another endpoint. Path quality information includes one or more metrics that measure available bandwidth, loss rate and/or latency.

Abstract: A resource allocation framework for wireless/wired networks is described. In an embodiment, methods of end host based traffic management are described which operate separately from the underlying access control protocol within the network (e.g. wireless MAC protocol or TCP). The rate limits for each flow are set based on per-flow weights, which may be user specified, and based on an estimate of the utilization of the shared resource and the rate limits are adjusted periodically so that the resource is not underutilized or saturated. Some embodiments compute a virtual capacity of the resource which is adjusted to optimize the value of the utilization and then the virtual capacity is shared between flows according to the per-flow weights. Methods for estimating the utilization of a wireless network and the capacity of a broadband access link are also described.

Abstract: Dynamic channel and transmission rate selection is described. In an example, a communication resource for transmitting data to a receiver is selected from several channels, each having several associated rates. The selection comprises storing a weighting factor for each channel/rate combination, monitoring transmission performance on a selected channel and rate, and inferring performance for other rates on the selected channel from the monitored performance. Each weighting factor is then updated using the monitored and inferred performances, and used to select a channel/rate combination for subsequent transmission. In another example, a communication device comprises a transmitter, a processor, and a memory arranged to store a weighting factor associated with each receiver, channel and rate combination.

Abstract: Full-duplex wireless communication is described. In an embodiment, a transceiver device having a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit receives a data packet sent over a shared communication medium. In the embodiment, the transceiver reads the header of the data packet and starts transmitting an output signal on the same shared communication medium. Embodiments are described in which, whilst the transmission of the output signal is ongoing, the transceiver receives an impaired data signal which is made up of the payload of the data packet and interference from the output signal. In the embodiment, a cancellation signal is derived from the output signal, and this is combined with the impaired data signal to remove the interference and recover the payload of the data packet.

Abstract: Full-duplex wireless communication is described. In an embodiment, a transceiver device having a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit receives a data packet sent over a shared communication medium. In the embodiment, the transceiver reads the header of the data packet and starts transmitting an output signal on the same shared communication medium. Embodiments are described in which, whilst the transmission of the output signal is ongoing, the transceiver receives an impaired data signal which is made up of the payload of the data packet and interference from the output signal. In the embodiment, a cancellation signal is derived from the output signal, and this is combined with the impaired data signal to remove the interference and recover the payload of the data packet.

Abstract: Using location-independent names to identify content, a service for mapping endpoint requests to requested content. Content requested by an endpoint of the network is mapped to a dynamic “swarm” of server, peer, or other endpoints capable of supporting the content download. Content names are mapped to a dynamically generated content swarm, presenting a current set of hosts, which can provide the requested content. Optionally, varying degrees of explicit visibility into routing paths and the performance tradeoffs between those routing paths is supported. Based on a set of class of service parameters for a given request for content, a host can initiate route selection based on class of service parameters, predicated on routing metrics maintained by the network by cooperating endpoints and/or network routers.

Abstract: A service for facilitating a determination of path quality between a first endpoint node and a second endpoint node in a network of nodes is provided. Path quality information is aggregated from across network internet service providers (ISPs), giving authorized endpoints access to path quality information for specified path segments of a path to another endpoint. Path quality information includes one or more metrics that measure available bandwidth, loss rate and/or latency.

Abstract: A communication network includes a number of network nodes linked together by transmission paths. A network manager controls acceptance of calls onto transmission paths by classifying an incoming call and selecting from the database an appropriate mean to peak bit rate distribution. This selected distribution is then used with the monitored transmission path load to determine a posterior distribution which reflects the load. The decision to accept or reject the call is made on the basis of the posterior distribution by a call acceptance algorithm considering the effective bandwidth for example.

Abstract: A method of controlling acceptance of a call by a network node in a communication network having a required quality of service includes the steps of determining an infimum of a function of the probability of the node being overloaded if the call if accepted and determining from that infimum the effective bandwidth of the calls to the node if that call should be accepted and determining a corresponding quality of service. The corresponding quality of service is then compared with a quality of service that is required for satisfactory operation of the network. If the quality if maintained or exceeded then the call is accepted for the node.