Methods and apparatus for predictive capacity allocation

摘要

Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.

主权项

1. A method of operating a content distribution network, comprising:
obtaining first data relating to said operation of said network over a period of time; identifying at least one correlation between said first data and a future context; projecting at least one parameter for said future context based at least in part on said first data; providing a plurality of programs via a multi-program transport stream (MPTS) to a plurality of devices in a service node; removing at least one program from said MPTS based at least in part on said projection; and restoring at least one of said at least one program to said MPTS based at least in part on a second projection.