PREVENTION OF BANDWIDTH ABUSE OF A COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

摘要

A user of a communications network is prevented from consuming an excessive amount of channel bandwidth by restricting use of the channel in accordance with the type of data being downloaded to the user. The user is provided an initial number of credits. As the user consumes the credits, the data being downloaded is checked to determine if is permissible or non-permissible. Non-permissible data includes file-sharing files and movie downloads if user subscription does not permit such activity. If the data is permissible, the user is provided another allotment of credits equal to the initial allotment. If the data is non-permissible, the user is provided an allotment of credits less than the initial allotment. Various restriction policies also can be applied, such as levying additional fees and/or terminating the user's access to the channel. Also, incentives can be provided to entice the user curb the misuse.

主权项

1. A network device comprising:
a processor; and memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing executable instructions that cause the processor to effectuate operations comprising:
determining that a radio access bearer request has been received from a second device associated with a first bandwidth threshold and a second bandwidth threshold;in response to the radio access bearer request, incrementing a bandwidth allotment associated with the second device;comparing the first bandwidth threshold to the bandwidth allotment after the radio access bearer request has been received;comparing the bandwidth allotment to the second bandwidth threshold based on the first bandwidth threshold being equal to the bandwidth allotment;responsive to the bandwidth allotment being less than or equal to the second bandwidth threshold, examining a permissibility of a communication; andresponsive to the communication being non-permissible, restricting network access of the second device and decreasing the first bandwidth threshold.