Method for reducing congestion in packet-switched networks

Abstract

The present invention permits a network service provider to detect an operational condition—such as congestion—in a packet-switched network and to alleviate such congestion by providing customer incentives to avoid use of the network. The detection mechanism triggers an incentive such as the modification of the user's access charges and the customer can be immediately notified of either the occurrence of the congestion or of information regarding the incentive. Usage of the network during congested periods can be deterred by imposing additional access charges during such periods—similarly, customers can be given a discount to encourage usage during period of low congestion. An incentive schedule can be tailored to dynamically change the usage patterns of the customers of the network to accommodate the operational conditions in the network. The present invention has application in the Internet, where a detection/notification mechanism, for example, can be implemented in a network node such as a router or in a network endpoint such as a client machine or a proxy or mail server.

1 . A method of detecting and alleviating congestion in a packet-switched communication network, the method comprising the steps of: 
 recognizing the occurrence of congestion at a network endpoint through dropped packets;    offering, to customers already engaged in transmission on the packet-switched communication network, a financial incentive to utilize the network at a later time.    
   
   
       2 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the offered financial incentive takes the form of reduced billing charges for later use of the packet-switched network.  
   
   
       3 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the offered financial incentive takes the form of increased billing charges for remaining on the packet-switched network during the during congestion period.  
   
   
       4 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the financial incentive is modified dynamically as congestion increases or decreases in the packet-switched network.  
   
   
       5 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the packet-switched network is the Internet.  
   
   
       6 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the offer is provided via an email notification to the network user.  
   
   
       7 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the offer is provided via a “popup” window at a network user's terminal.