Intelligent multiplexing using class-based, multi-dimensioned decision logic for managed networks

A server system, comprising:

• one or more processors;
• and
• memory storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:
• for a group of user sessions assigned to a single modulator, wherein the user sessions comprise data in a plurality of classes, each class having a respective priority, determining that an aggregate bandwidth for a first frame time exceeds a specified budget for the modulator;
• and
• in response to determining that the aggregate bandwidth for the first frame time exceeds the specified budget:
• allocating a first portion of the data for a first user session in the group of user sessions and allocating a second portion of the data for a second user session in the group of user sessions, where both the first portion and the second portion are allocated in accordance with the class priorities that prioritize a user-interface graphical element higher than video data for a video frame;
• and
• transmitting the allocated portions of the data for the group of user sessions through the modulator during the first frame time, including:
• transmitting all audio data in the group of user sessions;
• dropping the video frame;
• and
• using bandwidth freed by dropping the video frame to transmit the user-interface graphical element.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured for execution by one or more processors of a server system, the one or more programs comprising instructions for:

• for a group of user sessions assigned to a single modulator, wherein the user sessions comprise data in a plurality of classes, each class having a respective priority, determining that an aggregate bandwidth for a first frame time exceeds a specified budget for the modulator;
• and
• in response to determining that the aggregate bandwidth for the first frame time exceeds the specified budget:
• allocating a first portion of the data for a first user session in the group of user sessions and allocating a second portion of the data for a second user session in the group of user sessions, where both the first portion and the second portion are allocated in accordance with the class priorities that prioritize a user-interface graphical element higher than video data for a video frame;
• and
• transmitting the allocated portions of the data for the group of user sessions through the modulator during the first frame time, including:
• transmitting all audio data in the group of user sessions;
• dropping the video frame;
• and
• using bandwidth freed by dropping the video frame to transmit the user-interface graphical element.