System and method of pacing real time media transmission over a broadband channel using micro bursting

In a microburst gateway for transmitting a media file over a transmission channel having excess bandwidth, comprising a packet buffer receiving and storing data packets of the media file, a processor and a memory having computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by the processor:

• a microburst controller controlling transmission of the data packets stored in the packet buffer in bursts, recurring over respective window periods, at a higher than an average packet rate, the average packet rate being associated with the media file, each window period comprising a burst duration time during which a burst is transmitted and a remaining idle time, the window period and a number of packets in the burst within the window period being defined so that the average packet rate is substantially maintained;
• and
• a packet gate module for limiting the number of packets sent in each window period not to exceed a packet count limit.

A method for transmitting a media file over a transmission channel having excess bandwidth, the method comprising:

• at a packet buffer, receiving and storing data packets of the media file;
• and
• employing a processor for controlling transmission of the data packets stored in the packet buffer in bursts, recurring over respective window periods, at a higher than an average packet rate, the average packet rate being associated with the media file, each window period comprising a burst duration time during which a burst is transmitted and a remaining idle time, the window period and a number of packets in the burst within the window period being defined so that the average packet rate is substantially maintained.