Method and Apparatus for Estimating Available Capacity of a Data Transfer Path

A method in an apparatus for estimating available capacity of a data transfer path that transfers data between data communication nodes of a data communication system, the method comprising:

• receiving probe packets that traverse the data transfer path during real-time operation of the data transfer path;
• providing measured data, zε, indicating strain of the received probe packets for use in estimating the available capacity of the data transfer path;
• classifying the measured data based on the strain, zε, of the received probe packets;
• filtering the classified measured data into a discrete representation of a probability density function of available capacity;
• and
• estimating the available capacity by using the discrete representation of the probability density function.

An apparatus for estimating available capacity of a data transfer path that transfers data between data communication nodes of a data communication system, comprising:

• a data production unit configured to receive probe packets that have traversed the data transfer path during real-time operation of the data transfer path, said data production unit responsive to traversal of the data transfer path by said probe packets for providing, during said real-time operation of the data transfer path, measured data, zu, zε, indicating strain of the received probe packets for use in estimating the available capacity of the data transfer path;
• a filtering unit configured to classify the measured data based on the strain, zε, of the received probe packets and to filter the classified measured data into a discrete representation of a probability density function of available capacity;
• and
• an estimation unit configured to estimate the available capacity by using the discrete representation of the probability density function.