Method and apparatus for real time communication over switched networks

Abstract

A method and apparatus for communicating a real time media input over a network. The apparatus encodes the input into data packets having a number of frames ordered according to a first variable. A receiving device unpacks and buffers the unpacked data packets for playout according to a second variable. The receiving device generates utility parameters for evaluating a dynamic characteristic of the network that transports the data packets. The receiving device selects a preferred utility parameter and adjusts the first and second variable according to the selected utility parameter. The method includes encoding an analog input into data packets that are transported to a receiving device. The method also includes unpacking the data packets, buffering the unpacked data packets according to a second variable, and generating at least two utility parameters that represent a dynamic characteristic of a network. The method also includes selecting a preferred utility parameter and adjusting the first and the second variables according to the selected preferred utility parameter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.