초록 ▼

A system identifies transmission routes between a user and a desired destination site on a wide area communications network, such as the Internet. The system then detects transit characteristics for each of the transmission routes. A user can request the level of activity on the routes. Thus, the us

A system identifies transmission routes between a user and a desired destination site on a wide area communications network, such as the Internet. The system then detects transit characteristics for each of the transmission routes. A user can request the level of activity on the routes. Thus, the user can be apprised of the existence of possible congestion in any attempt to access the desired destination site.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for advising users of a communications network of a level of activity on the communications network, the method comprising the steps of:a) selecting a destination site;b) selecting an entry point into the network;c) tracing a transmission route, including a plura

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for advising users of a communications network of a level of activity on the communications network, the method comprising the steps of:a) selecting a destination site;b) selecting an entry point into the network;c) tracing a transmission route, including a plurality of links and at least one intermediate point between said entry point and said destination site, from said entry point to said destination site;d) gathering transit characteristics information regarding said transmission route by detecting occurrences of packet loss and measuring round trip transmission delay, on at least one of the links;e) determining a network activity status based on said transit characteristics;f) storing the network activity status;g) receiving a request for a level of activity on said network related to said destination site; andh) reporting activity status based on said stored network activity status, in response to said request.