# How Network Providers Subcontract Data Processing Tasks

> A method for internet service providers to bundle specific data processing tasks from many users and send them to a third party for efficient handling.

- **Patent:** US 8606929
- **Original title:** Methods, systems, and products for subcontracting segments in communications services
- **Owner:** AT&T Intellectual Property I LP
- **Granted:** 2013
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 3
- **Field:** telecommunications, software, ai_ml

## What it does

This patent describes a system where a network service provider, like an ISP, manages incoming data streams from multiple subscribers. Instead of processing every piece of data internally, the system identifies segments of data that require a specific service, such as deep packet inspection or complex transcoding. It then groups these specific segments from different users together and sends them to a third-party service provider to be processed in bulk. Once the third party completes the task, the results are sent back, re-aggregated into the original data streams, and delivered to the intended destinations.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover processing data streams entirely within a single service provider's infrastructure.
- Does not cover methods that do not involve grouping segments from multiple different subscribers.
- Does not cover standard routing of data packets where no specialized subcontracted processing service is applied.
- Does not cover real-time data streaming that does not utilize recursive segmentation based on historical packet structure.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in using the structure of past data sequences to determine how to segment current data, and then grouping these segments across different users to create an economy of scale for outsourced processing.

## Real-world examples

1. Cloud-based traffic optimization services
2. Third-party deep packet inspection for security
3. Automated video transcoding services for ISPs

## Why it matters

This patent addresses the massive computational load on modern network infrastructure. By allowing providers to offload specific, repetitive tasks to specialized third-party services, it enables more efficient use of network resources. It is particularly relevant for managing high-volume traffic in cloud-based communications and content delivery networks.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Network Providers Subcontract Data Processing Tasks cover?

A method for internet service providers to bundle specific data processing tasks from many users and send them to a third party for efficient handling.

### Who owns patent US 8606929?

AT&T Intellectual Property I LP owns this patent, granted in 2013.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on December 10, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What is patent US 8606929 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 3 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent addresses the massive computational load on modern network infrastructure. By allowing providers to offload specific, repetitive tasks to specialized third-party services, it enables more efficient use of network resources. It is particularly relevant for managing high-volume traffic in cloud-based communications and content delivery networks.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover processing data streams entirely within a single service provider's infrastructure.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8606929/aws-lambda

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US8606929

---

_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._