Providing estimated bandwidth ranges to network-attached entities

Abstract

In one example, the present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for providing estimated bandwidth ranges to network-attached entities such as applications, user endpoint devices, and customer premises equipment. For instance, in one example, a method performed by a processing system including at least one processor includes collecting performance data for a communications network from a plurality of sensors distributed throughout the communications network, calculating based on the performance data, an estimated lower limit of an available bandwidth in the communications network and an estimated upper limit of the available bandwidth in the communications network, receiving a query from a network attached entity for the available bandwidth in the communications network, and providing, in response to the query, the estimated lower limit and the estimated upper limit to the network attached entity.