COMPUTER NETWORK SIZE GROWTH FORECASTING METHOD AND SYSTEM

A method is provided for estimating the size of a computer network such as the Internet. A computer generates a random sample of potential network addresses and then determines whether those sample addresses are currently allocated to computers on the network. Using samples taken at multiple points in time, the computer statistically models the growth of the network. The model has unknown parameters, and values of the parameters are estimated using previously sampled data. Using the estimated parameter values in the model, the computer estimates the number of computers on the network at historical points in time. The computer also uses the model to forecast the number of computers on the network at future points in time.