Access Node Proxy for Unified Video Streaming Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet-based access/edge networks require separate platforms and protocols for broadcast/multicast TV services and on-demand services like time-shifted TV and video-on-demand, leading to over-complication, increased costs, and suboptimal resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single on-demand protocol, such as RTSP, across access/edge nodes to control multiple streaming video services, with integrated proxy functionality that interfaces with clients and uses a translation function to maintain multicast architecture for bandwidth-efficient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate platforms and protocols are used for broadcast/multicast TV services and on-demand services, then service functionality is maintained, but device complexity and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single platform to perform multiple functions: it can deliver both broadcast/multicast TV services and on-demand services through integrated proxy functionality. The access/edge node becomes universal by supporting multiple service types without requiring separate dedicated platforms for each service category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate broadcast service platforms and on-demand service platforms into a single integrated platform. By combining the proxy functionalities and using a unified request protocol, the system reduces the number of separate network elements while maintaining support for both service types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate platforms and protocols are used for broadcast/multicast TV services and on-demand services, then service functionality is maintained, but network elements and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access/edge node is designed as a universal element that handles both broadcast/multicast traffic and on-demand unicast traffic through integrated proxy functionality. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate network elements dedicated to specific service types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple service delivery functions into a single network element. The access/edge node merges broadcast service handling and on-demand service handling into one unified component, thereby reducing network element proliferation and simplifying management overhead.
3Reliability
If separate platforms are used for broadcast and on-demand services, then protocol-specific functionality is preserved, but resource utilization becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated proxy in the access/edge node provides universal protocol handling capabilities, supporting both IGMP for broadcast/multicast services and RTSP for on-demand services within a single platform. This allows the system to maintain protocol-specific functionality while optimizing resource utilization through shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An access/edge network node (300) according to the invention includes a single proxy function (301) to terminate on the subscriber side a single requesting protocol for a plurality of streaming video services.