Assisted Media Delivery Switching Between Edge Servers and Peer Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media streaming systems face challenges in efficiently switching between edge servers and peer-to-peer CDNs to manage bandwidth requirements and ensure reliable media delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for seamlessly switching computing devices between edge servers and peer groups by initiating an assisted delivery service that identifies and communicates with peer computing devices based on proximity, error states, resolution capabilities, and network conditions to optimize media content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If media content is delivered from an edge server, then delivery reliability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments media content delivery into multiple sources: edge servers provide reliable delivery of critical content segments, while peer devices deliver other segments to reduce overall bandwidth consumption. The media player divides content requests between server-based and peer-to-peer delivery channels based on content availability and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces peer devices as intermediaries between edge servers and the media player. These peer devices cache media content and act as intermediate delivery points, reducing direct bandwidth consumption from edge servers while maintaining delivery reliability through multiple available sources.
2Loss of energy
If media content is delivered via peer-to-peer CDN, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different delivery sources (edge servers vs. peer devices) to serve different content segments or different playback scenarios based on local conditions. The system dynamically selects whether to use server or peer delivery for each content segment based on availability, reliability requirements, and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes delivery parameters dynamically by monitoring buffer levels, network conditions, and content availability. When peer-to-peer delivery is used, the system adjusts content segment selection, delivery timing, and quality parameters to maintain reliability while reducing bandwidth consumption.
3Productivity
If assisted delivery service is initiated, then media delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling peer devices to automatically cache media content and provide delivery services to other peers without requiring complex centralized coordination. The system uses simple discovery mechanisms and direct peer-to-peer transfers, reducing overall system complexity while improving delivery efficiency through distributed content sharing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for switching computing devices between edge servers and peer groups. One example method includes receiving, at a client computing device and from a first computing device, media content. A request to initiate an assisted delivery service is sent from the client computing device to a second computing device. The assisted delivery service is initiated in response to the request. The assisted delivery service comprises identifying, at the second computing device, one or more peer computing devices receiving the media content. At the second computing device, instructions that enable the client computing device to discover at least one of the peer computing devices are generated. The instructions are sent from the second computing device to the client computing device. At the client computing device, a peer computing device is discovered. A request to receive a portion of the media content is sent from the client computing device to a discovered peer computing device. The portion of the media content is received at the client computing device from the peer computing device.