AVB Network Stream Mapping Across Layer 2 Domains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio Video Bridging (AVB) networks face challenges in maintaining quality-of-service and low latency when extended across large geographical areas or involving a large number of devices, making real-time streaming of audio and video content impractical due to high latency and device synchronization issues.

Innovation Solution

A method is established to connect talker and listener devices across extensive networks by mapping stream identification information between Layer 2 domains using Layer 3 protocols, enabling the creation of a single data stream that traverses multiple network domains, including AVB SRP and RSVP protocols, to ensure synchronized and low-latency data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If AVB network is extended across large geographical areas or numerous devices, then network coverage and device connectivity are improved, but latency increases and quality-of-service deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network is divided into multiple Layer 2 domains, each maintaining AVB quality-of-service guarantees independently. Stream identification information is mapped between domains to enable cross-domain communication while preserving low-latency characteristics within each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Layer 3 protocols serve as intermediaries between Layer 2 domains, enabling connection establishment across domains without compromising the AVB quality-of-service guarantees. The intermediary layer allows extended network coverage while maintaining the performance characteristics of individual domains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If AVB network includes large number of talker and listener nodes, then network versatility and application scope are improved, but device tracking and synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork device capacityVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into Layer 2 domains with limited numbers of devices each, simplifying tracking and synchronization within domains. Stream identification mapping enables coordination between domains, allowing the overall network to support large numbers of devices while maintaining manageable complexity at each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Layer 3 protocols act as intermediaries that handle the complexity of tracking and synchronizing devices across multiple domains. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity from individual domains, enabling versatile multi-device support without proportionally increasing synchronization difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If stream identification information is mapped between Layer 2 domains using Layer 3 protocols, then cross-domain data streaming capability is improved, but protocol integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-domain streaming capabilityVSAvoidprotocol integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stream identification mapping mechanism is designed to work universally across different Layer 2 domains, enabling cross-domain streaming without requiring domain-specific customization. This universal approach simplifies protocol integration by providing a standardized method for establishing connections across diverse network segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3420692B1Data streaming with layer 2 and layer 3 reservations
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3420692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3420692B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3420692B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The various embodiments set forth a method of establishing a connection between a talker device and a listener device over a network. The method comprises receiving first stream identification information for a first data stream segment disposed in a first layer 2 domain that includes a talker device, based at least in part on a mapping of the first stream identification information to the second stream identification information, determining second stream identification information for a second data stream segment that links the first layer 2 domain to a second layer 2 domain that includes a listener device, and transmitting the second stream identification information to the second layer 2 domain via a layer 3 protocol.