Cable Hub Video Caching for Head End Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable services systems face inefficiencies in video-on-demand processing and transmission due to high demand on processing and transmission capacity at the head end, particularly with the streaming of video programming, which burdens the system and limits scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intelligent asset management system that caches high-demand video programming at cable system hubs, allowing titles to be streamed from the local hub instead of the head end, with titles flagged and cached based on attributes like age and demand, and dynamically managed to optimize storage and bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video programming titles are streamed from the cable system head end to individual customers, then video-on-demand service is provided, but processing capacity and transmission capacity at the head end are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the video distribution function by separating the head end (which maintains the master library) from local hubs (which cache and serve content). This segmentation allows processing to be distributed across multiple nodes, reducing the processing burden on the central head end while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Local hubs are introduced as intermediary nodes between the head end and customer set-top boxes. These hubs cache video content and handle local streaming requests, acting as mediators that reduce direct traffic and processing demands on the head end system.
2Reliability
If video programming titles are streamed from the cable system head end to individual customers, then video-on-demand service is provided, but transmission capacity between the head end and servicing hub is excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission network is segmented into two segments: head end to hub, and hub to customer. By caching content at hubs, the patent reduces the volume of data transmitted over the head end-to-hub segment, as subsequent requests are fulfilled locally without requiring additional head end transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
Video content is pre-cached at local hubs before customer requests arrive. This preliminary action of storing content at the edge (hub) enables local fulfillment of requests, eliminating the need for repeated transmissions from the head end and reducing overall transmission capacity requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable system head end processes and transmits each requested video programming title, then complete video library access is provided, but the head end system becomes overly burdened and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality between head end and hubs: the head end maintains the complete video library and handles content delivery to hubs, while hubs handle local customer requests. This segmentation improves overall system productivity by distributing processing tasks appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
Local hubs are empowered to serve themselves by caching content and autonomously fulfilling customer requests without requiring head end involvement for each request. This self-service capability at the hub level significantly improves system-wide processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for intelligently managing on-demand content in a cable services system. High demand video programs (e.g., movies, documentaries, mini-series, educational films, and the like) are stored at cable system hubs that service a number of individual cable customers. When a given video program is requested, the requested title is steamed from the hub servicing the requesting customer rather than streaming the requested program from the cable system head end. The video programs cached at the cable system hubs are determined based on attributes associated with individual video programs including time since initial release, association with other programs, association with hub locations, association with current events, and the like.