CDN Architecture Parallel Broadcast Channels Reduce Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional live video streaming platforms introduce significant delays due to tree network architectures, which increase throughput delay and processing overhead, making real-time interaction between streamers and viewers inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) architecture with multiple system racks and media channels allows for parallel data stream distribution to viewing clients, utilizing relay nodes to ensure simultaneous streaming to multiple groups without the need for data storage, thereby reducing delays and processing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tree network architecture is used to transmit media streams to multiple users, then the fan-out capability is achieved, but the throughput delay increases and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media transmission system into parallel broadcast channels instead of a sequential tree structure. Each broadcast channel operates independently to deliver media to specific user groups simultaneously, eliminating the sequential traversal delay inherent in tree architectures while maintaining the ability to serve multiple users through multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a hierarchical tree structure (vertical dimension) to a parallel broadcast channel structure (horizontal dimension). This dimensional change allows media to be transmitted across multiple channels simultaneously rather than traversing multiple layers sequentially, fundamentally reducing throughput delay while preserving fan-out capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tree network architecture is used to transmit media streams, then multiple users can receive the stream, but the processing overhead to transmit and control data flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the media transmission function from complex tree-based routing and control mechanisms. By using dedicated broadcast channels that inherently provide one-to-many delivery, the system eliminates the need for complex intermediate routing decisions, packet reassembly, and flow control operations required in tree architectures, thereby reducing processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast channels serve as intermediary elements that simplify the interaction between media sources and multiple users. Instead of requiring complex tree-based routing protocols and control mechanisms, the broadcast channels act as dedicated mediators that automatically deliver media to all subscribed users simultaneously with minimal processing overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If media is stored for transit through the tree network, then the fan-out is achieved, but the throughput delay increases for recipients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous media transmission through parallel broadcast channels without interruption or storage delays. Media flows continuously from the source through multiple simultaneous broadcast channels to users, eliminating the store-and-forward mechanism required in tree architectures. This continuous action ensures that recipients receive media at minimal delay while maintaining the ability to serve multiple users concurrently.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for broadcasting data streams. The CDN allows a streamer to stream live (in realtime) on a network(s), such as the Internet, for a live audience to view and to interact with the live entertainment. Each of the broadcast clients send data streams to the CDN via an input node, wherein the CDN output a selected media stream to one or more selected viewing clients via the output node. The architecture of the CDN contains one or more System Racks. Each of the System Racks contains multiple media channels. In operation, the data stream of a broadcasting client is sent to the CDN and distributed into selected channels. The data streams in each of the selected channels are outputted to viewing clients of a corresponding type.