CDNI Request Routing via PCP Flow Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery networks face challenges in efficiently delivering content at requested bitrates and times due to the lack of effective mechanisms for selecting the optimal downstream network that can satisfy client device requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system using Port Control Protocol (PCP) that allows client devices to request content with specific bitrate parameters, where an upstream content delivery network queries downstream networks to determine which can provide the content, and the client device is notified to prioritize data from the capable network, using flow metadata and FLOWDATA options to manage priority and bitrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content delivery networks query multiple downstream networks to find the optimal one, then content delivery reliability and quality are improved, but network query complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by querying downstream content delivery networks in advance to determine their capability to satisfy flow characteristics before actual content delivery begins. This allows the upstream network to pre-identify suitable downstream networks and establish appropriate routing decisions, improving reliability while managing complexity through proactive rather than reactive queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where downstream networks respond to capability queries with information about their ability to satisfy specific flow characteristics. This feedback loop allows the upstream network to make informed routing decisions based on actual network capabilities, ensuring reliable content delivery while optimizing the query process through targeted feedback-based selection.
2Speed
If the system prioritizes content delivery speed and bitrate, then user experience is improved, but network resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by using flow characteristics such as desired bitrate, timing requirements, and quality thresholds as key decision factors. By querying downstream networks about their ability to satisfy these specific parameter requirements, the system can prioritize content delivery speed and quality while managing resource allocation complexity through parameter-based filtering and selection criteria.
3Manufacturing precision
If downstream networks are queried for specific flow characteristics, then content delivery quality is improved, but query response time and processing delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by querying downstream networks about specific flow characteristics rather than requiring complete network status information. This selective querying approach maintains content delivery quality by focusing on relevant capability parameters while reducing overall query response time and processing delay compared to comprehensive network assessments.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for Content Delivery Networks Interconnection (CDNI) request routing using the PCP FLOWDATA option. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for content, and receiving, from a PCP server, flow characteristics for providing the content, where the PCP server receives the flow characteristics for providing the content from a PCP proxy that receives the flow characteristics from the client device. The method includes transmitting first data for querying the downstream content delivery network (CDN) to determine whether the downstream CDN can provide the content and satisfy the flow characteristics. The method includes receiving a response indicating the ability of the downstream CDN to provide the content and satisfy the flow characteristics, and transmitting second data based on the response, where the client device transmits flow metadata based on the second data to the PCP proxy.