Cellular Video Download Encoding-Rate Control Using MSEBR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive bit rate (ABR) streaming techniques in cellular networks face challenges such as initial trial periods leading to compromised user experience due to frequent changes in video quality, inability to quickly adapt to channel conditions, and inefficient utilization of bandwidth, especially when clients move between cells.
Innovation Solution
A system calculates a maximum sustainable encoding bit rate (MSEBR) based on current and historical communication channel conditions, inhibiting clients from downloading video segments at bit rates exceeding this threshold to optimize encoding bit rates and manage communication bit rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive bit rate streaming allows clients to request segments at different encoding bit rates based on perceived channel conditions, then video quality can be adapted to available bandwidth, but initial trial periods cause frequent changes in video quality compromising user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the maximum sustainable encoding bit rate (MSEBR) in advance based on historical communication bit rates and current channel conditions before the client begins downloading video segments. This pre-calculated MSEBR is then used to stabilize subsequent segment downloads, avoiding frequent quality changes during the initial trial period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring communication channel conditions and using this information to dynamically adjust the MSEBR. The MSEBR calculation incorporates historical communication bit rates and current channel state, creating a feedback loop that stabilizes video quality while adapting to changing network conditions.
2Productivity
If clients quickly adapt to channel conditions by frequently changing encoding bit rates, then bandwidth utilization can be optimized, but user experience deteriorates due to frequent video quality changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by calculating MSEBR as a weighted average of historical communication bit rates and current channel conditions, then uses this derived parameter to select appropriate encoding bit rates from a predefined set. This parameter transformation approach optimizes bandwidth utilization while maintaining video quality consistency by selecting from discrete, stable bit rate options rather than continuously varying rates.
3Productivity
If the system calculates MSEBR based on historical communication bit rates, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but the system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by having the base station autonomously calculate and enforce the MSEBR without requiring complex client-side monitoring or calculation mechanisms. The base station uses its own network resources to monitor communication bit rates and calculate MSEBR, then informs the client of the appropriate encoding bit rate, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining optimized bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments include a system that includes network interface and a processor. The processor is configured to identify, via the network interface, a state of congestion in a communication channel between a base station belonging to a cellular network and a client device, to calculate, responsively to the state of congestion, a maximum sustainable encoding bit rate (MSEBR) for a video that is being downloaded by the client device, from a server, via the communication channel, the video being encoded at a plurality of different predefined bit rates, and to inhibit the client device, in response to calculating the MSEBR, from downloading a segment of the video that is encoded at any one of the predefined bit rates that exceeds the MSEBR. Other embodiments are also described.