Client Device Chunk Identifier Selection in Content Delivery Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video streaming technologies face challenges in selecting the optimal chunk identifier when multiple delivery paths with varying bandwidth conditions exist, leading to sub-optimal content delivery due to inadequate information about available chunks and network conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves transmitting a first chunk retrieval request and a further request to retrieve delivery path information, allowing the client device to select a chunk identifier based on comprehensive network information, including bandwidth indicators and chunk availability across different delivery paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the client device requests chunks from multiple delivery paths without comprehensive network information, then the content delivery can proceed, but the selection of chunk identifiers becomes sub-optimal due to inadequate information about available chunks and bandwidth conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the client device transmit a further request to retrieve delivery path information before making chunk selection decisions. This advance retrieval of bandwidth indicators and chunk availability information from multiple delivery paths enables informed chunk identifier selection, resolving the contradiction between information accuracy and system complexity by preparing necessary data beforehand.
2Productivity
If the client device transmits additional requests to retrieve delivery path information, then the chunk identifier selection improves, but the network overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retrieval of delivery path information with the existing chunk request process. The further request for delivery path information is transmitted in conjunction with chunk retrieval requests, and the received information is integrated into the chunk selection logic. This combining of operations improves chunk selection efficiency while minimizing additional time overhead by consolidating communication with delivery servers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chunks are distributed across multiple delivery paths with different access networks, then content availability increases, but the difficulty of selecting optimal chunks increases due to varying bandwidth conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having delivery servers or intermediate network elements respond to client requests with delivery path information including bandwidth indicators and chunk availability status. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about network conditions across multiple delivery paths, enabling the client device to assess and adapt to varying bandwidth conditions, thereby resolving the difficulty of selecting optimal chunks in a multi-path environment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, a system and various components of such a system for selecting a chunk identifier in a content delivery network. In said network a first and a second chunk are available, belonging to different quality representations of a content item. A client device transmits a first chunk retrieval request for retrieving a first chunk and a further request. In response to said first chunk retrieval request and/or said further request, delivery path information is transmitted. The delivery path information may comprise chunk identifiers and bandwidth indicators. On the basis of the delivery path information the client device determines a chunk identifier to be included in a second chunk retrieval request for retrieving a second chunk.