Content Aware Multicast Transport via Interior Node Path Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network methods for transmitting multiple data streams, such as IPTV channels, either consume excessive bandwidth through broadcasting or use dedicated connections that increase network inefficiency by sending unneeded data streams, leading to reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A network configuration that determines whether requested content is already being transported and establishes connections through interior nodes to efficiently deliver only the requested content, using a path computation element to manage connections and reduce bandwidth consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If broadcasting is used to transmit all data flows from source to remote locations, then all locations receive all data flows, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into core nodes and access nodes, and segments data flows into content-specific streams. Instead of broadcasting all content to all nodes, the system creates targeted multicast groups for each content item, allowing selective distribution only to nodes that have requested specific content, thereby reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically establishes and tears down multicast connections based on real-time content requests. When content is requested, multicast groups are created and connections are established; when content is no longer requested, connections are terminated. This dynamic approach ensures bandwidth is consumed only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and bandwidth efficiency
2Loss of energy
If dedicated connections are established from source to each remote location for requested data flows, then unneeded data streams are limited, but bandwidth consumption increases and network performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual content requests into shared multicast connections. When multiple nodes request the same or overlapping content, the system combines their requirements into a single multicast group, allowing one source connection to serve multiple destinations. This merging reduces the total number of connections needed compared to dedicated point-to-point connections, thereby improving network performance while still avoiding transmission of unneeded data
Solution Approach 2:
The core nodes are designed with multi-functionality, serving as both routing points and multicast group leaders. A single core node can manage multiple multicast groups simultaneously, handling different content streams and serving multiple access nodes. This universal capability allows the network to efficiently handle diverse content requests without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each content stream, maintaining high network performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If all data flows are transmitted through the network, then content availability is maximized, but bandwidth is consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where access nodes send content requests to core nodes, and core nodes respond by establishing targeted multicast connections. The feedback loop continuously monitors content demand and adjusts the network topology accordingly - creating connections when content is requested and tearing them down when requests cease. This feedback-driven approach ensures content is available when needed while minimizing data transmission volume by only maintaining active connections for currently requested content
Data Source
AI summary
A network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising receiving a request for a content from a first node, determining whether a second node is associated with the content, and facilitating the transfer of the content from the second node to the first node when the second node is associated with the content, wherein the second node is an interior node. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving a request for a content from a first node in a network, determining whether the content is being distributed to a second node in the network, calculating a path between the second node and the first node when the content is being distributed to the second node, and establishing a connection along the path such that the content is distributed from the second node to the first node.