Network Content Request Bundling for Multicast Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks fail to efficiently distribute content due to individual content requests from users, leading to multiple unicast transmissions instead of more resource-efficient multicast or broadcast transmissions, even when multiple users request the same content within a narrow timeframe.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify and bundle similar content requests within a predetermined time limit or until a certain number of requests are met, switching from unicast to multicast or broadcast transmissions, and forecast content demands to optimize data delivery using multicast and/or broadcast mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If unicast transmission is used for each content request, then individual user requests are served immediately, but network resource efficiency deteriorates due to multiple redundant transmissions of the same content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual unicast requests into a single multicast transmission by identifying requests for the same content within a predetermined time window. The network node aggregates these requests and switches to multicast mode, thereby serving multiple users simultaneously through one transmission stream, which reduces redundant network resource usage while maintaining individual service capability.
2Loss of energy
If multicast transmission is used to improve network efficiency, then resource usage is optimized, but the ability to serve individual requests promptly deteriorates due to the need for request aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transmission mode selection mechanism that adapts between unicast and multicast based on real-time request patterns. The system monitors incoming requests within a predetermined time window and dynamically switches transmission modes: using unicast when requests are sparse or individual, and switching to multicast when multiple requests for the same content are detected, thus balancing efficiency gains with service responsiveness.
3Productivity
If content requests are bundled into multicast transmissions, then network capacity utilization improves, but the complexity of request management increases due to need for request identification and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining bundling criteria before request aggregation begins. The system establishes predetermined time windows and content matching rules in advance, allowing the network node to automatically identify and group compatible requests without complex real-time decision-making. This pre-established framework simplifies the management process while enabling effective request bundling for multicast transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for usage optimization in a communication network, wherein the communication network comprises: at least one content host, configured to provide at least one content; a plurality of content requesting units, configured to send a content request and to receive content via at least one access option; one or more access network units configured to provide one or more access option to one or more of the content requesting units for receiving content request from and delivering content to the respective content requesting unit; and a transport network configured to transport content requests sent from a respective content requesting unit, via an access option of a respective access network unit, to a respective content host and to deliver content from the content host to the respective access network unit. Wherein the method comprises an analyzing step, performed in the transport network, in which a plurality of content requests is collected and analyzed; and an optimizing step, performed in the transport network, in which the content delivery via the transport network and/or via the access network unit is optimized based on the analysis result.