Customization File Syndication via Distributed Delivery Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video playback systems over the Internet face challenges in efficiently distributing and updating customization files across multiple servers to provide seamless playback experiences, especially for popular content, which requires a large number of servers to quickly retrieve and modify these files.
Innovation Solution
A method for syndicating customization files using a geographically-distributed delivery network with points of presence (POPs) that allows for dynamic updates and efficient distribution of these files, enabling seamless playback experiences by stitching together content objects and managing usage information to optimize delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a large number of servers are used to host customization files for popular playback experiences, then the speed and efficiency of retrieving customization files is improved, but the device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the customization file delivery function by separating the origin server (which stores and manages customization files) from the CDN edge servers (which cache and deliver them). This segmentation allows the origin server to remain simple while multiple distributed edge servers provide fast local access to customization files, resolving the contradiction between retrieval speed and server complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-caching customization files at CDN edge servers before they are actually needed. When a playback experience becomes popular, the customization files are already available at distributed edge locations, enabling fast retrieval without requiring a large number of origin servers to handle the demand
2Productivity
If customization files are distributed to multiple servers for efficient retrieval, then the productivity of video playback delivery is improved, but the difficulty of updating and synchronizing these files across servers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where CDN edge servers report cache status and hit/miss information back to the origin server. This feedback loop enables automated cache invalidation and update propagation, allowing customization files to be updated across the distributed network without manual intervention, thus maintaining high productivity while reducing update management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The origin server acts as an intermediary that coordinates updates across the CDN network. When a customization file needs updating, the origin server pushes the updated version to relevant edge servers, which then propagate it further. This intermediary approach simplifies update management compared to a fully decentralized model, maintaining productivity while reducing synchronization complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If customization files are modified after distribution to support dynamic updates, then the adaptability of the playback experience is improved, but the risk of serving incorrect versions to media players increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation by checking the validity period and version status of customization files before serving them to media players. The origin server validates incoming customization files and sets appropriate time-to-live (TTL) parameters, ensuring that only valid, current versions are cached and delivered. This preliminary action maintains adaptability for updates while ensuring reliability by preventing incorrect versions from being served
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual version management mechanisms with automated validation and version control systems. The origin server automatically validates customization files, assigns version identifiers, and manages cache invalidation based on time-to-live parameters. This substitution of automated digital validation for manual mechanical processes ensures that dynamic updates maintain both adaptability and reliability
4Productivity
If a geographically-distributed delivery network with POPs is used, then the efficiency and scalability of customization file distribution is improved, but the complexity of managing and synchronizing files across POPs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the POP management function by separating the origin server (which maintains the master copy of customization files) from the distributed POPs (which cache and serve local copies). Each POP operates semi-independently, serving local requests while periodically syncing with the origin server. This segmentation improves distribution efficiency through local caching while reducing management complexity by eliminating the need for continuous coordination between all POPs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by implementing selective caching and update propagation. Not all POPs receive all customization files - only those relevant to their geographic region or user base. Updates are propagated to subsets of POPs based on need, reducing the synchronization overhead and management complexity while maintaining high distribution efficiency for relevant content
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and/or system for syndicating customization files, which define playback experience for content rendered on media players. The customization files are referenced by links distributed to the media players. Each customization file references a plurality of content objects that are stitched together to create the playback experience. A delivery network is used to distribute the customization files to the media players. Updates to the customization files can be done after distribution of their corresponding links. Usage information for the customization files are reported from the media players.