Seamless Data Stream Switching via Path Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems face significant latency and operational complexity when handling network failures, particularly in streaming video and voice applications, as conventional methods to minimize network reconvergence time add complexity and require higher network performance rather than improving application resiliency within existing performance envelopes.
Innovation Solution
Creating a single, uninterrupted data stream by combining nominally identical data streams from geographically disparate locations over topologically distinct network paths, using a data stream repair device to synchronize and repair missing or corrupt data segments, thereby reducing the likelihood of data loss and enhancing resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional network reconvergence methods are used to handle network failures, then network routing is reconfigured, but data traffic flow halts during reconvergence causing latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple routed paths for data traffic before network failures occur. When a failure is detected, the system can immediately switch to a pre-configured alternative path without undergoing time-consuming reconvergence, thereby eliminating latency while maintaining network reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a path selection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the network failure and the data traffic flow. This mediator monitors network conditions and automatically redirects traffic through alternative paths, preventing the halt in data flow that would otherwise occur during traditional reconvergence
2Loss of time
If conventional methods attempt to decrease network reconvergence duration, then failure recovery is faster, but operational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complex real-time reconvergence optimization, the system performs path configuration in advance during normal operation. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex runtime decision-making and reduces operational complexity while achieving fast failure recovery through immediate path switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic path selection system that adapts to network conditions by monitoring failure states and automatically switching between pre-configured paths. This dynamic approach simplifies operations compared to static reconvergence methods while maintaining fast recovery times
3Productivity
If network performance is increased to meet application needs during failures, then data delivery improves, but existing network performance envelopes are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains data delivery performance within existing network envelopes by pre-configuring multiple paths that each operate at normal performance levels. When failures occur, the switch to alternative paths maintains productivity without requiring the network to operate beyond its designed performance capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing seamless redundancy in an output data stream includes the steps of: receiving a first data stream originating from a first location, the first data stream being conveyed over a first network path; receiving at least a second data stream originating from a second location that is geographically distinct from the first location, the second data stream comprising nominally identical content relative to the first data stream, the second data stream being conveyed over a second network path that is topologically distinct from the first network path; and combining first data segments from the first data stream and second data segments from the second data stream to generate a single, uninterrupted output data stream having a reduced likelihood of overlapping, missing and/or corrupt data segments.