Distributed Network Zone Manager for Video Conferencing Scheduling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current video network communication management and scheduling systems face performance degradation and increased failure rates when managing large, dynamic IP (SIP, H.323) and mobile 3G (3G-324M) video networks, as they rely on centralized database models prone to decreased performance and data security concerns, necessitating a shift to a distributed design for scalable and dynamic network management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed system with Network Zone Managers that provide scheduling, validation, and control services across interconnected zones, utilizing a standard functional interface for inter-zone communication, resource management, and real-time reporting, while maintaining service information and endpoint lookups, and managing bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized database model is used to manage network information, then network management and scheduling can be simplified, but performance decreases and failure rates increase in large-scale dynamic networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized database model into distributed database models across multiple network zones. Each zone maintains its own database, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized systems while distributing the management load. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through distribution while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that facilitates communication and data exchange between distributed zones. The gateway implements standardized protocols and interfaces, allowing zones to operate independently while maintaining system-wide coordination. This intermediary approach preserves ease of operation by abstracting the complexity of distributed management.
2Device complexity
If a monolithic management and scheduling system is used, then system design is simplified, but the solution becomes limited and brittle for large-scale WAN or Internet video networks
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic system is segmented into multiple independent zone managers, each handling a specific network zone. This modular architecture allows the system to scale by adding or removing zones without redesigning the entire system. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining design simplicity at the zone level while achieving scalability through modular composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic system where zones can be added, removed, or modified without affecting other zones. The distributed architecture allows the network to adapt to changing requirements by dynamically provisioning new zones or adjusting existing ones. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple zone-level design while enabling system-wide adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all conference information is kept in a centralized database, then data consistency is maintained, but data security concerns increase and management costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
Conference information is segmented and distributed across multiple zone databases rather than centralized in a single database. Each zone maintains its own data locally, reducing the attack surface and eliminating the single point of failure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining data consistency within zones while improving security through distribution and reduced centralization risks.
Solution Approach 2:
Each zone maintains its own local database with data relevant to its specific network segment. This local data storage reduces the need for centralized data access and improves security by limiting exposure. The local quality approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining consistency within local contexts while reducing security risks associated with centralized data concentration.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, system, and computer program product example embodiments of the invention are disclosed to manage multiple network zones interconnected over a wide area network for video conferencing. In one example embodiment of the invention, an interface of a zone controller is configured to receive a first user request to schedule local resources for a video conferencing session within a local network zone. The zone controller is configured to access local services in the zone to schedule the local resources for the video conferencing session. The interface of the zone controller is further configured to receive a second user request to schedule remote resources in a remote network zone for the video conferencing session. A local Network Zone Manager in the zone controller is configured to determine a remote Network Zone Manager responsible for the remote resources in the remote network zone in response to the second user request. The local Network Zone Manager is further configured to send the second request to the remote Network Zone Manager. The local Network Zone Manager is further configured to receive information on availability of the remote resources from the remote Network Zone Manager and pass the information to a local scheduling service in the zone controller, which is configured to then schedule the video conferencing session between the local and remote resources.