Dynamic Conference Call Configuration via Network Topology Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiparty voice and video conferencing systems face resource constraints and quality degradation due to the need for conference servers in large-scale setups, and lack proactive selection between peer-to-peer and client-server protocols based on client location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically configure conference calls by using peer-to-peer connections for clients on the same network and client-server connections for clients on different networks, utilizing customer premise equipment (CPE) with a route detection module to determine network locations and set up appropriate connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conference server is used to handle stream transmission for all clients, then all clients can be connected, but the server resources are taxed heavily and conference quality degrades with large numbers of participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conference architecture into multiple components: conference servers for coordination, and peer-to-peer connections for actual media transmission. This segmentation allows the server to avoid handling all stream transmissions directly, reducing server resource consumption while maintaining scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hybrid architecture where the conference server acts as an intermediary for session management and routing decisions, while peer-to-peer connections handle the actual media streams. This intermediary role allows the server to coordinate without being the bottleneck for all transmissions.
2Loss of energy
If peer-to-peer conferencing is used, then server resources are saved, but clients on different networks cannot efficiently connect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the connection method based on the specific network context of each client pair. Clients on the same local network use peer-to-peer connections for efficient direct communication, while clients on different networks use server-mediated connections, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for each scenario.
3Productivity
If clients determine connection type reactively based on bandwidth availability, then some optimization is achieved, but the solution is not proactive and does not consider network location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having clients determine their network location and establish the appropriate connection type (peer-to-peer or server-mediated) before the conference begins. This proactive approach allows optimization based on network topology rather than reactive adjustments during the conference.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dynamic configuration of a digital conference call among customer premise equipment (CPE) such that CPEs that are determined to be located on a same local network connect via a peer-to-peer connection and CPEs that are determined to not be located on the same local network connect via a client-server connection.