Dynamic Congestion Control for Video Streaming Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing streaming technologies face frequent re-buffering pauses due to internet connection limitations, particularly when the connection capacity is close to the stream quality or when video sources are remote, leading to inefficient use of bandwidth across multiple networks.
Innovation Solution
A congestion control method that dynamically creates and deletes concurrent download sessions and adjusts data chunk sizes based on continuous monitoring of the link's congestion status, optimizing the number of concurrent sessions and chunk sizes to maximize throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of concurrent download sessions is increased to maximize throughput, then download speed improves, but network congestion increases causing re-buffering pauses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of concurrent download sessions based on real-time network conditions. The congestion control mechanism continuously monitors link status and modifies session count accordingly, transitioning from static to adaptive concurrency management to resolve the contradiction between maximizing throughput and maintaining streaming continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system monitors network congestion indicators and uses this information to adjust the number of concurrent sessions. This closed-loop control ensures that download throughput is maximized while preventing congestion-induced re-buffering, as the system responds to actual network conditions rather than using fixed parameters.
2Productivity
If data chunk size is increased to reduce download overhead, then transmission efficiency improves, but bandwidth utilization decreases when link capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts data chunk size based on real-time bandwidth measurements and network conditions. Rather than using a fixed chunk size, the patent implements adaptive chunk sizing that responds to changing link capacity, allowing optimal efficiency across varying bandwidth conditions from high-speed to constrained connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data chunk size dynamically based on network conditions. When bandwidth is abundant, larger chunks improve efficiency; when bandwidth is constrained, smaller chunks optimize utilization. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between download efficiency and bandwidth adaptability.
3Productivity
If multiple concurrent download sessions are used to overcome connection limitations, then download speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the congestion control mechanism automatically manages the creation, maintenance, and termination of concurrent download sessions based on network conditions. This eliminates the need for manual session management and reduces operational complexity while maintaining high download speeds through adaptive multi-session operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic session management where underperforming or redundant download sessions are automatically discarded and replaced with more efficient sessions. This selective session management maintains optimal download speed while reducing unnecessary complexity by eliminating ineffective concurrent sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
A congestion control system and method for dynamically maximizing a communication link throughput is presented. The method involves monitoring and managing a variable number of streams from one or more URLs and their respective download fragment size in order to maximize the changing link capacity. The number of participating streams is adjusted according to total link congestion status.