Dynamic Local Mesh Network for Bandwidth-Efficient Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio and video conferencing systems consume substantial bandwidth when multiple participants access the same stream, leading to network disruptions and performance degradation in office environments with limited bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic mesh network is implemented using a mesh orchestrator to assign client machines as parent or child nodes, optimizing bandwidth usage by reducing redundant stream distribution and dynamically adjusting node assignments based on a Mesh Reliability Variable (MRV) to balance robustness and conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple participants access the same stream through traditional broadcasting, then all participants receive the audio and video streams, but substantial bandwidth is consumed leading to network disruptions and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the participant group into parent nodes and child nodes. Parent nodes receive streams directly from the broadcast source, while child nodes receive streams from parent nodes through peer-to-peer connections. This segmentation reduces the number of direct connections to the broadcast source, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable stream distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Parent nodes act as intermediaries between the broadcast source and child nodes. Instead of all participants directly receiving from the broadcast source, parent nodes receive and redistribute to their assigned child nodes. This intermediary mechanism reduces redundant stream distribution and conserves network bandwidth while ensuring all participants receive reliable stream delivery.
2Loss of energy
If a mesh network is implemented to reduce bandwidth consumption, then bandwidth is conserved, but network complexity increases requiring dynamic node assignment and management
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns parent and child node roles based on real-time network conditions and participant characteristics. The mesh orchestrator continuously monitors network state and reconfigures node assignments as needed. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to changing conditions, managing complexity through automation rather than static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes network parameters such as parent-child node assignments, mesh reliability variables, and bandwidth allocation based on observed network conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes bandwidth consumption while managing network complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed configuration.
3Loss of energy
If parent nodes are assigned to receive and distribute streams, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but network reconvergence may be required when parent nodes disconnect causing temporary disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-assigning alternative parent nodes and preparing backup stream distribution paths before disconnections occur. When a parent node disconnects, the mesh orchestrator can quickly activate pre-prepared alternatives, minimizing reconvergence time and preventing disruptions rather than reacting after the disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by creating redundant parent node assignments and backup distribution paths in advance. When a parent node fails, these pre-established alternatives provide immediate coverage, cushioning against the disruption and reducing the time needed for network reconvergence while maintaining continuous stream delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio, video conferencing with a dynamic, configurable mesh network is disclosed. A mesh reliability variable can condition the design of the mesh network between a high resiliency mode and a bandwidth saving mode. Artificial intelligence techniques and ranking techniques are provided to design the mesh network and determine which client machines are to act as parent nodes and/or child nodes. A Media Distribution Server (MDS) can provide the audio, video conference stream to the assigned parent nodes in the mesh network. The parent nodes can provide the stream to one or more child nodes over the local area network, conserving the external bandwidth of a recipient of the audio, video conference stream.