Dynamic Upstream Bandwidth Control for Content Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Broadband networks face challenges in controlling unauthorized redistribution of copyrighted content, as existing methods like encryption and watermarks are either restrictive or difficult to enforce, and there is a need for a solution that allows flexible fair use practices while minimizing unauthorized redistribution within existing network structures.
Innovation Solution
A broadband network device dynamically controls the upstream link bandwidth of a user node, restricting media data transfers to low rates by default and increasing bandwidth only upon verified authorization, enabling traceable and authorized redistribution of content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If upstream bandwidth is increased to enable efficient content redistribution, then authorized content transfer speed is improved, but unauthorized content redistribution becomes easier
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the bandwidth parameter of upstream connections based on authorization status. Authorized users receive high bandwidth allocations for efficient content transfer, while unauthorized users are restricted to low bandwidth that makes redistribution impractical. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making bandwidth a conditional resource rather than a fixed allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandwidth allocation system transitions from static to dynamic control, adjusting upstream bandwidth in real-time based on content protection attributes and authorization verification. The system can rapidly switch between high-bandwidth authorized mode and low-bandwidth restricted mode, enabling efficient legal redistribution while preventing unauthorized sharing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If encryption is used to prevent unauthorized redistribution, then content protection is improved, but user flexibility to transfer content is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary authorization mechanism that sits between the content and the user. Instead of directly encrypting content or allowing free transfer, the system uses bandwidth allocation as an intermediary control mechanism. Authorized users gain access to high-speed transfer capabilities through verification of content protection attributes, while unauthorized users face bandwidth restrictions. This intermediary approach preserves user flexibility for legitimate uses while preventing unauthorized redistribution.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bandwidth is restricted to prevent unauthorized redistribution, then content protection is improved, but authorized content transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the bandwidth parameter dynamically based on authorization verification. When content protection attributes are verified and authorization is confirmed, the system transitions from low-bandwidth restriction mode to high-bandwidth efficient transfer mode. This parameter change ensures that authorized content transfer maintains high productivity while unauthorized redistribution remains bandwidth-constrained.
4Productivity
If asymmetric bandwidth allocation is used for broadband networks, then network capacity utilization is improved, but control over upstream content redistribution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds dynamic control capabilities to the existing asymmetric bandwidth allocation framework. While the network maintains its natural asymmetric structure for efficient capacity utilization, the invention superimposes dynamic authorization-based control on top of this structure. The broadband network device can now adjust upstream bandwidth within the asymmetric framework based on content protection attributes, enabling both efficient network utilization and effective redistribution control.
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband network device is configured, in a broadband network, for dynamically controlling an upstream link bandwidth of a user node configured for downloading content via a downstream link having a prescribed bandwidth and uploading content through the broadband network via an upstream link according to the upstream link bandwidth. The broadband network device sets the upstream link bandwidth to a bandwidth value optimized for minimal-size data (e.g., message-based) transfers and that substantially restricts transfers of media-based (e.g., digital video or audio) data transfers to substantially long time intervals. The broadband network device is configured for dynamically increasing the upstream link bandwidth to an increased bandwidth value optimized for media-based data transfers, based on an identified authorization. The authorization may be supplied externally, for example, by a content provider, or based on a verification supplied by an authorization server that the user node is authorized to redistribute the content. Hence, content distribution can be controlled based on dynamically controlling the upstream link bandwidth according to content authorization, substantially minimizing the occurrences of unauthorized content redistribution.