Edge Gateway Content Delivery via Multicast and Quality Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information delivery networks require separate optimizations for video on demand (VOD) and linear programming, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for multiple network types, which complicates efficient bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
An edge gateway device retrieves and manages content segments encoded at various bit rates, selecting segments based on quality indicators and available bandwidth, and can replace or insert local advertisements, using a manifest file to guide the process and optimize network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate networks are used for VOD and linear programming delivery, then service specialization is improved, but device complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines VOD and linear programming delivery into a single network infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate optimized networks. The edge gateway device handles both content types through unified mechanisms including segment retrieval, quality selection, and adaptive delivery, thereby reducing device complexity and operating costs while maintaining service specialization through software-based adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure is designed with universal components that can handle multiple content delivery functions. The edge gateway device performs multiple roles including segment retrieval, quality adaptation, and both linear and on-demand content delivery, allowing a single network to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized networks.
2Reliability
If multiple network types are deployed, then service quality is improved, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic quality selection where the edge gateway device adapts content delivery parameters based on real-time network conditions. Quality indicators and bandwidth availability are continuously monitored, allowing the system to dynamically adjust segment selection and delivery parameters, thereby maintaining service quality while optimizing bandwidth utilization across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes delivery parameters such as segment quality, bit rate, and delivery timing based on network conditions. The edge gateway device retrieves and buffers segments at different quality levels, then selects appropriate segments for delivery based on current bandwidth availability, allowing flexible adaptation that maintains quality where possible while conserving bandwidth when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for delivery of one or more channels of programming in an IP network. An edge gateway device may retrieve segments of programming, based on information in a manifest file, and output the segments via multicast to one or more edge devices. Advertising content may be inserted, or replaced if already present, before the segments are multicast. Segments encoded at various bit rates may be available for retrieval. Segments may be selected for retrieval based in part on a quality indicator associated with each segment.