Edge Router Unicast Multicast Conversion for Group Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for unicast-multicast conversion in group multimedia communications, such as voice over IP, often rely on application-level processing, which is resource-intensive and difficult to implement, especially when dealing with large volumes of packets and network configurations like Professional Mobile Radio networks that do not support multicast traffic.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing unicast-multicast conversion at the network level, utilizing edge routers with a packet processor and controller to process and convert data streams directly, without the need for content servers, using OpenFlow protocol rules to manage packet duplication, modification, and distribution based on user presence and group membership.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application-level processing using media servers is used for unicast-multicast conversion, then group multimedia communications can be established, but processing load and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces edge routers as intermediary devices between users and the core network. These edge routers perform unicast-to-multicast conversion locally at the network edge, acting as mediators that offload processing from application-level media servers. The edge routers intercept unicast packets from users, convert them to multicast packets, and forward them to the core network, thereby reducing the processing burden on media servers while maintaining group communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the application-level processing mechanism (media servers handling packet conversion) with a network-level mechanism (edge routers performing conversion using packet marking and protocol manipulation). This substitution moves the conversion function from the application layer to the network layer, utilizing network infrastructure rather than application server resources, thereby reducing overall system resource consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If application-level stream type conversion is implemented, then unicast-to-multicast conversion can be achieved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge router serves as an intermediary that simplifies the conversion process by handling packet marking and protocol adaptation at the network edge. Instead of requiring complex application-level logic in media servers, the edge router uses standardized network layer mechanisms (IP header modification, DSCP marking) to perform conversion, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of packet conversion from application-level stream processing to network-level packet header manipulation. By modifying IP headers, DSCP fields, and protocol identifiers at the network layer rather than processing application-layer media streams, the system achieves conversion capability with reduced complexity. This parameter change transforms a complex application-level task into a simpler network-layer operation.
3Productivity
If network-level processing at edge routers is used, then processing efficiency improves, but network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes edge routers multi-functional by assigning them both traditional routing functions and unicast-to-multicast conversion functions. Instead of requiring dedicated conversion servers or modifying core network infrastructure, the solution leverages the existing edge router infrastructure to perform multiple functions, including packet forwarding, conversion, and marking. This universal approach improves processing efficiency without significantly increasing network infrastructure complexity.
4Speed
If unicast traffic is aggregated at LTE access sites, then local communication efficiency improves, but inter-site communication requires additional conversion processing
Solution Approach 1:
The edge router performs preliminary unicast-to-multicast conversion for users at the local site before traffic needs to be forwarded to other sites. By converting unicast packets to multicast packets locally at the edge router, the system prepares traffic in advance for efficient multicast distribution across the core network. This preliminary action at the edge router manages the complexity of inter-site communication while preserving local aggregation efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for managing the unicast/multicast conversion for multimedia group communications in a communication network (1) comprising: ✓ At the level of a site (11, 12, 13) and a border router (Ri), • A module for managing presence (22) of the users (Ui) present on a site, • A module for managing groups (23), • A supervision module (21) emitting "uplink" and "downlink" conversion rules, to be applied to the data of an incoming or outgoing stream of a site and intended for one or more users belonging to one and the same communication group Gi, • An intelligent module (20) adapted for applying the conversion rules to the data that it receives before broadcasting them to one or more users (Ui) belonging to the same communication group Gi as the sending user (U1), ✓ At the level of the central network (10), means of multicast transmission (15) of the data from one site to another site.