Edge System Adaptive Retrieval Rate for Streaming Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional streaming servers waste network resources by retrieving files at the fastest possible rate, leading to unnecessary bandwidth usage and potential playback interruptions due to delays in file transmission, which can result in increased costs for streaming server operators.
Innovation Solution
An edge system that determines a retrieval rate based on the intrinsic playback time and file size of content, throttling the retrieval of files from an origin server to just exceed the playback speed, minimizing interruptions and optimizing bandwidth usage by retrieving only the necessary portions of files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the streaming server retrieves files at the fastest possible rate, then the file transmission speed is improved, but network bandwidth is wasted and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the file retrieval rate adjustable rather than fixed at maximum speed. The streaming server dynamically adapts the retrieval rate based on actual playback requirements, transitioning from a static high-speed retrieval approach to a dynamic rate that matches content delivery needs, thereby eliminating bandwidth waste while maintaining adequate transmission speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of retrieval rate from a constant maximum value to a variable parameter that adapts to playback conditions. By adjusting this key parameter to match the intrinsic playback speed rather than maintaining it at maximum, the system achieves optimal balance between transmission speed and bandwidth efficiency
2Speed
If the streaming server retrieves files at the fastest possible rate, then the file transmission speed is improved, but playback interruptions may occur due to delays in file transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using information about intrinsic playback speed to adjust the file retrieval rate. The system receives feedback regarding how fast content can be played and uses this to optimize the retrieval rate, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures continuous playback without interruptions while avoiding unnecessary high-speed retrieval
3Loss of energy
If the streaming server retrieves files at a throttled rate matching playback speed, then bandwidth usage is optimized, but the retrieval process takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by retrieving only the necessary amount of data at the necessary speed rather than retrieving complete files at maximum speed. By matching the retrieval rate to the intrinsic playback speed, the server performs just enough action to maintain continuous playback without excessive bandwidth consumption, achieving optimal efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An edge system receives requests from user devices to retrieves files from an origin server. Instead of retrieving the files as fast as possible, the edge system throttles the retrieval of files to a rate that just exceeds the speed at which the file is played by a browser or media player. The edge system determines an appropriate retrieval rate based on the contents of the file itself. For example, a manifest file associated with the file can indicate a time it takes to play back content and a bitrate of the content. Thus, the edge server can use this information to retrieve a file from an origin server at a rate that is just fast enough to minimize playback interruption. The retrieval rate determined by the edge server therefore does not rely on how fast or slow the user device retrieves the file from the edge server.