Ethernet Layer Two Video Transport Bypassing IP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting interactive video, such as Video-on-Demand, rely on Internet Protocol (IP) layer three routing, which requires IP layer three capabilities in access/aggregation networks, leading to complexity and limitations in connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The system replaces IP layer addressing with Ethernet layer two or one addressing, allowing connectivity without IP layer three capabilities, enabling set-top boxes to communicate directly with VoD controllers and servers using Ethernet addresses through Carrier Ethernet networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP layer three routing is used for video transport, then connectivity and service request capabilities are improved, but network complexity and device requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the IP layer three routing functionality from the access/aggregation network and relocates it to the core network. This allows the access network to operate at layer two with simpler Ethernet switching, while IP routing capabilities are maintained in the core network where they are needed for end-to-end connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-layer addressing scheme where layer two Ethernet addresses are used for local network identification and layer three IP addresses are used for end-to-end routing. This dimensional separation allows simple layer two switching in the access network while maintaining IP connectivity through the core network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP layer three capabilities are deployed in access/aggregation networks, then routing flexibility is improved, but bandwidth consumption and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into access/aggregation portions operating at layer two and core portions operating at layer three. This segmentation allows routing flexibility to be concentrated in the core network where bandwidth is abundant, while the access network uses simpler layer two forwarding that consumes less bandwidth and processing resources.
3Device complexity
If Ethernet layer two addressing is used instead of IP layer three, then network simplicity is improved, but end-to-end routing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Ethernet switches in the access network as intermediaries that forward layer two frames, and IP routers in the core network as intermediaries that perform layer three routing. This intermediary architecture allows the access network to maintain simplicity with layer two addressing while the core network intermediaries provide the necessary end-to-end routing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems to remove the dependence on the IP layer (OSI layer three) in Video-on-Demand (VoD) transport networks. The present invention replaces the IP layer with Ethernet layer two addressing and even layer one, allowing connectivity in access/aggregation networks without IP layer three capabilities. The present invention enables STBs to communicate with VoD controllers, servers, and the like at layer two and/or layer one, eliminating the need for layer three routing capabilities in access/aggregation networks.