Fast Channel Change via Multi-Domain Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current channel-changing processes in CATV networks are slow when switching between program streams served by different media access control (MAC) domains, leading to an annoying delay for users.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes an association table to facilitate fast channel changes by pre-registering a cable modem with multiple MAC domains, allowing seamless switching between channels without terminating the current session when the new program is available from the same domain, and registering with a new domain only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the subscriber device terminates the current session and registers with a new MAC domain when changing channels, then the device can access programs from different MAC domains, but the channel changing time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing and maintaining session connections with multiple MAC domains in advance. When a channel change is requested, the device checks whether the target program is available from an already-established session, eliminating the need for time-consuming registration processes. This pre-establishment of sessions allows rapid channel switching while maintaining access to programs across different MAC domains.
2Loss of time
If the subscriber device maintains session with current MAC domain during channel changes, then channel switching is faster, but the device cannot access programs from different MAC domains
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by enabling the subscriber device to maintain simultaneous session connections with multiple MAC domains. This allows the device to access programs from any MAC domain without terminating existing sessions, achieving both fast channel switching and broad program accessibility through a unified multi-domain session management approach.
3Reliability
If the subscriber device performs full registration process with new MAC domain for each channel change, then proper session management is maintained, but user experience deteriorates due to noticeable delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing only the necessary subset of registration steps when changing channels. Instead of executing the complete registration process, the device checks whether the target program is available from existing sessions and performs minimal authentication only when absolutely required. This selective approach maintains session management reliability while eliminating unnecessary delays that degrade user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
An association table associates each program stream of a plurality of program streams with a MAC domain, with a channel frequency and with a multicast address. If a subscriber device selects a content program different from a current program, a determination is made whether the new program is serviced by a different MAC domain than the one serving the current program. If the selected new program is not serviced by the same domain that is serving the current program stream(s), the current MAC domain is informed that the subscriber device is ending the session therewith, the new frequency is tuned by the subscriber device and new content is received immediately after the new frequency is tuned. The subscriber device registers with the new MAC domain after receipt of new content has begun.