Heterogeneous Network Switching for Seamless Video Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile video streaming services experience long buffering times and service interruptions when switching between heterogeneous networks like Wi-Fi and LTE, due to the lack of consideration for content and transmission environment during network switching.
Innovation Solution
A user terminal determines whether to switch between networks based on transmission characteristic information and network state information, using signaling messages to assess data rate, bandwidth, data loss, and propagation delay, and directly measuring network state information when necessary, to ensure seamless service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network switching is performed without consideration of content and transmission environment, then network switching function is provided, but service interruption and quality deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining transmission characteristic information about the content and measuring network state information before switching networks. This allows the terminal to evaluate whether the target network can meet the service requirements in advance, preventing service interruption during switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring network state information (data rate, bandwidth, data loss, propagation delay) and comparing it with the transmission characteristic information. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of network selection to maintain service quality.
2Ease of operation
If simple network switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but buffering time increases during network switching
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal obtains transmission characteristic information and measures network state information before switching networks. This preliminary evaluation ensures that the target network can immediately handle the content transmission requirements, eliminating the need for buffering during switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal autonomously performs network evaluation and switching decisions based on transmission characteristic information and measured network state information, without requiring external control or buffering. This self-service capability enables seamless switching that maintains service continuity.
3Reliability
If network switching considers transmission characteristic information and network state information, then service quality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal autonomously evaluates networks by measuring network state information and comparing it with transmission characteristic information. This self-service approach distributes the complexity to the terminal device, enabling service quality maintenance without requiring complex centralized control systems.
4Reliability
If seamless network switching is implemented, then service continuity is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures network state information (data rate, bandwidth, data loss, propagation delay) and uses this feedback to make informed switching decisions. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures that switching occurs only when the target network can maintain service quality, achieving seamless transitions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a network for receiving, by a user terminal, data for a content service, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises the steps of: receiving the data from a first network; receiving transmission characteristic information of the data for receiving the data from the first network; obtaining network state information of a second network using information included in a packet header of the data; and determining whether to switch the network for receiving the data from the first network to the second network, on the basis of the transmission characteristic information and the second network information.