Hybrid Multicast Gateway Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering multicast content over broadband and broadcast networks are limited in terms of quantity and diversity, as they often prioritize one network over the other based on user requests, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and inability to manage multiple IP multicast streams effectively in home networks.
Innovation Solution
A client device with a home network gateway that dynamically selects the most bandwidth-efficient network for multicast stream delivery by analyzing stream bandwidth, service type, and broadcast multiplex organization, using enhanced IGMP messages to manage multicast proxy behavior and redirect traffic between broadband and broadcast links seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicast content is delivered over broadband network, then service diversity is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines broadband and broadcast networks into a hybrid delivery system. The gateway device receives multicast content via both broadband interface and broadcast interface, intelligently selecting the optimal path. This merging allows the system to leverage the high service diversity of broadband while utilizing the bandwidth efficiency of broadcast networks for popular content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the delivery parameter (network selection) based on content popularity and bandwidth availability. For popular content, the system switches to broadcast network delivery to conserve bandwidth, while less popular content continues via broadband. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the delivery mode to current network conditions.
2Productivity
If multiple IP multicast streams are delivered simultaneously, then service quantity is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and end users. It implements an enhanced IGMP protocol that automatically manages multicast stream delivery across broadband and broadcast networks. This intermediary handles the complexity of coordinating multiple streams, performing load balancing, and managing network resource allocation, thereby enabling high service quantity without proportional increases in management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the delivery configuration for multiple multicast streams based on real-time network conditions, content popularity, and resource availability. The gateway continuously monitors and reconfigures the delivery paths, allowing simultaneous delivery of multiple streams while automatically optimizing network management. This dynamic approach enables the system to handle increasing service quantity without linearly increasing management complexity.
3Loss of energy
If broadcast network is used for multicast delivery, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but service flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device provides multi-functionality by supporting both broadband and broadcast network interfaces. It can deliver multicast content through either network type or a combination of both, making the system universally adaptable to different network conditions and service requirements. This universality allows the system to achieve bandwidth efficiency through broadcast when appropriate while maintaining service flexibility through broadband capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4.1
AI summary
This invention relates to a client device (30) capable of receiving a multicast content through multiple communication networks, comprising at least one broadband network having a broadband bandwidth and one broadcast network for connection respectively to at least one broadband interface and one receive-only broadcast interface of the client device (30), wherein said client device (30) comprises an adapter selector (32) capable of selecting the interface to be used in order to save the broadband bandwidth.