Hybrid Tree Mesh Overlay Network for Data Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multicasting approaches, both at the network layer and application layer, face challenges in efficiently delivering data streams to multiple destinations, particularly in handling node dynamics and bandwidth constraints, leading to inefficiencies and latency issues due to the efficiency-latency tradeoff between tree and mesh overlay networks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid tree/mesh overlay network is implemented, where a tree overlay network with a backbone of stable nodes facilitates data delivery via a push mechanism, and a mesh overlay network handles node dynamics and bandwidth utilization via a pull mechanism, with stable nodes forming a tree-based backbone and unstable nodes participating in both networks to ensure seamless data delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a tree overlay network is used for data delivery, then data delivery efficiency is improved, but latency increases due to the efficiency-latency tradeoff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overlay network into two distinct components: a tree overlay network for efficient data delivery and a mesh overlay network for low-latency communication. This segmentation allows each network type to operate in its optimal performance regime, with the tree structure handling bulk data transfer and the mesh structure providing rapid access paths, thereby resolving the efficiency-latency tradeoff
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges tree and mesh overlay networks into a hybrid architecture where both networks coexist and work together. The tree overlay provides structured efficient delivery paths, while the mesh overlay provides multiple redundant low-latency paths. This combination allows the system to leverage the strengths of both network types simultaneously
2Quantity of substance
If application-layer multicasting is implemented, then bandwidth constraints are addressed, but node dynamics and stability challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic node classification that automatically adjusts node roles based on their stability characteristics. Nodes are classified as stable or unstable based on their behavior over time, and this classification dynamically determines their position in the tree overlay and their eligibility to participate in data forwarding. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability while utilizing application-layer multicasting bandwidth benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stable nodes as intermediaries that form the backbone of the tree overlay network. These stable nodes act as reliable data forwarding points, mediating between the data source and unstable nodes. By placing stable nodes at critical positions in the data delivery path, the system ensures reliable data transmission while still benefiting from the bandwidth efficiency of application-layer multicasting
3Adaptability or versatility
If unstable nodes are accommodated in the overlay network, then network adaptability is improved, but data delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the network based on node stability. Stable nodes are positioned in critical data forwarding roles within the tree overlay backbone, where high reliability is essential. Unstable nodes are accommodated in the mesh overlay or as leaf nodes in the tree, where their participation is less critical for overall data delivery reliability. This local differentiation of quality requirements allows the system to accommodate diverse node types while maintaining reliable data delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid tree/mesh overlays for data delivery involve using a tree overlay network and a mesh overlay network to delivery a data stream via a push mechanism and a pull mechanism, respectively. In an example embodiment, a network node enters a mesh overlay network and attaches to a tree overlay network. In operation, the network node receives data blocks of a data stream over the tree overlay network via a push mechanism. The network node ascertains if a data block is not received over the tree overlay network. If a data block is missing, the network node retrieves the missing data block over the mesh overlay network via a pull mechanism. In another example embodiment, the tree overlay network includes a subset of nodes forming a tree-based backbone. Network nodes that are identified as being stable may join the backbone and provide the data stream to other nodes.