IPTV Middleware Ad Hoc SLA for OTT Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IPTV systems do not allow for dynamic access to Over-The-Top (OTT) content within the IPTV network, requiring pre-defined service level agreements between IPTV providers and OTT content providers, limiting subscriber access to external content.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable an ad hoc service level agreement (SLA) to be created between an IPTV operator and an external content provider, allowing dynamic access to OTT content by negotiating technical and business terms for content delivery through an IPTV middleware node, which communicates with user devices and external content providers to facilitate access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-defined service level agreements are required between IPTV providers and OTT content providers, then content delivery control and quality assurance are improved, but content accessibility and system adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service level agreements that can be established on-demand between the IPTV network and external content providers. Instead of requiring pre-negotiated static agreements, the system dynamically creates SLAs when users request external content, allowing the agreement terms to be established in real-time based on the specific content and user needs, thus resolving the contradiction between control reliability and access adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component within the IPTV network that acts as a mediator between external content providers and the network infrastructure. This intermediary handles the negotiation and establishment of service level agreements, enabling automated content access while maintaining quality control through standardized mediation processes, thereby improving both accessibility and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If ad hoc service level agreements are created dynamically, then content accessibility and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and negotiation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically negotiates and establishes service level agreements without requiring manual intervention from users or complex human-to-human negotiation processes. The automated negotiation protocols handle the complexity internally, presenting a simple interface to users while managing the intricate agreement terms through self-service automation, thus reducing perceived system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to simplify the service level agreement process by transforming complex multi-parameter negotiations into standardized parameter sets. The system pre-defines common agreement parameters and templates, allowing dynamic SLAs to be created by selecting and configuring predefined parameters rather than negotiating every detail, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for accessing external content through an IPTV network is provided. An IPTV user can request access to content offered by an external content provider. An IPTV middleware can negotiate and create an ad hoc Service Level Agreement with the external content provider in response to the content request, in order to provide access to the external content. These mechanisms can allow an IPTV network operator to build a library of Video on Demand content based on requests issued by the subscribers.