IPTV Resource Allocation via Multicast-Unicast Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IPTV resource allocation methods lead to bandwidth wastage as multicast and unicast services cannot share resources, and frequent channel switching in IPTV services results in prolonged channel switching durations and user experience delays due to excessive interactions between network devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a multicast access control entity allocates resources to a unicast access control entity and vice versa through an intermediate network entity, dynamically sharing resources and reducing interactions, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multicast and unicast services reserve bandwidth separately, then QoS is ensured for each service type, but bandwidth resources cannot be shared resulting in resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resource management of multicast and unicast services by allowing the unicast access control entity to allocate multicast resources when unicast resources are insufficient, and vice versa. This combining of previously separate resource pools enables efficient resource sharing while maintaining QoS guarantees for both service types.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control entities are designed to perform multiple functions: they can manage both unicast and multicast resources, and can allocate resources from either pool depending on availability. This multi-functionality allows a single resource management system to serve both service types efficiently without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Device complexity
If the RM server performs uniform CAC for both multicast and unicast services, then implementation is unified, but frequent channel switching causes massive information interactions leading to long switching duration and delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource management functions by introducing local access control entities at network edges that handle multicast admission control independently. This segmentation reduces the need for frequent communications between the RM server and access nodes during channel switching, as local entities can make decisions autonomously based on pre-configured policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate access control entities that act as mediators between the RM server and end users. These intermediaries cache resource allocation decisions and handle frequent channel switching requests locally, reducing the information interaction burden on the RM server and minimizing channel switching delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for allocating Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) resources to save bandwidth resources in the IPTV service. The method includes the following: a multicast access control entity allocates resources to a unicast access control entity through an intermediate network entity when unicast resources are not enough; and the unicast access control entity allocates resources to the multicast access control entity through the intermediate network entity when multicast resources are not enough. The present invention is primarily applicable to IPTV technologies.