LTE eNodeB Content Caching via MBSFN Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems lack a method to efficiently and securely broadcast content, such as movies, on specific days and times, leading to peak network usage and potential piracy issues, without optimizing backhaul resource usage during non-peak hours.
Innovation Solution
The system divides the LTE network into multiple synchronized Single Frequency Networks (SFN) with eNodeBs, using a content server to broadcast content distribution messages with identification tags, allowing eNodeBs to download content segments during non-busy periods, utilizing hash tables for secure and efficient distribution and caching, with encryption and forward error correction to prevent piracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If content is broadcast during peak network usage time, then content delivery is timely, but network congestion increases and backhaul resources are overutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and caching content segments during non-peak hours when network congestion is low. eNodeBs proactively store content in their local caches before the scheduled broadcast time, so that during peak hours the content can be delivered immediately without overloading the backhaul network.
2Loss of energy
If content is kept remotely on content server, then backhaul usage is optimized, but content security and piracy protection become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The content is divided into multiple segments that are distributed across different eNodeB caches. Each eNodeB stores only the segments it needs to broadcast, rather than keeping the complete content remotely centralized. This segmentation provides security because even if one eNodeB is compromised, the complete content cannot be reconstructed, and it allows local caching to reduce backhaul usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different eNodeBs have different local cache contents based on their specific broadcast responsibilities. Each eNodeB caches only the content segments relevant to its coverage area and broadcast schedule, optimizing local resource usage while maintaining overall system security through distributed storage.
3Productivity
If network is divided into multiple MB SFN, then content distribution efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LTE network is segmented into multiple MB SFN (Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network) areas, where each SFN handles specific content broadcasts. This segmentation improves distribution efficiency by allowing parallel content delivery across different SFNs and reducing interference. The complexity is managed through standardized protocols that define how eNodeBs synchronize and coordinate within each SFN.
Solution Approach 2:
The MB SFN architecture provides multi-functionality by enabling simultaneous unicast and multicast/broadcast services within the same network infrastructure. eNodeBs can handle both dedicated user communications and group content broadcasts, making the system versatile without requiring separate infrastructure for different service types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system of carrying multicast/broadcast content from a content server to a plurality of enodeB's over an LTE network. In one embodiment this is accomplished by dividing the network into multiple MB SFN (Single Frequency Network), broadcasting a content distribution message to all the enodeBs within MBSFN by the content server, wherein the content distribution message having a content identification tag in order to inform all the enodeBs the appropriate time period or the non-busy period to download the content segments and downloading the content segments by all the enodeB's from the content server.