Dynamic MBMS to HTTP DASH Switching via SIP Re-invitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies face challenges in providing seamless and adaptive multimedia delivery across different network conditions, particularly in switching between multicast and unicast delivery methods within LTE systems, which affects the quality of experience for users due to limitations in bandwidth adaptation and network coverage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) in conjunction with the Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) allows for switching between Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) download and HTTP-based delivery methods within a content delivery session, utilizing SIP re-invitations and adapters to select appropriate servers and protocols, ensuring continuous and adaptive content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MBMS download is used for content delivery, then network bandwidth efficiency is improved through one-to-many transmission, but adaptability to individual user network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between MBMS and HTTP delivery methods based on real-time network conditions. The user equipment monitors reception quality and triggers switching from MBMS to HTTP when quality degrades, and vice versa when MBMS becomes available again. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for bandwidth efficiency when MBMS is reliable, while falling back to individualized HTTP delivery when adaptation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The content delivery system is designed to support multiple delivery methods (MBMS and HTTP) within the same architecture. The user equipment can receive content through either MBMS or HTTP protocols, and the system can switch between these methods. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both bandwidth efficiency through MBMS and adaptability through HTTP, resolving the contradiction by making both approaches available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HTTP-based delivery is used for content delivery, then adaptability to user network conditions is improved through one-to-one transmission, but network bandwidth efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic switching to employ HTTP delivery only when necessary for adaptation, rather than continuously. When network conditions are good and MBMS is available, the system switches to MBMS to regain bandwidth efficiency. This dynamic approach ensures that HTTP's adaptability benefits are captured when needed while minimizing the bandwidth overhead associated with unicast delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using HTTP delivery for the entire content transmission, the system applies HTTP only partially - specifically when switching from MBMS due to quality issues or when seeking content not available via MBMS. This partial use of HTTP provides adaptability where needed without incurring the full bandwidth cost of using HTTP for all content delivery.
3Reliability
If switching between MBMS and HTTP delivery methods is implemented, then quality of experience is improved through bandwidth adaptation, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is driven by feedback from the user equipment regarding MBMS reception quality. When the UE detects that MBMS quality has fallen below a threshold, it triggers a switch to HTTP delivery. Conversely, when MBMS quality improves or HTTP buffer status indicates readiness, the system switches back to MBMS. This feedback-driven approach automates the complexity of switching, improving QoE while managing system complexity through rule-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary switching mechanism that mediates between MBMS and HTTP delivery methods. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of protocol conversion, buffer management, and quality monitoring, allowing the core content delivery functions to remain simple while achieving sophisticated adaptability. The intermediary manages the switching logic and coordinates between the two delivery methods.
4Reliability
If seamless switching between delivery methods is achieved, then rebuffering events are reduced, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining buffers and pre-loading content segments before switching is needed. When MBMS quality degrades, the UE already has buffered content ready to continue playback without rebuffering. Similarly, the system prepares HTTP delivery resources in advance when switching from MBMS. This preliminary preparation reduces the processing burden during actual switching events while preventing rebuffering.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism ensures continuity of content delivery by maintaining playback without interruption. The system monitors MBMS quality continuously and triggers switches proactively before buffer depletion occurs. By keeping the content delivery action continuous and uninterrupted, the system reduces the need for intensive processing during rebuffering events, as the seamless switching prevents the need for emergency buffer management.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) operable to switch between a packet-switched streaming service (PSS) download session and a multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) download session is described. The UE can send a session initiation protocol (SIP) re-invitation to a service control function (SCF) module during the PSS download session. The SIP re-invitation can include a request uniform resource identifier (URI) for an MBMS download session. The UE can receive a SIP acknowledgement from the SCF module. The SIP acknowledgement can indicate that the PSS download session has been terminated for the UE. The UE can switch from the PSS download session to the MBMS download session at the UE in response to the SIP acknowledgement being received at the UE.