Media Controller Switching to Direct P2P Wi-Fi for Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media controller devices in wireless home networks face bandwidth limitations when streaming high-bit rate files, requiring indirect communication through a third device, which reduces effective bandwidth and may necessitate transcoding, preventing seamless real-time rendering.
Innovation Solution
A device with a wireless transceiver and processor that determines network bandwidth requirements and switches to a direct peer-to-peer Wi-Fi Direct network connection between the network storage and rendering devices when necessary, allowing high-bit rate files to be streamed directly without buffering, while maintaining controller functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content is sent from the digital media server to a media renderer through a wireless network access point, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but the effective bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between indirect routing (through access point) and direct peer-to-peer routing based on real-time bandwidth requirements and network conditions. The controller device determines whether to establish a direct Wi-Fi Direct connection or use the access point routing, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device acts as an intermediary that manages two different communication paths: traditional routing through the access point for normal operations, and direct peer-to-peer routing for high-bandwidth requirements. This intermediary capability allows the system to select the optimal path based on content bitrate requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If content is sent indirectly through a third device, then network compatibility and device support are improved, but streaming capability for high-bit rate files deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its communication topology based on the streaming requirements. For high-bit rate content, it establishes a direct peer-to-peer connection between server and renderer, bypassing the access point to achieve sufficient bandwidth. For lower bitrate content or when direct connection is not feasible, it uses the traditional indirect routing through the access point, thus maintaining both compatibility and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the network communication parameter from indirect routing to direct routing based on the bitrate requirements of the content being streamed. This parameter change enables the system to meet the bandwidth requirements for high-definition content while maintaining support for various device configurations and network setups.
3Productivity
If a direct peer-to-peer connection is established, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but device complexity and network management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller device extracts the complexity of peer-to-peer network management from the server and renderer devices. It handles the establishment, maintenance, and teardown of direct Wi-Fi Direct connections, while the server and renderer focus on their primary functions of content delivery and playback. This extraction of management complexity makes the system feasible for consumer devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic network path selection and peer-to-peer connection management without requiring user intervention. The controller device automatically determines when direct routing is beneficial, establishes the appropriate connections, and manages the network topology changes, thereby reducing the burden on users while achieving bandwidth efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method for controlling rendering in a network of the invention comprises the steps of receiving (21) a user request to render a content item stored on a network storage device, determining (23) an estimation of network bandwidth required to send said content item from said network storage device to a rendering device at a rate that allows real-time rendering without buffering at said rendering device, determining (25) whether said estimated network bandwidth exceeds a value representing network bandwidth available when said network storage device and said rendering device communicate indirectly through a wireless network access point, sending (27) one or more messages requesting rendering of said content item on said rendering device with a request to send said content item through a peer-to-peer wireless network, in which said network storage device and said rendering device communicate directly, if said estimated network bandwidth exceeds said value, joining (29) said peer-to-peer network if said estimated network bandwidth exceeds said value, sending (31) one or more messages requesting rendering of said content item on said rendering device without a request to send said content item through an peer-to-peer wireless network if said estimated network bandwidth does not exceed said value, receiving (33) an indicator of a current rendering status from said rendering device, and displaying (35) a representation of said indicator.