Media Handler for Videoconference Call Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Videoconferencing systems face inefficiencies in distributing media streams across multiple servers, leading to increased complexity and latency, as existing call routing systems often fail to group calls for the same conference together, resulting in unnecessary distribution of media across multiple nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to divert call media data to a first node upon determining specific criteria are met, such as server load and proximity, allowing for efficient grouping of media streams for the same conference, even if initially placed on different servers, by clustering servers to communicate and prioritize node selection based on videoconference IDs and available capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If call routing uses round robin scheme to distribute calls across servers, then load balancing is improved, but media distribution across multiple nodes increases complexity and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media handler as an intermediary component that receives media streams from multiple videoconferencing servers and consolidates them. This mediator allows calls to be distributed across servers for load balancing while the media handler ensures media streams are properly routed and consolidated, reducing the complexity that would otherwise exist in the distribution network.
2Productivity
If calls are distributed across multiple videoconferencing servers, then system capacity is improved, but media stream consolidation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The media handler serves as a central intermediary that simplifies media stream consolidation. Multiple videoconferencing servers can independently handle calls without direct media coordination, as the media handler automatically receives, processes, and consolidates media streams from these servers, making the system easier to operate despite high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments functionality between videoconferencing servers (handling call control and initial media reception) and a dedicated media handler (handling media consolidation and distribution). This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific tasks, improving ease of operation while maintaining high system capacity.
3Productivity
If incoming calls are routed to geographically nearest or least loaded server, then call placement efficiency is improved, but calls for same conference may be scattered across different nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The media handler acts as a mediator that receives media streams from calls routed to different servers based on geographic or load-based criteria. Even though calls for the same conference are scattered across multiple nodes, the media handler consolidates these streams efficiently, maintaining call placement efficiency while simplifying media distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adding a call from a second client to a videoconference; wherein a call from at least a first client is connected to the videoconference, the call from the first client comprising first call control data and first call media data; wherein the call from the second client comprises second call control data and second call media data; and wherein a first node in a videoconferencing network handles the first call media data; the method comprising: handling the second call control data at a second node of the videoconferencing network; determining whether at least one criterion is satisfied; and in the event that at least one criterion is satisfied, diverting the second call media data to the first node of the videoconferencing network.