Media Processing Unit Selection for Distributed Cloud Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed cloud environments, selecting an optimal media processing topology for multimedia sessions is complex due to the need to distribute media processing across multiple virtual machines and data centers, leading to increased latency, jitter, and packet loss, which can result in a suboptimal Quality of Experience (QoE) for users.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically selecting a media processing unit in a distributed cloud environment based on configurable parameters such as latency, jitter, packet loss, and cost, allowing for the construction of an optimized media processing topology that adapts to changing conditions and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If media processing is distributed across multiple virtual machines and data centers, then capacity and responsiveness are improved, but topology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media processing function into separate Media Processing Units (MPUs) distributed across multiple virtual machines and data centers. Each MPU handles specific media processing tasks independently, allowing the system to scale capacity by adding more segmented units while managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Session Management Function (SMF) as an intermediary that handles topology selection and media session management. The SMF receives topology selection requests, evaluates multiple candidate topologies based on configurable parameters, and selects the optimal topology, thereby shielding end users from the underlying complexity of distributed media processing architecture.
2Loss of time
If media processing is distributed to multiple data centers, then latency is reduced for local users, but topology selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic topology selection where the SMF continuously evaluates configurable parameters (latency, jitter, packet loss, cost) and adapts topology choices in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for low latency by selecting topologies that route media streams through geographically proximate MPUs while automatically adjusting to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configurable parameters (latency threshold, jitter threshold, packet loss threshold, cost weight) to transform the complex topology selection problem into a parameter-driven decision process. By changing and adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize topology selection for different operational requirements without increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed topology is used throughout a multimedia session, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but Quality of Experience deteriorates under changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SMF continuously monitors configurable parameters (latency, jitter, packet loss) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust topology selections during the multimedia session. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains high Quality of Experience by adapting to changing network conditions while keeping the implementation relatively simple through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary topology evaluation and selection before the multimedia session begins, and prepares alternative topologies in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly switch to pre-evaluated alternative topologies when network conditions change, maintaining QoE without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the session.
4Loss of energy
If media processing uses best-effort connections, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but packet loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configurable parameters including packet loss threshold and cost weight that allow the system to optimize the trade-off between infrastructure cost and reliability. By adjusting these parameters, the system can select topologies that use cost-effective best-effort connections while staying within acceptable packet loss limits, or switch to more reliable (but costlier) connections when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The Session Management Function acts as an intermediary that evaluates multiple topology options with different cost and reliability characteristics. It selects the optimal topology by balancing infrastructure cost against acceptable packet loss levels based on configurable parameters, thereby managing the trade-off between cost reduction and reliability maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selecting a media processing unit performed in a network node of a distributed cloud. The distributed cloud comprises two or more media processing units that handle media processing required by a media service. The method includes receiving, from a communication device, a request for the media service and obtaining, for each media processing unit, at least one configurable parameter value of a parameter relating to handling of the media service. The method also includes selecting, based on the at least one parameter value, a media processing unit for processing the requested media service for the communication device.