Media Source Selection by Monetary Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia streaming systems face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth costs across different media delivery networks, as pricing varies by time, day, and usage, leading to potential cost inefficiencies and interruptions in streaming services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a rules engine at network devices and media delivery networks to dynamically select the 'lowest cost' source for multimedia content distribution, allowing seamless switching between networks without interrupting playback, by evaluating real-time pricing and usage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple source devices are syndicated to provide media streams, then availability and redundancy are improved, but monetary cost increases due to varying billing rates across different media delivery networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects source devices based on real-time billing rate information. The sourcing logic continuously monitors billing rates from multiple media delivery networks and switches between sources as conditions change, transforming a static selection approach into a dynamic one that adapts to varying cost conditions while maintaining stream availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the selection parameter from purely technical criteria (bandwidth, latency) to include economic parameters (billing rates, cost per byte). By incorporating monetary cost as a selectable parameter in the sourcing logic, the system optimizes the trade-off between reliability and cost effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If source selection is based on fixed billing rates, then implementation complexity is reduced, but cost optimization is limited due to inability to respond to real-time pricing changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where billing rate information from multiple media delivery networks is continuously monitored and fed back to the sourcing logic. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust source selection in real-time based on actual pricing conditions, optimizing cost without requiring overly complex predictive algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing sourcing logic and billing rate monitoring frameworks before cost optimization becomes critical. The infrastructure for collecting and processing billing rate data is built in advance, enabling rapid response to pricing changes without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic source switching is implemented mid-stream, then cost optimization is improved, but risk of playback interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential source switching by buffering media content in advance and establishing redundant source connections before actual switching is needed. This cushioning approach ensures that when source switching occurs mid-stream, playback continuity is maintained without interruptions, as the buffer absorbs the transition impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary mechanisms such as content buffers and seamless transition protocols that mediate between the source switching action and the playback process. These intermediaries decouple the cost optimization function from the playback continuity function, allowing source changes without affecting user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of selecting a media content source based on monetary cost are disclosed. A particular method includes receiving media content at a network device and sending the media content from the network device to each of a plurality of source devices configured to provide the media content to a destination device. The method further includes receiving a request for the media content from the destination device and selecting a first source device of the plurality of source devices to provide the media content to the destination device based at least in part on a determination that a first monetary cost associated with providing the media content from the first source device is less than a second monetary cost associated with providing the media content from a second source device of the plurality of source devices.