Micro-Cloud Edge Nodes for Scalable Content Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband network solutions struggle to efficiently distribute rich multimedia content in real-time to diverse user devices across various networks, due to scalability issues, accuracy problems, and synchronization challenges, while also failing to provide personalized content based on user context and device capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A micro-cloud system comprising application serving nodes (ASNs) that act as content distribution points, capable of receiving multimedia content from providers, reformating it for various user devices, and delivering it across multiple networks, while also enabling content personalization and dynamic multiplexing of heterogeneous content streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a centralized server approach is used in NOCs for content delivery, then content distribution can be managed centrally, but scalability issues arise when serving large numbers of users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized NOC architecture into distributed application serving nodes (ASNs) deployed at network edges. Each ASN independently serves local users, dividing the monolithic centralized system into multiple smaller autonomous units that can scale independently, thereby improving content distribution efficiency while reducing central NOC complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized architecture to a multi-dimensional distributed architecture by deploying ASNs across multiple network locations and layers. This spatial distribution across different dimensions enables the system to handle larger user bases without proportionally increasing central NOC complexity.
2Ease of operation
If core-centric networks with separate NOCs for different services are used, then service management is simplified, but operating costs increase due to managing multiple NOCs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal ASNs that can handle multiple services (content delivery, application hosting, data storage) through a single distributed node infrastructure. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized NOCs for each service, reducing operating costs while maintaining ease of service management through standardized ASN interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate service management functions into unified ASNs that can simultaneously perform content delivery, application serving, and data management. By combining these functions into single distributed nodes, the system reduces the number of separate NOCs needed, thereby lowering operating costs while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional broadband networks assume linear traffic growth, then network design is simplified, but the assumption underestimates actual traffic growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ASNs that can automatically scale and adapt their capacity based on real-time traffic conditions and user demand. This dynamic behavior allows the network to handle exponential traffic growth without requiring overly complex predetermined designs, as the system automatically adjusts to actual usage patterns rather than relying on static linear growth assumptions.
4Productivity
If content is delivered without considering user context and device capabilities, then delivery process is simplified, but personalized content delivery is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality adaptation at each ASN by detecting user context (location, device type, network conditions) and delivering appropriately optimized content variants. This allows the system to maintain fast delivery speeds by making adaptation decisions locally at the edge rather than centrally, while simultaneously achieving personalized content delivery tailored to each user's specific context and device capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for micro-cloud computing is described. An application serving node, which is a specifically configured piece of customer premises equipment such as a set-top box, is the server for a micro-cloud network. Various user devices that form part of the micro-cloud network, such as television sets and smart phones, communicate with the application serving node. The application serving node is configured with software that allows various heterogeneous types of data to be obtained and streamed to the user devices in multiple ways. The application serving node performs much of the processing necessary for such content streaming itself and thus represents an edge-based network architecture.