MLABIS Proxy Server Bandwidth Control for Encrypted Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in controlling bandwidth consumption during encrypted media streaming, as intermediate nodes lack encryption keys and cannot decode or transcode streams to lower bitrates, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Multi-layer-adaptive-bitrate-intermediate server (MLABIS) that identifies and throttles encrypted media streams, encouraging clients to switch to lower bitrate streams by controlling channel bandwidth, without decrypting the media, using domain databases and transport message analysis to mark suspected encrypted sessions for throttling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If intermediate nodes control bandwidth during encrypted media streaming, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but the nodes cannot decrypt or transcode streams to lower bitrates due to lacking encryption keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between the client and media server. The proxy server intercepts HTTP requests and responses, analyzes manifest files to identify available bitrate streams, and selectively blocks high-bitrate streams while allowing lower-bitrate streams to pass through. This mediator approach enables bandwidth control without requiring decryption or transcoding capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of decrypting and transcoding media at intermediate nodes with an HTTP-level filtering mechanism. Instead of processing encrypted media streams, the system operates at the application layer by parsing and manipulating manifest files (M3U8, MPD) to control which streams are delivered to clients.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compressed streams are provided for different user bandwidths, then client adaptability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by allowing different bitrate streams to be available for different clients based on their specific bandwidth conditions. The proxy server individually evaluates each client's manifest file and applies selective blocking tailored to that client's network conditions, rather than uniformly restricting all streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of stream availability by dynamically blocking or unblocking specific bitrate streams based on network conditions. The proxy server modifies the effective stream selection by removing high-bitrate options from the client's available choices, thereby controlling bandwidth consumption while maintaining adaptability to client needs.
3Device complexity
If the proxy server filters streams at HTTP level without decryption, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to identify and control encrypted sessions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by analyzing and caching manifest files before media streaming begins. The proxy server parses manifest files to identify available streams and their characteristics, storing this information for subsequent stream selection decisions. This upfront analysis simplifies later stream filtering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring client behavior and stream delivery outcomes. The proxy server observes which streams clients attempt to access and adjusts its filtering rules based on this feedback, improving its ability to identify and control encrypted sessions over time without increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique that leads a surfer-equipment (SE) to switch to a lower bitrate is disclosed. The technique is implemented at an intermediate node between the SE and a domain. Leading the SE to switch to a lower bitrate is implemented by throttling one or more protocols each carried by one or more connections that carry packets of a multi-level-adaptive-bitrate (MLABR) media.