Adaptive Streaming MPD Region Identification for Server Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In adaptive streaming using DASH, when the communication distance between the DASH client and the origin server is large, cache servers may not function effectively due to expired validity, leading to deteriorated stream reproduction performance, as the client receives data directly from the origin server instead of the cache server, and there is no information available to select the origin server with the shortest communication distance.
Innovation Solution
A content supply device and method that generate an extended MPD with region identification information, allowing the client to select and request streaming data from the origin server with the shortest communication distance, including a metafile generating unit to create the MPD and a delivering unit to deliver data based on this information, along with a communication distance managing unit to determine the shortest path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the client requests streaming data from the origin server without region identification information, then the client can receive streaming data, but the communication distance cannot be optimized and cache servers cannot function effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the origin server information into multiple geographic regions by introducing region identification information (such as country code, state code, city code) into the MPD file. This allows the client to segment its server selection process by choosing an origin server that matches its geographic region, thereby reducing communication distance and optimizing cache server utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-organizing streaming data across multiple origin servers with different region identification information before the client requests data. The MPD file is pre-configured with originLocation attributes that indicate the geographic distribution of servers, enabling the client to make informed selection decisions in advance and avoid long-distance communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple origin servers are used with different bit rates, then the client can select optimal streams, but there is no information available to select the origin server with the shortest communication distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the MPD file format to serve multiple functions: it not only provides stream selection information (bit rates, resolutions) but also geographic location information of origin servers. The originLocation attribute with region identification codes makes the MPD file universally useful for both adaptive stream selection and geographic-based server selection, eliminating the need for separate location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces region identification information (country code, state code, city code) as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between stream selection and server selection. This intermediary information in the MPD file allows the client to match its geographic location with the nearest origin server, thereby recovering the lost location information and enabling optimized server selection.
3Productivity
If cache servers are used to deliver content, then delivery efficiency can be improved, but when communication distance is large, cache validity expires and cache servers cannot function effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing content across multiple origin servers located in different geographic regions, each serving local cache servers and clients. By matching clients with origin servers in the same or nearby regions through region identification information, the system ensures that cache servers operate within their effective validity periods, maintaining high delivery efficiency without suffering from expired cache issues.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a content supply device, a content supply method, a program, a terminal device, and a content supply system that make it possible to receive streaming data from an origin server having the shortest communication distance. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a content supply device that supplies a plurality of pieces of streaming data that include content of a same subject and differ in attribute, according to an adaptive streaming technique, the content supply device including: a metafile generating unit configured to generate a metafile that is for a reception side to select a supply source of the streaming data and that describes region identification information of the supply source; and a delivering unit configured to deliver the streaming data to the reception side as the supply source via a network, according to a request from the reception side based on the metafile. The present disclosure can be applied to a system in which content is delivered in a streaming manner.