MPLS Network for Digital Television Signal Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current infrastructure for digital television signal transmission faces challenges such as bandwidth limitations, compression-induced delays, and synchronization issues between video and audio signals, particularly in satellite and terrestrial networks, which hinder efficient end-to-end delivery and point-to-multipoint distribution.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network for end-to-end digital television signal transmission, using packetized video information with embedded audio, and advanced routing techniques like generic routing encapsulation (GRE) tunnels to ensure synchronized delivery and reduce network asset duplication, enabling automated provisioning and efficient point-to-multipoint distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If compression techniques are used to reduce bandwidth requirements for satellite transmission, then data rate requirements are reduced, but signal delay increases and fidelity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsignal delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes dedicated network paths and provisions bandwidth before transmission begins. MPLS labels are assigned in advance, and network resources are reserved to ensure guaranteed bandwidth without requiring compression, thereby avoiding compression-induced delays while maintaining high fidelity digital signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If compression techniques are used to reduce bandwidth requirements, then data rate requirements are reduced, but signal fidelity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsignal fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If point-to-point terrestrial links are used for video distribution, then dedicated routes can be established, but network asset duplication is required for multiple receivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated routeVSAvoidnetwork asset duplication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple point-to-point connections into a single point-to-multipoint MPLS connection. By using MPLS multicast capabilities, a single video stream can be distributed to multiple receivers simultaneously over shared network assets, eliminating the need for duplicate dedicated links while maintaining the reliability of guaranteed bandwidth through pre-provisioned MPLS paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MPLS network infrastructure provides universal service for video distribution by supporting both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transmissions through the same network mechanism. The MPLS protocol enables flexible routing and bandwidth guaranteeing that works for various distribution topologies, making the network multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If analog video infrastructure is used, then existing distribution networks can be utilized, but digital signal transmission quality is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexisting infrastructureVSAvoiddigital signal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces analog mechanical transmission systems with digital MPLS packet-switched networks. By encapsulating digital video signals in MPLS packets with guaranteed quality of service, the invention maintains compatibility with existing network infrastructure while ensuring digital signal integrity through protocol-level guarantees rather than analog signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8175020B2Method for the transmission and distribution of digital television signals

Publication Date: 2012.05.08 CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON ACTING THROUGH ITS CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH AS SECOND LIEN ADMINISTATIVE AGENT

AI summary

A system for the end-to-end delivery of digital television signals. In a preferred embodiment a digital television signal is: received from production equipment, typically in HD format at approximately 1.4 gigabits per second (Gbps); the received signal is transmitted to a venue point-of-presence; converted for transmission via a 270 Mbps local loop; transmitted to a fiber network point of presence/video service edge; packetized into TCP/IP packets in a video gateway; and routed to one or more destination addresses via the fiber network; received at one or more video service edge destinations; converted to a digital television format, typically SDI; and either transmitted via a second 270 Mbps local loop for delivery to a customer site and subsequent conversion to a 1.4 Gbps HD signal, or converted directly to a 1.4 Gbs HD signal at the receiving video service edge.