Multi-Server Download Control with Predictive Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-source content delivery systems experience excess data traffic due to network latency, leading to redundant coded symbols that increase server egress, reduce network bandwidth, and cause head-of-line blockages.

Innovation Solution

A controller determines initial and subsequent download requests based on communication link quality, using progressive partial download requests, soft download termination, and adaptive streaming rates to minimize excess data traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If continuous data transmission is used in multi-source content delivery, then throughput is improved, but excess data traffic increases due to network latency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidexcess data traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system sends download termination requests in advance before the actual download completion time. By predicting when downloads will complete based on current network conditions and server response times, the system proactively terminates transfers early, preventing excess data transmission while maintaining high throughput from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts download rates and termination timing based on real-time network conditions. By continuously monitoring network latency, bandwidth availability, and server performance, the system adapts its data transmission strategy to maximize throughput while minimizing redundant coded symbols transmitted during network latency periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If multiple servers transmit data simultaneously, then download speed is improved, but redundant coded symbols increase server egress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownload speedVSAvoidredundant coded symbols
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where download progress, network conditions, and server performance are continuously monitored. This feedback enables the system to adjust download requests and termination timing dynamically, ensuring that multiple servers transmit useful data without generating excessive redundant coded symbols, thus improving download speed while controlling server egress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system intentionally allows some servers to transmit slightly more data than strictly necessary, but uses intelligent termination to cut off transmissions before excessive redundancy accumulates. This partial excessive action approach maintains high download speeds from multiple sources while preventing wasteful server egress through timely termination requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If download termination is delayed, then more data can be received, but head-of-line blockages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata receivedVSAvoidhead-of-line blockages
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system sends termination requests in advance based on predicted download completion times. By proactively initiating termination before actual completion, the system prevents head-of-line blockages from accumulating while still receiving sufficient data from multiple servers to maintain high download speeds and maximize data received.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4221014B1Download control in multi-server communication system
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP
  • EP4221014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4221014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4221014B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for data traffic management in multi-source content delivery are described. The apparatus includes a downloader and a controller. The downloader is coupled to servers via communication links. A method for downloading by a downloader a data file from a plurality of servers coupled to the downloader via a plurality of communication links, comprises determining an initial load request; determining an initial download completion time; determining initial server loads for respective servers of the plurality of servers based on the initial download completion time; determining quantities of coded symbols to request from respective servers of the plurality of servers; and sending initial download requests for the quantities of coded symbols to the respective servers of the plurality of servers.