Multicast Error Correction With Adaptive FEC and Selective NACK
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multicast Adaptive Bit Rate (MABR) systems face inefficiencies due to static error correcting mechanisms that do not adapt to changing network dynamics, leading to issues like NACK implosion and suboptimal resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic error correction system that adjusts Forward Error Correction (FEC) and NACK settings based on real-time network conditions by monitoring client devices, using metrics to selectively enable/disable NACK and adjust FEC settings for each device, optimizing error recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static error correcting mechanisms are used in MABR systems, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to changing network dynamics deteriorates and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic error correction by continuously monitoring network conditions (packet error rates, loss patterns) and adjusting FEC parameters in real-time during multicast sessions. The system transitions from static pre-configured error correction to adaptive dynamic adjustment based on actual network performance, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes error correction parameters (FEC redundancy levels, coding schemes) based on measured network conditions. By dynamically modifying these parameters in response to packet error rates and loss patterns, the system achieves both ease of operation through automated adjustment and adaptability to changing network dynamics.
2Reliability
If NACK setting is enabled for all client devices, then reliability of error correction is improved, but NACK implosion occurs causing system overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective NACK suppression based on local network conditions at each client device. Instead of uniform NACK handling, the system monitors individual device performance and selectively disables NACK for devices experiencing high error rates or during periods of network stress, preventing NACK implosion while maintaining reliability for devices that need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial NACK enabling where only certain client devices or certain types of packets trigger NACK responses. By applying NACK selectively rather than universally, the system maintains error correction reliability for critical packets while avoiding the excessive NACK traffic that causes implosion.
3Reliability
If FEC redundancy is increased to improve error correction, then reliability of content delivery is improved, but resource usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts FEC redundancy levels based on real-time network conditions. When packet error rates are low, FEC overhead is reduced to optimize resource usage. When error rates increase, redundancy is automatically increased to maintain reliability, resolving the contradiction between reliable delivery and resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes in FEC configuration (redundancy ratios, coding block sizes) based on measured network performance. By adapting these parameters to current conditions rather than using fixed high redundancy, the system achieves both reliable error correction and efficient resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure recites techniques for correcting errors occurring in a multicast session. Precisely, the disclosure recites periodically receiving, data packets, comprising metrics including the existence of packet error, corresponding to a single multicast session, from plurality of client devices placed across one or more zones. The disclosure further recites selectively disabling a Not-Acknowledge (NACK) setting for each of the plurality of client devices using the metrics. Additionally, the method recites selectively enabling a Forward Error Correction's (FEC) setting for each of the plurality of client devices using the metrics.