Redundant Multicast Failover for Switched Digital Video
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In digital channel broadcasting, bandwidth is inefficiently used as only a subset of channels are typically requested by subscribers, leading to unnecessary transmission of unwatched channels, and providing path redundancy in dynamic delivery networks is challenging.
Innovation Solution
The system determines multiple network paths for video program delivery based on client requests and changes in status, using redundant join types such as single-source concurrent and dual-source serial joins to ensure continuous service by switching between primary and secondary paths in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are transmitted simultaneously to ensure all subscribers can access any channel, then channel availability is improved, but bandwidth usage increases inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the channel transmission by creating separate multicast streams for different channel groups. Instead of transmitting all channels simultaneously, the network divides channels into groups and transmits only the groups that subscribers have requested, thereby reducing unnecessary bandwidth usage while maintaining channel availability for those groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the multicast channel groups based on real-time subscriber requests. When a subscriber requests a channel, the system dynamically creates or joins the appropriate multicast group, allowing the network to adapt channel transmission to actual demand rather than using a static all-channels approach.
2Reliability
If path redundancy is implemented to ensure continuous service during failures, then service reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing backup paths and redundant multicast groups before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the system has already prepared alternative paths and can quickly switch subscribers to backup channels, ensuring continuous service without requiring complex real-time path computation during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism through the use of a channel manager that coordinates between sources, network elements, and subscribers. This intermediary handles the complexity of path management, failure detection, and switching, thereby improving reliability while keeping the overall network architecture manageable through centralized coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for delivering content is provided. In one example, responsive to a request by a client device identifying a video program, the system is configured to determine different first and second network paths for delivery of the video program from a content source; deliver the video program via the first network path to the client device; and responsive to a change in status of the video program being delivered via the first network path, deliver the video program via the second network path to the client device.