Multicast IP Allocation for Cellular Streaming Bandwidth
Solution Overview
Problem
Current media streaming over cellular networks requires each endpoint device to establish a unique data session, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage as each device receives a separate stream, whereas users in a geographic area often want to connect to the same content, such as live events, resulting in incremental bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
The allocation of a source-specific multicast Internet Protocol (IP) address allows for shared RF bandwidth, enabling multiple endpoint devices to receive the same streaming media content via a single broadcast stream within a cellular network, reducing the need for individual data sessions by utilizing shared RF resources and broadcasting content through base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each endpoint device establishes a unique data session to receive streaming media content, then each device can access the content independently, but bandwidth usage increases incrementally for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual data sessions into a single multicast data session. Multiple endpoint devices within a geographic area share a common broadcast channel and receive the same streaming media content through a single data session established by the base station, eliminating redundant bandwidth consumption while maintaining device access independence through the multicast protocol
2Loss of energy
If a single broadcast stream is used to deliver streaming media content to multiple devices, then bandwidth usage is reduced, but devices cannot receive content through individual dedicated sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the streaming media server and multiple endpoint devices. It receives the broadcast stream from the server and redistributes it to multiple devices through a single multicast session, enabling bandwidth efficiency while abstracting the complexity of individual session configurations from the end devices
3Productivity
If source specific multicast IP address allocation is implemented, then shared RF bandwidth is enabled for multiple devices, but network address management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network address space by allocating dedicated source specific multicast IP addresses for different broadcast channels. Each broadcast channel has its own multicast address, allowing the base station to manage multiple streams independently while the endpoint devices simply need to subscribe to the appropriate channel, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, computer-readable media, and methods for allocating a source specific multicast internet protocol address to a streaming media content are disclosed. For example, a processor of a device may receive a streaming media content, allocate a source specific multicast internet protocol address to the streaming media content for a base station of a cellular network, allocate a first broadcast channel of the base station to the streaming media content, and associate the first broadcast channel with the source specific multicast internet protocol address. The processor may further generate a manifest file, the manifest file including an identification of the streaming media content and the source specific multicast internet protocol address, transmit the manifest file via a second broadcast channel of the base station, and transmit the streaming media content via the first broadcast channel of the base station.