Multicast Stream Initiation Based on Packet Inspection Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density user device scenarios, such as large events, networks become congested due to multiple user devices establishing individual data sessions to receive the same content, leading to reduced network performance and bandwidth utilization inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to determine when a multicast stream condition is met, based on analytical information from packet inspection analysis, and initiating a multicast stream that provides content in a looping format, using IGMP, to reduce network traffic and congestion by delivering the same content to multiple devices efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple user devices establish individual data sessions to receive the same content, then each device can access content independently, but network congestion increases and bandwidth utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual data sessions into a single multicast stream when multiple user devices are determined to be receiving the same content. The system analyzes packet data from individual sessions, identifies content duplication, and transitions to multicast mode where one stream serves multiple devices simultaneously, thereby reducing overall network traffic volume while maintaining independent access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the transmission parameter from unicast (individual data sessions) to multicast (shared stream) based on detected content similarity and network conditions. This parameter change is controlled by analyzing packet inspection data and determining whether multiple devices are receiving identical or substantially similar content, allowing efficient bandwidth utilization while preserving access independence.
2Quantity of substance
If a multicast stream is initiated to deliver the same content to multiple devices, then network bandwidth is optimized, but additional network analysis and control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The network system performs self-service by automatically analyzing packet data from individual data sessions, detecting when multiple devices are receiving the same content, and autonomously initiating multicast streams without requiring external manual configuration. The system monitors its own traffic patterns and makes decisions about multicast conversion based on predefined criteria, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring packet inspection data from ongoing data sessions and using this information to determine when multicast conditions are met. The analysis of content similarity and session patterns provides feedback that triggers the transition to multicast mode, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes bandwidth utilization based on actual network conditions.
3Reliability
If packet inspection analysis is performed on individual data sessions to identify content duplication, then multicast opportunities can be detected, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing packet inspection analysis selectively rather than examining every single packet in detail. It analyzes sufficient packet data to determine content similarity with reasonable accuracy, then makes multicast decisions based on this partial analysis. This approach achieves reliable duplication detection without the excessive processing overhead of complete packet inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for providing content in a multicast stream are disclosed. In one aspect, analytical information of a plurality of individual data sessions between user devices and a content server is received. The analytical information of each of the plurality of individual data sessions is based on a packet inspection analysis of data transmitted in the respective individual data sessions. A same set of content being delivered to at least a portion of the user devices based on the analytical information is determined. In response to the determination, a multicast stream condition is determined to be met based on at least one performance metric of a network over which the same set of content is being delivered. In response to determining that the multicast stream condition has been met, a multicast stream that provides the content in a looping stream is initiated.