Multiprotocol Multicast Streaming Proxy for Network Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional streaming techniques consume significant network and computational resources as each user receives an individual dedicated stream, even when multiple users want to access the same data stream, due to limitations in network infrastructure and the lack of support for native multicast over the Internet.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiprotocol multicast streaming proxy that intercepts client requests, determines if a stream can be multicast, and notifies clients how to access a multicast version, allowing the proxy to redistribute a single dedicated stream as a multicast to multiple clients, thereby reducing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional end-to-end streaming techniques are used to provide individual dedicated streams to each user, then each user can reliably access the streaming data, but network and computational resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual streaming requests into a single multicast stream. The proxy service receives requests from multiple clients for the same content and merges these requests into one multicast stream that is distributed to all clients simultaneously, thereby reducing redundant network traffic and server resource consumption while maintaining reliable delivery to each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proxy service as an intermediary between the streaming server and multiple clients. This intermediary receives individual client requests, determines when multiple clients want the same content, and then facilitates multicast delivery. The proxy acts as a mediator that transforms individual unicast requests into efficient multicast delivery without requiring changes to the original streaming server or clients.
2Reliability
If individual dedicated streams are provided to each user requesting the same data stream, then each user receives reliable access to the stream, but the load on servers and network links increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple identical streaming requests into a single multicast stream distribution. When the proxy service detects that multiple clients are requesting the same content, it combines these requests and delivers the stream once to multiple clients simultaneously via multicast, dramatically improving server and network processing efficiency while maintaining reliable delivery to each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delivery parameter from unicast (one-to-one) to multicast (one-to-many). By modifying the streaming delivery mechanism from individual dedicated streams to a shared multicast stream, the system maintains reliable access for each user while significantly reducing the processing load on servers and network infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If multicast streaming is implemented directly without a proxy service, then network resource efficiency is improved, but compatibility with conventional network infrastructure and firewalls is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a proxy service as an intermediary that translates between conventional unicast streaming and multicast streaming protocols. The proxy receives standard HTTP streaming requests from clients using conventional protocols that work with existing firewalls and network infrastructure, then internally converts these into efficient multicast streams. This intermediary approach maintains broad compatibility while achieving network resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy service provides multiple functions: it acts as a conventional HTTP server for client requests, a multicast router for efficient distribution, and a protocol translator between unicast and multicast. This multi-functionality allows the system to work with both conventional network infrastructure and efficient multicast protocols, achieving versatility and broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiprotocol multicast streaming proxy techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a response is sent by a proxy service for receipt by a client device responsive to receipt of a request from the client device to obtain streaming data from a service provider via a network. The response indicates how the client device is to access a multicast of the streaming data from the proxy service and a single dedicated stream of the streaming data. Responsive to receipt of a request from the client device to receive the multicast, the streaming data is obtained by the proxy service via a single dedicated stream from the service provider and multicast for receipt by at least the client device.