Multicast-Unicast Protocol Converter for Network Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in efficiently converting multicast protocols to unicast protocols, particularly in networks that do not support multicast trees, leading to issues with packet loss and corruption, and requiring specialized client software for error detection and correction.
Innovation Solution
A multicast-unicast protocol converter is introduced, which acts as a termination point for communication layers, extracting content from multicast streams, performing error detection and correction, and reformatting it for unicast delivery, eliminating the need for client-side multicast-aware software and allowing seamless access to multicast content over unicast-only networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multicast protocols are used to distribute digital content to multiple clients simultaneously, then network efficiency and bandwidth utilization are improved, but network compatibility and ease of operation deteriorate when the network does not support multicast trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol converter as an intermediary device that sits between the multicast content source and unicast-only clients. The converter receives multicast streams, performs error detection and correction, then retransmits the content as unicast packets to individual clients. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling multicast functionality in networks that only support unicast protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol converter dynamically changes the transmission protocol parameter from multicast to unicast based on the network capabilities of the receiving end. When clients are on a unicast-only network, the converter transforms the multicast protocol into unicast protocol, maintaining network efficiency while adapting to network compatibility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multicast streams are converted to unicast delivery over networks that do not support multicast, then network compatibility is improved, but packet loss and corruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol converter performs error detection and correction as a preliminary action before retransmitting the content as unicast packets. By detecting and correcting errors in the multicast stream beforehand, the converter ensures that the unicast delivery maintains high reliability despite the protocol transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the protocol converter monitors the multicast stream for errors, detects corruption, and applies correction algorithms before unicast retransmission. This feedback loop ensures that packet loss and corruption are minimized during the protocol conversion process.
3Reliability
If specialized client software is implemented for error detection and correction in multicast-to-unicast conversion, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol converter performs error detection and correction autonomously without requiring specialized client software on the receiving end. The converter acts as a self-service system that handles all error management functions centrally, simplifying the client devices while maintaining high reliability through built-in error correction capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A protocol converter includes a processor configured to receive a request for content from a client system. The processor is further configured to determine if the protocol converter is currently receiving the content through the multicast session, and join the multicast session if the protocol converter is not currently receiving the content. Additionally, the processor is configured to receive the content as an end point of the multicast session, format the content for communication to the client system, and provide content to the client system in a communication separate from the multicast session. Receiving the content as an end point of the multicast session can include terminating the application layer protocol used by the multicast session. Additionally, formatting the content can include re-encapsulating the content as hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) with an appropriate content-type.