Network Bridge Modem for IP Content Delivery via CATV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content distribution systems lack a mechanism to efficiently deliver content to IP-enabled devices without a high-speed data connection, limiting access for non-data subscribers and restricting mobility of content consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture and apparatus that enable content delivery to IP-enabled devices using a managed network, specifically through a modem configured to access content via a traditional CATV or other distribution network, allowing content delivery without high-speed data services and enabling access via third-party access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content distribution systems use traditional high-speed data connections (CMTS) for IP content delivery, then content delivery speed and reliability are improved, but network infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the CATV network and IP-enabled devices. This gateway translates and bridges the two different network protocols, allowing content to flow from the traditional CATV system to modern IP devices without requiring the entire infrastructure to be upgraded to high-speed data standards. The gateway acts as a protocol translator and network bridge, resolving the contradiction by maintaining reliability through the established CATV infrastructure while enabling IP content delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the CATV network infrastructure to serve multiple functions: traditional video content delivery and new IP-based content delivery to mobile devices. By making the system multi-functional, the existing infrastructure is utilized for both legacy and modern services, avoiding the need for separate high-speed data infrastructure while supporting diverse content delivery requirements.
2Reliability
If content delivery is restricted to high-speed data subscribers only, then network service quality is maintained, but customer base and market accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service delivery architecture by introducing a gateway device that handles IP content delivery separately from the main CATV infrastructure. This segmentation allows the core network to maintain its established service quality for traditional subscribers while the gateway provides extended IP-based services to a broader customer base, including non-subscribers and mobile users, without compromising the reliability of the core system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that extends service accessibility to non-traditional customers (non-subscribers, mobile users) while maintaining the quality standards of the core CATV network. It translates requests from diverse IP-enabled devices into formats compatible with the CATV system, thereby expanding customer base accessibility without sacrificing service quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IP content delivery is decoupled from high-speed data services, then customer base expansion is enabled, but network control and service management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device acts as a controlled intermediary that manages the decoupling of IP content delivery from high-speed data services. It maintains network control by filtering and managing traffic between the CATV infrastructure and IP-enabled devices, allowing service expansion to diverse customers while keeping management complexity localized to the gateway device rather than the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is configured to autonomously manage IP content delivery requests, translating and routing traffic without requiring complex centralized network management. This self-service capability at the gateway level enables service expansion while minimizing the burden on network operators, as the gateway handles protocol translation and traffic management locally.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.