Network-Initiated Streaming Control via Dedicated Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HTTP-based segmented streaming solutions lack the ability for network-initiated control, leading to service interruptions due to changes in network configuration, such as node failures or overloads, as they rely on client-initiated requests for manifest file updates, which are inefficient and can cause significant signaling load.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a streaming control channel between the client and the network, allowing the network to proactively send manifest file updates and other critical events to the client, enabling swift adaptation to network changes without relying on client-initiated requests, using protocols like WebSockets or SIP/XMPP for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If client-initiated requests are used for manifest file updates, then the network can respond to streaming needs, but service interruptions occur due to network configuration changes and signaling load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control channel that allows the network to proactively push manifest file updates to clients before they are requested. This preliminary action enables the network to anticipate and respond to network configuration changes (such as node failures or overloads) by pushing updated manifests to clients in advance, preventing service interruptions before they occur. The control channel establishes a persistent connection where the network can initiate communication at any time without waiting for client requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The control channel establishes a feedback mechanism where the network monitors its own state (including node health, bandwidth availability, and load conditions) and actively pushes updates to clients based on this feedback. This closed-loop system allows the network to detect changes in configuration or performance and immediately communicate these changes to clients through the control channel, enabling adaptive response without relying on client-initiated requests.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HTTP-based streaming protocols are used, then standard protocols can be leveraged, but network-initiated control is not possible leading to delays in adapting to network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the streaming system into two independent parts: a standard HTTP-based media delivery path for content transmission, and a separate control channel for network coordination. This segmentation allows the control channel to operate independently using protocols suited for real-time communication (such as WebSocket, SIP, or XMPP), while the media delivery continues to use standard HTTP protocols. The control channel handles network adaptation decisions, while the media channel handles actual content streaming, enabling simultaneous optimization of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control channel acts as an intermediary between the network and the client, facilitating efficient information exchange about network changes and streaming configuration. Instead of relying on clients to periodically check for updates or initiate requests, the control channel serves as a dedicated communication bridge where the network can push notifications and control information to clients in real-time, significantly reducing response time to network changes.
3Reliability
If frequent manifest file updates are implemented, then network configuration changes can be detected, but signaling load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel implements an event-driven feedback mechanism where the network actively monitors its own state (node availability, bandwidth conditions, load levels) and pushes manifest updates only when actual changes occur. This selective feedback approach ensures that clients receive configuration updates only when necessary, avoiding the signaling overhead of frequent periodic checks while maintaining accurate configuration information. The network's own state monitoring serves as the trigger for updates, ensuring timeliness without excessive frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
By establishing a persistent control channel connection in advance, the network can prepare and push manifest updates proactively when changes are detected, rather than waiting for client requests. This preliminary action allows the network to batch multiple configuration changes and deliver them efficiently in single push notifications, reducing the total number of signaling messages compared to client-initiated request-response cycles that would be needed for each individual change detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for enabling network-initiated control of streaming of segmented content from a content delivery node to at least one client, the client being configured to access at least part of the segmented content on the basis of a manifest file. A first manifest file is received identifying one or more segments and location information for locating one or more content delivery nodes configured to transmit one or more segments to at least one client. In response to reception of the first manifest file, channel set-up information is provided. At least one streaming control channel is established between at least one client and a control channel server function associated with the content delivery node on the basis of the control channel set-up information. The at least one client is configured for receiving at least one manifest file update message via the streaming control channel.