Network Session Switching for Secure Content Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Applications using secure protocols like HTTPS face challenges in switching from cellular networks to Wi-Fi networks due to limitations in verifying network conditions and metadata, leading to potential disruptions in video streaming services.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor and communication circuit that determines the buffer state and signal strength of a Wi-Fi network, terminates the cellular network session, establishes a new session with the server over Wi-Fi, and measures data throughput to ensure it meets predefined conditions before switching, allowing seamless content reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an application uses HTTPS protocol to communicate with server, then security is improved, but the ability to verify network conditions and switch networks is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network verification process into two parts: metadata verification through the existing HTTPS connection and actual network condition testing through a separate measurement connection. This allows the application to maintain security while gaining network switching capability by measuring throughput and latency separately from the secure content delivery path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement mechanism that acts as a mediator between the HTTPS-secured application and the physical network conditions. The measurement connection serves as an intermediary channel to gather network state information without compromising the security of the main content delivery channel.
2Loss of energy
If the application switches from cellular network to Wi-Fi network, then network cost is reduced, but playback continuity is worsened due to insufficient buffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the throughput and latency of the target Wi-Fi network before actually switching from the cellular network. The application verifies that the Wi-Fi network meets minimum quality thresholds and accumulates sufficient buffer content before initiating the network switch, ensuring playback continuity is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring buffer state, measuring network throughput and latency, and using this information to make informed switching decisions. The system feedback loop ensures that network switching only occurs when both the target network quality and buffer state are sufficient to maintain uninterrupted playback.
3Measurement precision
If the application measures Wi-Fi network state during switching, then network selection accuracy is improved, but playback interruption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all network measurements and buffer state checks before initiating the actual network switch. By conducting throughput measurements, latency tests, and buffer assessments in advance, the system ensures that playback is not interrupted during the switching process itself, as all decisions are pre-determined based on measured conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to content streaming. An electronic device includes a processor configured to execute an application that communicates with a server using a pre-defined secure protocol. The electronic device also includes both a communication circuit configured to receive content associated with the application through a first network from a server, and a buffer configured to store the received content. The communication circuit determines a state of the buffer, and terminates a session established between the electronic device and the server based on the state of the buffer and signal state of a second network. The communication circuit also establishes a new session between the electronic device and the server through the second network. The communication circuit also measures a data throughput of the second network for the server during a measuring time, and, if the measured data throughput meets a condition, receives the content through the second network.