OTT Video Rate Estimation via Network Traffic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating video rates in Over-The-Top (OTT) video services are inefficient, particularly for encrypted videos and dynamic network traffic, as they rely on side information or complex mathematical models that are not applicable to all OTT video applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors network traffic patterns using a water-filling algorithm to determine an optimized video rate, allowing for accurate estimation of video rates without requiring knowledge of video coding configurations, and adjusts network settings to improve user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If side information or complex mathematical models are used to estimate video rates, then measurement precision may be improved for certain cases, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes specific identifiable features from network traffic packets (such as protocol types, packet sizes, timing patterns) that are inherently present in the traffic flow. By focusing on these extracted features rather than requiring complete side information or complex models, the system achieves video rate estimation without the complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the network traffic itself to provide the necessary information for video rate estimation through its own observable characteristics. By analyzing patterns that naturally exist in the traffic (packet intervals, sizes, protocol sequences), the method makes the traffic self-descriptive, eliminating the need for external side information or complex preprocessing.
2Measurement precision
If side information or complex mathematical models are used to estimate video rates, then measurement precision may be improved for certain cases, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal estimation method that works across different OTT video applications and encrypted video types by focusing on common network traffic patterns rather than application-specific details. The approach can identify and analyze video traffic characteristics regardless of the specific OTT service provider or encryption method used, making it broadly applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments network traffic into identifiable units based on protocol types and traffic patterns, analyzing each segment's characteristics to determine video rate. This segmentation approach allows the method to handle diverse video streams by processing them in manageable, standardized units rather than requiring a single complex model.
3Measurement precision
If traditional estimation methods are used, then some video rates can be estimated, but productivity and adaptability deteriorate for dynamic network traffic and encrypted videos
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic estimation approach that continuously adapts to changing network conditions and traffic patterns. By monitoring traffic characteristics in real-time and adjusting analysis parameters accordingly, the system maintains accuracy for encrypted videos and dynamic traffic where static models fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes analysis parameters based on observed traffic characteristics, such as adjusting to different protocol sequences, packet size distributions, or timing patterns that indicate encrypted video traffic. This parameter adaptation allows the method to remain effective across varying network conditions and encryption schemes.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device including a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, including monitoring network traffic to determine a transmission control protocol traffic pattern, determining a target video rate from the transmission control protocol traffic pattern, and modifying an over-the-top video delivery service network according to the target video rate. Other embodiments are disclosed.