P2P Streaming Proxy Node for Media Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Application Layer Multicast (ALM) technologies for streaming media distribution have limited application range and flexibility due to their reliance on Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) based private media distribution protocols, requiring user terminals to match multicast networks for live/on-demand services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) streaming media data distribution that uses a Proxy node to convert media resource requests into pull/push operational primitives, allowing user terminals to obtain media resources from Cache nodes across multiple resource networks without needing to match multicast networks, thereby expanding service applicability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ALM uses TCP-based private media distribution protocols, then multicast function is implemented through Overlay nodes, but application range is limited and flexibility is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Proxy node as an intermediary between Client nodes and Cache nodes. The Proxy node converts RTSP control messages into pull/push operational primitives, enabling standard RTSP clients to access P2P streaming media resources without requiring custom TCP-based protocols. This intermediary approach expands application range while maintaining protocol simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Proxy node serves multiple functions: it acts as an RTSP server for client connections, a translator converting RTSP commands to P2P operational primitives, and a coordinator for managing Cache node selections. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle diverse operations, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user terminals match multicast networks for live/on-demand service, then P2P streaming is achieved, but service flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The Proxy node serves as a mediator that handles the complexity of network matching and Cache node selection. Client terminals only need to connect to the Proxy node using standard RTSP protocols, while the Proxy node manages the complex tasks of querying Cache nodes, converting protocols, and coordinating media delivery. This significantly improves ease of operation for terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables Cache nodes to autonomously provide media resources based on their cached content. When the Proxy node receives a media request, it automatically queries multiple resource networks, identifies suitable Cache nodes, and establishes connections without requiring manual terminal configuration. This self-service mechanism enhances service flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If RTSP protocol is used for media resource requests, then standard streaming control is achieved, but direct P2P media distribution becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The Proxy node acts as a protocol translator that sits between the RTSP control plane and the P2P data plane. It receives standard RTSP PLAY, SETUP, and TEARDOWN commands from clients, converts them into pull/push operational primitives for P2P media distribution, and manages the complexity of coordinating multiple Cache nodes. This keeps the distribution system complexity centralized in the Proxy rather than distributed across all terminals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) streaming media data distribution. The method includes: receiving a media resource request message sent by a Client node, and sending a media resource query request corresponding to the message to multiple resource networks; obtaining response messages to the media resource query request; confirming Cache nodes storing the media resource according to the response messages; and requesting the media resource from the Cache nodes. The embodiments of the present invention further provide a system and a Proxy node for streaming media data distribution, thereby expanding an application range of live/on-demand service of a user, and increasing the flexibility of a system for streaming media distribution.