P2P VoD Client Segment Selector and Bandwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video on demand (VoD) services face challenges in managing high bandwidth and real-time playback requirements, especially during peak hours, leading to increased load on central servers due to limited utilization of subscriber's upload and download capacities.
Innovation Solution
A method and subscriber client unit that employ a Segment Selector Algorithm (SSA) and Server Bandwidth Control (SBC) algorithm to optimize video segment downloading from peers or a central server, calculating minimal and maximal server bandwidths to ensure fault-free playback and efficient resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If peer-to-peer video distribution is implemented to reduce central server load, then server bandwidth consumption is reduced, but playback reliability deteriorates due to uncertain peer availability and upload capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tracker server as an intermediary that coordinates peer-to-peer video distribution. The tracker manages peer connections, monitors upload capacities, and ensures reliable segment delivery by orchestrating multiple peer interactions, thus maintaining playback reliability while reducing direct server bandwidth consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having peers pre-fetch video segments before they are needed for playback. The Segment Selector Algorithm proactively identifies and downloads segments in advance, considering peer upload capacities and playback requirements, ensuring segments are ready when needed without compromising playback reliability
2Productivity
If more video segments are downloaded from peer clients to maximize resource utilization, then central server load is reduced, but network congestion increases on subscriber access links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adjustment through the Server Bandwidth Control algorithm, which continuously monitors network conditions and peer upload capacities. The system dynamically optimizes download rates from peers to maximize resource utilization while preventing network congestion by adapting to real-time network state
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including download rate, peer selection criteria, and segment priority based on network conditions. The algorithms adjust these parameters dynamically to balance resource utilization with network congestion prevention, optimizing the trade-off between peer-to-peer distribution benefits and network health
3Productivity
If a Segment Selector Algorithm is implemented to choose optimal peer providers, then download efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Segment Selector Algorithm implements self-service by autonomously selecting optimal peer providers based on real-time information about peer upload capacities and segment availability. The algorithm independently makes decisions about which peers to download from, improving download efficiency without requiring complex centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where peers report their upload capacities and segment availability to the tracker and to each other. The Segment Selector Algorithm continuously receives this feedback and adjusts its peer selection decisions accordingly, improving download efficiency through adaptive, information-driven choices while keeping the feedback loop relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling downloading of video segments or segmented video stream to a subscriber client unit, and a subscriber client unit adapted to perform said method. One object of the invention is to guarantee seamless playback and the optimal server load. Said object is by a method and a subscriber client unit that is controlled by a segment selector (SSA) and a server bandwidth control (SBC) algorithm.