Peer-To-Peer Cache Content Replacer for Video-on-Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video-on-demand systems face high network costs and inefficiencies due to the need for content to travel long distances across network backbones from central servers to set-top boxes, and set-top boxes have limited storage capacity, requiring effective management of content caching and replacement.
Innovation Solution
The Peer-To-Peer Cache Content Replacer (P2PCCR) system allows set-top boxes to cache and share popular content, enabling nearby boxes to supply requested content instead of central servers, with a controller managing storage and content replacement based on demand and availability, using a peer-to-peer network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If content is delivered from central servers to set-top boxes across network backbones, then content can be provided to users, but network costs increase and network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized content delivery system into a distributed peer-to-peer system where multiple set-top boxes act as both clients and content sources. Each STB that caches content can serve other STBs, dividing the network traffic burden across many nodes rather than relying on a single centralized server, thereby reducing overall network costs while maintaining delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling set-top boxes to automatically cache content and share it with peers without centralized server intervention. The P2PCCR controller manages replacement policies but the actual content sharing is autonomous, with each STB serving itself and its peers based on local caching decisions, reducing dependency on expensive centralized infrastructure.
2Quantity of substance
If set-top boxes have limited storage capacity, then device cost is reduced, but content caching efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic content replacement policy managed by the P2PCCR controller. Instead of static caching, the system continuously monitors content popularity and availability across the peer network, dynamically replacing cached content based on real-time conditions. This allows limited storage capacity to be optimally utilized by prioritizing content that is most likely to be requested soon based on current network patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of content selection based on network conditions. The P2PCCR controller adjusts replacement decisions by considering factors such as content popularity, availability at other peers, and predicted demand patterns. By changing selection criteria based on these parameters, the system maximizes caching efficiency within limited storage constraints.
3Device complexity
If a centralized server manages content caching, then control is simplified, but network traffic and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the content caching and sharing functionality from the centralized server and distributes it to individual set-top boxes. The P2PCCR controller maintains high-level management but the actual content operations are extracted to peer nodes, reducing network traffic by eliminating the need for constant server coordination while distributing control complexity across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the P2PCCR controller as an intermediary that coordinates peer-to-peer content sharing without requiring direct server involvement. This mediator manages replacement policies and coordinates caching decisions across peers, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing only the coordination function while distributing the actual content handling to reduce network traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
The METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR A PEER-TO-PEER CACHE CONTENT REPLACER (“P2PCCR”) rates the value of storing specified existing content and replaces the lowest rated existing content with the requested new content. In one embodiment, a method for content replacement that may be used in a peer to peer video on demand system is described. The method includes receiving a request for new content, obtaining usage and availability data, determining a value rating based on the usage and availability data, and replacing lowest value rated content with said new content.