Packetized Content Delivery Network with Unified Service Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current content delivery systems, such as cable and satellite networks, face limitations in providing personalized, flexible, and integrated services across different devices and locations, lacking the ability to deliver packetized media content efficiently and fail to meet the 'four-any' capability of users wanting content on any device, at any time, and any location, leading to customer frustration and decreased service profitability.
Innovation Solution
A packetized content delivery network using a common packet protocol transport agnostic to underlying architectures, with a common service layer and control layer enabling session-based protocols like SIP, QAM channels, and optical/electrical networking for video, voice, and data transmission, along with IMS compliance and DRM security, to provide unified and converged services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional content delivery systems (cable/satellite networks) are used, then content can be delivered to subscribers, but the systems lack the ability to provide personalized, flexible, and integrated services across different devices and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service layer that operates independently of underlying network architectures (cable, satellite, fiber, wireless). This service layer provides unified content delivery and service management functions across multiple transport networks, enabling the system to adapt to different devices and locations without requiring separate specialized systems for each network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional layers: transport network layer, service layer, and client layer. This segmentation allows the service layer to be developed and deployed independently, providing flexibility and personalization capabilities without complicating the underlying transport infrastructure. Each layer can be optimized separately while maintaining overall system functionality.
2Productivity
If packetized content delivery is implemented, then efficient content delivery across multiple devices is enabled, but requires a common packet protocol transport infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The service layer acts as an intermediary between the packetized content sources and diverse client devices. It implements protocol adaptation and translation functions, converting between different packet protocols and formats as needed. This intermediary layer enables efficient content delivery by standardizing the transport interface while maintaining compatibility with various underlying networks and client devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If session-based protocols like SIP are used, then integrated voice and data services are enabled, but requires IMS compliance and additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges voice, video, and data services into a unified session-based framework using SIP protocols. The service layer combines multiple service functions (content delivery, user authentication, session management, billing) into integrated service bundles. This merging approach enables personalized service packages that can include any combination of services, delivered through a single coordinated control mechanism rather than separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.