PCRF Intermediary for HTTP ABR Video Stream Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective control over HTTP Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) video streaming protocols, allowing user equipment (UE) to unilaterally select video characteristics, leading to network congestion and quality of experience (QoE) issues that network operators cannot manage.
Innovation Solution
A network node performs deep packet inspection (DPI) to detect media stream identifiers in HTTP ABR protocols, modifying the UE's requests to select appropriate media streams based on operator policies, such as screen size, subscriber type, and congestion state, without modifying the descriptor file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HTTP ABR protocols allow UE to autonomously select media streams based on its own criteria, then the ease of operation and adaptability of video delivery is improved, but network congestion and loss of control over video traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) as an intermediary between the UE and the HTTP server. The PCRF intercepts HTTP requests, performs deep packet inspection to detect descriptor files and media stream identifiers, and modifies requests to control media stream selection. This intermediary enables network operators to manage video traffic and prevent congestion while maintaining HTTP ABR protocol operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HTTP ABR protocols enable dynamic media stream selection by UE, then the adaptability to network conditions and device characteristics is improved, but the network operator's control over video delivery formats is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCRF continuously monitors HTTP traffic, detects media stream selections made by the UE, and dynamically adjusts subsequent requests based on network conditions and operator policies. The PCRF receives feedback about UE media stream choices and modifies future requests to guide UE toward appropriate media streams, thereby maintaining operator control while preserving adaptability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If trans-rating and trans-coding are used to minimize video traffic impact, then network congestion is reduced, but the complexity of video processing and delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the HTTP server prepare multiple pre-encoded video versions with different bitrates and quality characteristics before delivery. The server creates a descriptor file listing these pre-prepared media streams, allowing the PCRF to simply select from available options rather than requiring real-time transcoding. This approach reduces network traffic impact while avoiding complex processing at delivery time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the PCC control of HTTP adaptive bit rate video streaming protocols. This PCC control is enforced in a network node that is in communication interaction with a user terminal, UE, and a media server, and is configured to perform the steps of: performing (S110) a deep packet inspection, DPI, on IP packets sent from the media server (30) to the UE (10) to detect an association between a plurality of identifiers and corresponding characteristics of respective different media streams representing the same media information; performing (S130) a DPI on IP packets sent from the UE (10) to the media server (30) to detect a media stream identifier selected by the UE from said association, the IP packets corresponding to a request to obtain one of the different media streams of the association; and modifying (S150) the request by replacing the detected media stream identifier selected by the UE (10) with any other of the media stream identifiers of the association.