Destination Port Filtering for Broadband Data Stream Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In traditional cable networks, consumer network devices face challenges in managing encoded data streams due to the lack of uniqueness of MPEG PIDs in converged IP and Ethernet systems, leading to overwhelming processing tasks when receiving IP OOB messages, which are not effectively filtered by existing hardware.
Innovation Solution
A method involving encapsulating messages within transport layer data packets with destination port numbers associated with predetermined parameters of the digital transmission protocol, allowing consumer network devices to process data streams efficiently by establishing application layer communication sockets based on these port numbers, using protocols like UDP and IP as specified in the DOCSIS Set-top Gateway Interface Specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consumer network devices receive all IP OOB messages in converged systems, then complete service information is received, but processing burden becomes overwhelming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary service information messages from the complete set of IP OOB messages by using destination port number filtering. Consumer network devices are configured to receive only messages on specific destination port numbers that correspond to relevant service information, thereby extracting essential data while discarding unnecessary messages that would otherwise overwhelm the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces destination port numbers as an intermediary filtering mechanism between the headend and consumer network devices. This intermediary layer allows selective message delivery based on port number matching, enabling the system to manage the flow of service information efficiently without requiring consumer devices to process all incoming messages.
2Productivity
If hardware filtering is used for MPEG PIDs, then message filtering is efficient, but uniqueness of PIDs is lost in converged IP systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identification parameter from MPEG PID to destination port number. This parameter change allows the system to maintain efficient hardware-based filtering capabilities while adapting to the IP-based converged network environment where MPEG PIDs are not unique. Destination port numbers provide the necessary uniqueness in IP systems while enabling similar filtering efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the destination port number mechanism universal, allowing it to serve multiple functions: identifying service information messages, enabling hardware filtering, and working within the IP protocol stack. This universal approach replaces the PID-specific filtering mechanism with a more versatile port-based system that functions across different protocol layers.
3Ease of operation
If proprietary protocols are used for network interfaces, then cable network control is maintained, but flexibility and standardization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the essential functionality of proprietary PID-based filtering mechanisms into the standard IP/UDP protocol framework by using destination port numbers. This copying approach allows cable network operators to maintain control over service information delivery while using standardized protocols, thereby achieving both control capability and architectural flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400) for managing a data stream (30) encoded according to a digital transmission protocol and configured for broadcasting to a consumer network device (14) within a broadband communications network (10). A message relating to the data stream is encapsulated (402) within a transport layer data packet (502). The packet has a destination port number field. A value associated with a predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol is created (404) within the field. Based on the value, the packet is forwarded (406) to the consumer network device according to a network layer protocol. When the forwarded message is received by the consumer network device, the consumer network device processes the data stream based on the message, and establishes an application layer communication socket based on the destination port number value. The socket is usable to receive further messages associated with the predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol.