Port Number Addressing for Audio-Video Network Scalability
Solution Overview
Problem
As audio-video networks grow in complexity, managing communications between video content sources and display devices becomes increasingly challenging due to the need for tracking and updating addresses of multiple devices, especially when branch devices like concentrators select content from multiple sources, leading to potential address confusion and management complexities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a port number addressing scheme where each device assigns unique addresses based on port numbers, allowing the network topology to be built into the address, enabling easy updates and management without requiring coordination of addresses and routing information, and allowing sources to determine parameters and configure devices based on these addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional addressing schemes are used in audio-video networks, then devices can communicate with each other, but network management becomes increasingly complex as the network grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the addressing system by assigning unique port numbers to each physical port on devices. This segmentation allows the network to scale by simply adding new port numbers rather than managing complex device addresses, thereby improving scalability while reducing management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces port numbers as an intermediary addressing layer between devices. Instead of devices directly addressing each other through complex device identifiers, communication is mediated through port numbers that simplify the addressing process and reduce management overhead as the network grows
2Adaptability or versatility
If branch devices like concentrators are added to select content from multiple sources, then content routing flexibility improves, but address confusion and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the addressing space by dedicating specific port numbers to branch devices like concentrators. This segmentation allows content routing flexibility through multiple sources while maintaining simple address management, as each branch device operates with its own designated port number rather than requiring complex address coordination
3Adaptability or versatility
If device addresses are updated dynamically in the network, then plug and play functionality is enabled, but address tracking and synchronization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses port numbers as an intermediary that remains stable while allowing dynamic device connections. When devices are plugged or unplugged, only the port number assignments need updating rather than reconfiguring the entire addressing scheme, significantly reducing the time and complexity of address updates while maintaining plug and play functionality
Data Source
AI summary
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a method to assign unique addresses to each sink device in a content network based on port numbers of a source and branch devices in the network. Sink devices connected to a port on the source or the branch devices are assigned a corresponding port number as a sink address. Branch devices connected to a port on the source or higher level branch devices have a corresponding port number prepended to the previously assigned sink addresses.