Proxy Module Synchronizes Streamed Data During Router Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks face challenges in managing streamed communication, particularly in multi-party video sessions where network topology changes frequently, leading to disruptions in user experience due to synchronization discrepancies between different instances of streamed data.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize proxy modules to intercept and compare streamed data from different routers, introducing delays to synchronize data instances before switching, ensuring seamless transitions without noticeable disruptions to the end-user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If network topology is changed dynamically during communication sessions to optimize network usage, then network efficiency is improved, but synchronization discrepancies occur between different instances of streamed data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoiddata synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a second instance of streamed data from a different router before switching occurs. By preparing the alternative data path in advance and comparing it with the current instance, the system ensures synchronization is maintained during topology changes, allowing network optimization without sacrificing data reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The proxy module acts as an intermediary between the router and client device. It intercepts streamed data, compares instances from different routers, and manages the switching process. This intermediary ensures that topology changes for network optimization do not directly impact the client, maintaining synchronization while enabling network efficiency improvements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If proxy modules intercept and compare streamed data from different routers, then data synchronization is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronizationVSAvoidproxy module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy module is designed to perform multiple functions: intercepting streamed data, comparing instances from different routers, introducing delays for synchronization, and managing switching between data instances. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component rather than separate systems, the solution maintains reliability while controlling overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If delays are introduced to synchronize data instances, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but transmission speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces delays only when necessary to synchronize data instances during router switching, rather than applying continuous delays. The proxy module compares instances and applies delay adjustments selectively, maintaining synchronization accuracy while minimizing the impact on overall transmission speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3202105B1Managing streamed communication
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 BRITISH TELECOM PLC
  • EP3202105B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5(d)
  • EP3202105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3202105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for managing streamed communication (such as video, audio, or audio-visual communication) between client devices and remote devices via a digital data communication network in situations where the data communication network comprises one or more routers operable to receive streamed data from one or more client devices and/or from one or more other routers, and to forward such streamed data to one or more remote devices and/or to one or more other routers such as to enable the client device and potentially-varying subsets of the one or more remote devices to participate in a communication session.