Proxy Module for Dynamic Video Stream Rerouting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face inefficiencies and disruptions when managing large-scale, dynamic video communication sessions, particularly in scenarios where network topology changes occur mid-session, such as in multi-party video chats, due to the need for high bandwidth and real-time video transmission, which can lead to increased costs and user experience disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proxy module that intercepts and reroutes streamed data between client devices and remote devices via a digital data communication network, allowing for seamless switching between different router-side streams and client-side streams, enabling dynamic network topology adjustments without disrupting the user experience. This involves establishing additional media streams and signaling paths to new nodes, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted media and signaling delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional network routing is used for video streaming, then network simplicity is maintained, but network efficiency and bandwidth utilization deteriorate during topology changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy module as an intermediary component that sits between the client device and the network routers. This proxy module intercepts streamed data and manages the complexity of dynamic topology changes, allowing the network to maintain efficiency during reconfigurations without requiring complex changes to the core network infrastructure. The proxy handles stream establishment, modification, and termination, acting as a buffer that absorbs network complexity while preserving overall network simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unicast streaming is used for each client, then individualized content delivery is achieved, but network bandwidth utilization and computational resources deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast streams into a single streamlined path during topology changes. When a client joins or leaves the network, instead of establishing or terminating individual unicast streams for each affected participant, the proxy module consolidates the stream management, allowing multiple clients to share common network paths and reducing redundant bandwidth consumption while maintaining the ability to deliver content individually to each client when necessary.
3Productivity
If network topology changes are made during video sessions, then network optimization is achieved, but user experience and service continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing alternative stream paths and preparing proxy module configurations before actual topology changes occur. When a network optimization is needed, the proxy module pre-establishes backup streams and prepares routing adjustments, then executes the topology change seamlessly. This preliminary preparation ensures that service continuity is maintained throughout the transition, preventing user experience disruptions while achieving network optimization.
4Ease of operation
If streaming proxies are used to replicate content, then client connection management is improved, but network topology flexibility and dynamic reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capabilities to traditional streaming proxies by enabling them to adapt their behavior based on real-time network conditions and topology changes. The proxy module can dynamically establish, modify, or terminate streams depending on whether clients are joining or leaving the network. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain ease of client management while simultaneously achieving topology flexibility, as the proxy automatically adjusts its stream replication and routing behavior without requiring manual reconfiguration or fixed network architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 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.