Dynamic Proxy Configuration for Broadband Multicast Receivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring receivers to handle broadband multicast signals, particularly IPTV signals, are inflexible and require significant technical effort to change configurations, especially for dynamic adjustments or server migrations, as they often rely on fixed settings that cannot be altered at runtime without extensive intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically configures the proxy unit within the receiver using established protocols like DHCP, RIP, or OSPF to select and adjust upstream interfaces for communication with server devices, allowing for flexible adaptation without modifying existing protocols or reconfiguring terminal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed configuration is used for proxy unit during router setup or manufacture, then initial stability and simplicity are improved, but adaptability and ability to change configuration at runtime deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration by allowing the proxy unit's routing table to be modified at runtime through protocol messages from the network operator. The configuration transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic state where upstream interface assignments can be changed without physical device replacement or manual reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the configuration parameters of the proxy unit dynamically by transmitting new routing table entries through standard protocols (DHCP, RIP, OSPF). This allows the network operator to modify interface assignments, IP addresses, and routing information without changing the physical device or its fundamental structure, enabling adaptability while maintaining system stability through controlled parameter updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If configuration changes are made through fixed settings or manual intervention, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service configuration where the proxy unit automatically receives and applies configuration updates from the network operator through standard protocols. The system performs self-reconfiguration without requiring manual intervention at the customer premises, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through automated, protocol-driven configuration management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces protocol messages as an intermediary mechanism between the network operator and the proxy unit. This intermediary enables remote configuration changes to be transmitted and applied automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring reliable configuration updates through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If protocol modification or expansion is implemented to enable dynamic configuration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidprotocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves dynamic configuration adaptability by utilizing existing multi-functional protocols (DHCP, RIP, OSPF) that are already widely deployed in network infrastructure. These protocols serve multiple purposes including address assignment, routing, and configuration management, eliminating the need for new specialized protocols and avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2475150B1Method for configuring a receiver for receiving broadband multicast signals using a communication network, and receiver and system
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2475150B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A method for configuring a receiver (40) is proposed, wherein the receiver (40) is configured to receive broadband multicast signals distributed via a communication network, wherein the multicast signals are made available to the receiver (40) via at least one server device (11, 12), wherein the receiver (40) has a proxy unit (50) for communication with the server device (11, 12), wherein the receiver (40) has configuration information for determining the interface to be used by the proxy unit (50) for the communication direction from the receiver (40) to the server device (11, 12), wherein the configuration information is dynamically transmitted to the receiver by means of a configuration or routing protocol.