QoEHN TCP ISN Embedding for Streaming Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current media streaming technologies face inefficiencies in cross-layer information exchange between network nodes, leading to suboptimal streaming performance and increased re-buffering due to lack of coordination between client and server/network behaviors, especially in web and adaptive video streaming applications.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using initial sequence numbers and Quality of Experience Helper Nodes (QoEHNs) to manage TCP/UDP connections, allowing for optimal congestion window sizing and dynamic playback buffer management, enabling better coordination between network and application layers without a separate control connection, and providing information on video resolution for improved user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cross-layer information exchange is implemented using control protocols like MPEG DASH SAND, then coordination between client and server behaviors is improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestreaming performance coordinationVSAvoidcontrol protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control information exchange with existing data transmission channels by embedding coordination messages within standard HTTP/HTTPS traffic flows. This merging approach allows cross-layer communication without establishing separate control connections, thereby improving coordination reliability while avoiding the complexity overhead of dual-channel protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal messaging framework that can operate across different streaming protocols and network conditions using a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows the same control mechanism to serve multiple purposes (bandwidth adaptation, buffer management, quality selection) without requiring protocol-specific implementations, reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Ease of operation

If client-driven decentralized adaptation is used in DASH streaming, then ease of operation is improved, but control and coordination between client and server is limited leading to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclient autonomyVSAvoidstreaming performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server sends guidance information about available bandwidth, buffer states, and recommended quality levels to the client. The client autonomously processes this feedback and adjusts its streaming parameters accordingly, maintaining ease of operation while improving coordination and overall streaming performance through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary messaging layer that translates between server-side network conditions and client-side adaptation decisions. This mediator provides structured recommendations without imposing centralized control, allowing the client to maintain autonomy while benefiting from server-side insights into network state and resource availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If server-side network assistance is implemented without separate control connections, then device complexity is reduced, but information exchange efficiency may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection managementVSAvoidinformation exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control information exchange with existing data transmission channels by embedding coordination messages within standard HTTP/HTTPS traffic flows. This approach reduces device complexity by eliminating separate control connections while maintaining efficient information exchange through the high-bandwidth data channels already established for content delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3735768B1Improving qoe for video and web services using cross-layer information
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3735768B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3735768B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3735768B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A server comprising a processor, the processor being configured to receive a network connection establishment request to establish a Transmission Control Protocol, TCP, connection or a user datagram protocol, UDP, connection from a network user equipment, UE; analyze the network connection establishment request to extract TCP initial sequence numbers, ISNs, or a quick user datagram protocol, QU1C, connection identifier, ID; and send a message comprising the QUIC connection ID or at least one of the TCP ISNs to a Quality of Experience helper node, QoEHN, with instructions to control the TCP connection or the UDP connection between the server and the network UE.