Resilient Content Distribution Network with Dual IP and Non-IP Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IP content distribution networks are vulnerable to failure at the Network Control (NC) module-BC connection, which can sever communication between sources and destinations, especially critical ones, during failures, maintenance, or upgrades, rendering the BC a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
A resilient content distribution network architecture using a hybrid topology with dual communication paths for critical sources and destinations, employing both IP and non-IP signal paths, and automated systems to ensure continuous communication through parallel content distribution mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single NC module is used to communicate with the BC, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the connection becomes a single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single communication path into multiple parallel communication paths between the NC module and BC. Instead of relying on one connection, the system establishes separate communication channels (e.g., different physical ports, logical channels, or protocol instances) that can operate independently. When one path fails, traffic is automatically redirected through alternative paths, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameters by implementing multiple NC-BC connection instances with different configuration parameters (such as alternative IP addresses, port numbers, or protocol versions). This allows the system to maintain communication flexibility where parameters can be dynamically adjusted or switched based on path availability, improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented for critical sources and destinations, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to hybrid topology requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication framework where the same NC module and BC can handle both IP and non-IP protocols through a unified architecture. The system uses protocol translation capabilities and standardized interface definitions that allow multiple path types (IP-based and non-IP-based) to coexist and be managed through common control mechanisms. This multi-functionality approach enables redundant paths without requiring entirely separate management systems, thereby controlling complexity while achieving high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as protocol translators, gateway devices, or abstraction layers that mediate between the diverse communication paths and the core NC-BC interaction. These intermediaries standardize the interface between different path types (IP and non-IP), allowing the system to manage complex hybrid topologies through unified control logic. The intermediary handles protocol conversion and path selection, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the presence of multiple path types.
3Device complexity
If manual intervention is required for failure scenarios, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the device complexity is reduced by avoiding automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the health and status of communication paths between NC modules and BCs. The system detects failures automatically through heartbeat signals, error rate analysis, or connection status monitoring, and triggers appropriate responses without manual intervention. This feedback loop enables the system to self-diagnose and self-correct by switching to alternative paths when failures are detected, improving ease of operation during failure scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the network system to perform self-service functions by automatically detecting communication path failures and rerouting traffic through alternative paths without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system includes built-in capabilities for path selection, failure detection, and automatic failover that operate autonomously based on pre-configured policies. This self-service approach improves operational efficiency during failures while keeping the automation complexity contained through standardized failure response procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a content distribution network includes a first plurality of communication paths for Internet Protocol (IP) signals, a router providing a second plurality of communication paths for non-IP signals, and a plurality of signal sources and a plurality of signal destinations. Each signal source is linked to a respective one signal destination by a respective first communication path of the first plurality of communication paths. Each of one or more of the signal sources designated as a protected source is further linked to the respective one signal destination by a second communication path of the second plurality of communication paths. The content distribution network distributes content in one of a first mode in which the first communication path and the second communication path carry the same content contemporaneously, or a second mode in which only the second communication path carries that content.