SDN Cascade Topology for Low-Latency Multimedia

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for large-scale real-time multimedia communications face challenges in achieving low-latency, interactive multimedia transmission, particularly in scenarios with a large number of users, as existing technologies either limit the number of simultaneous participants or suffer from high latency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a software-defined network (SDN) that dynamically determines optimal paths for multimedia data transmission based on periodic measurement of transmission capacity between service nodes, allowing for the configuration of a cascade network topology that supports low-latency, interactive communications across hundreds of thousands of users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of simultaneous users is increased, then the scale of communications is improved, but the transmission latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of simultaneous usersVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network into multiple service nodes and edge nodes, creating a segmented cascade topology. This segmentation allows the system to handle large numbers of users by distributing traffic across multiple paths and nodes, reducing latency through parallel processing and avoiding single-point congestion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic path selection and topology configuration where the network can adaptively adjust data transmission routes based on real-time conditions. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize latency performance while supporting large-scale communications by selecting optimal paths among multiple available routes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the number of simultaneous users is increased, then the scale of communications is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of simultaneous usersVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs service nodes and edge nodes with multi-functional capabilities that can handle various communication tasks. This universality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating functions across nodes rather than requiring specialized dedicated components for each user or function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes pre-configured cascade topologies and path metrics before actual communication occurs. By pre-establishing the network structure and measurement mechanisms, the system reduces operational complexity during runtime communications, allowing for scalable user addition without proportionally increasing system management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If traditional network topologies are used, then the device complexity is low, but the transmission latency is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork topology complexityVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional network topologies to a three-dimensional cascade structure with multiple layers of service nodes and edge nodes. This dimensional expansion creates additional transmission paths and parallel processing opportunities, significantly reducing latency while managing complexity through hierarchical organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11949588B2Large-scale real-time multimedia communications
Publication Date: 2024.04.02 AGORA LAB INC
  • US11949588B2 patent drawing
  • US11949588B2 patent drawing
  • US11949588B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, an apparatus for real-time multimedia communications using a software-defined network (SDN) are provided. The method includes receiving, in a periodic manner, a path metric associated with a first service node in the SDN and a second service node in the SDN, wherein the path metric comprises at least one of: a load status of at least one of the first service node or the second service node, or a transmission metric between the first service node and the second service node; and in response to receiving the path metric, updating a cascade network topology comprising an optimal path for transmitting multimedia data between a first edge node and a second edge node.