Seamless Network Switching for Media Streaming Sessions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signaling protocols, such as SIP, do not allow for seamless switching between multiple networks during a media streaming session, leading to disruptions when a network becomes unavailable or a better alternative is detected.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for switching media streaming sessions between networks based on criteria such as network loss, cost, or availability, involving detection of available networks, initiation of new sessions using SIP INVITE messages, and buffering of data streams to minimize disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current signaling protocols (SIP) are used to establish streaming sessions, then session establishment is achieved, but seamless switching between multiple networks is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection into multiple independent network interfaces (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, Ethernet) that can be individually managed. The system maintains separate network connections while using a unified session management layer that can switch between them without terminating the overall streaming session, thus enabling network switching while maintaining session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary session management component that sits between the application layer and the network layer. This intermediary monitors network conditions, manages multiple network interfaces, and performs seamless switching between networks while maintaining the streaming session state, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If a user moves out of coverage area or network becomes unavailable, then network connectivity is lost, but session disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-establishing backup network connections and maintaining session state information in advance. When the primary network becomes unavailable, the system can immediately switch to a pre-prepared alternative network connection without disrupting the streaming session, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing buffer mechanisms and alternative network paths in advance. When network unavailability occurs, these pre-prepared cushioning measures (backup networks, buffered data) prevent session disruption and maintain continuous streaming, resolving the contradiction between network availability and session continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual session termination and re-establishment is required when switching networks, then network switching is possible, but user experience deteriorates due to disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically monitor network conditions, detect available networks, and perform switching operations without user intervention. The session management component autonomously handles network switching while maintaining session continuity, providing both network flexibility and seamless user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a dynamic session management system that continuously adapts to changing network conditions. The system dynamically selects the optimal network based on real-time metrics (signal strength, cost, availability) and performs seamless switching, thereby providing network flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through automated adaptive behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for switching a media streaming session between a plurality of networks. In one embodiment, a method of switching networks in a media streaming session can comprise detecting a plurality of networks available for communication of streaming data. The plurality of networks can include a first network providing a first streaming session and a second network. A determination can be made as to whether to switch the first streaming session from the first network. Determining to switch the first streaming session from the first network to the second network can be based on detecting a loss of the first network, detecting a lower cost alternative to the first network, etc. In response to determining to switch the first streaming session from the first network, the first streaming session can be switched from the first network to the second network.