Server-Based Placeshifting Configuration Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for placeshifting media content face challenges in establishing reliable peer-to-peer connections due to variability in intermediary networking devices and physical communications layers, leading to inefficiencies and unsatisfactory user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system that identifies and provides recommended communications configuration information for establishing peer-to-peer connections between media devices and client devices, optimizing settings such as addresses, protocols, and parameters to ensure successful and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a peer-to-peer connection is established for placeshifting media content, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to variability in intermediary networking devices and physical communication layers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing of multiple possible communication configuration settings before establishing the peer-to-peer connection. The server tests different configurations (such as TCP/UDP protocols, port numbers, and communication paths) in advance to identify which settings will work best for the specific network environment, thereby ensuring connection reliability while maintaining data transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters such as protocol type (TCP/UDP), port numbers, and transmission settings based on the tested results. By selecting and applying the optimal parameter combination from multiple tested options, the system achieves both reliable connections and efficient data transfer across variable network conditions
2Reliability
If multiple communication configuration settings are tested to ensure reliable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system tests a limited but sufficient number of communication configuration settings rather than exhaustively testing all possible combinations. By selecting a representative subset of configurations to test (excessive enough to ensure reliability but not exhaustive), the system achieves reliable connections while minimizing time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The testing of multiple communication configurations is performed preliminarily and cached for future use. Once the optimal configuration is identified through testing, it is stored and reused for subsequent placeshifting sessions between the same devices, eliminating the need to repeat time-consuming tests while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems and devices are provided for placeshifting data. An exemplary method of placeshifting a media program from a first device to a second device involves receiving, by a server on a network, from the second device, a request for a placeshifting session over the network with the first device, identifying, by the server, recommended communications configuration information for the placeshifting session, and providing, by the server, the recommended communications configuration information to one of the second device and the first device in response to the request.