Server Push for Manifest Files Reduces Streaming Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content delivery systems experience delays due to the need for multiple round-trip requests and responses for manifest files and content portions in variable bitrate streaming, leading to a delay in content presentation for users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing server push technology to proactively transmit master and variant manifest files and content portions to user devices without explicit requests, reducing the need for subsequent requests and thus minimizing delay when switching between content streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional request-response protocol is used for content delivery, then user devices can control content requests, but content presentation delay increases due to multiple round-trip times
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by proactively pushing manifest files and content portions to the user device before the user actually requests them. The server determines which manifest files and content portions to push based on predicted user needs, and transmits them in advance using server push technology, thereby eliminating round-trip delays when the user switches content streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the server monitors user device behavior, channel switching patterns, and content consumption data to intelligently determine what content to push. This feedback loop allows the server to adapt its pushing strategy based on actual user needs, balancing proactive content delivery with user control.
2Speed
If server push technology is implemented to reduce latency, then content rendering time is reduced, but network bandwidth consumption increases due to proactive transmission of multiple manifest files and content portions
Solution Approach 1:
The server applies local quality by selectively pushing only the specific manifest files and content portions that are most likely to be needed based on the user's current channel and predicted preferences. Rather than pushing everything, the system tailors the pushed content to local user needs, optimizing the balance between speed and bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by pushing only the necessary subset of manifest files and content portions rather than all available content. The server determines the minimum sufficient set of content to push based on user behavior patterns, avoiding unnecessary bandwidth consumption while still achieving latency reduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the server pushes multiple variant manifest files to enable variable bitrate streaming, then content adaptation options increase, but the complexity of content delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary determination of which variant manifest files to push based on predicted user needs and channel switching patterns. By pre-calculating and pre-selecting the appropriate content variants before the user makes decisions, the system reduces the complexity of real-time content selection while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the server to autonomously determine and push the appropriate content variants without requiring explicit user instructions for each variant selection. The server uses user behavior data and channel information to automatically select and deliver the most suitable content, reducing the operational complexity for both users and the delivery system.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates generally to providing content from a source to a user device. In one implementation, a source such as a server receives a request for a master manifest file. The server may identify one or more other manifest files and at least one data block associated with the content. The other manifest files can include manifest files referenced by the master manifest file, or can include manifest files associated with related content. The requested master manifest, the one or more other manifest files, and the at least one data block can be pushed to the user device.