Server-Side Manifest Switching for CDN Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video streaming systems face challenges in dynamically switching video segment locations during content delivery without requiring additional software or increased network traffic, especially when CDN failures occur, leading to interruptions or delays in video playback.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize per-user video manifest delivery to track CDN performance, allowing for transparent dynamic switching between content delivery networks by modifying the manifest file based on aggregated performance data from multiple video players, thereby improving content delivery without additional software or communication overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video players implement player-side failover switching to alternative CDNs, then video playback continuity is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring additional software and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server-side manifest delivery mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the video source and player. The server automatically detects CDN failures and switches manifest URLs to alternative CDNs, eliminating the need for complex player-side failover logic while maintaining playback continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring player requests for video segments from alternative CDNs. When such requests are detected, the server updates the manifest file to reflect the actual CDN being used, enabling continuous improvement of CDN selection based on real-world performance data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If player-side reporting software is added to communicate CDN failures, then system adaptability improves, but device complexity and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by leveraging the existing manifest delivery infrastructure to communicate CDN status. Instead of adding separate reporting software, the server automatically updates manifests based on observed player behavior, eliminating additional communication overhead while maintaining adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a single manifest file is distributed to all players, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to regional CDN performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by delivering customized manifest files tailored to each player's geographic region and network conditions. The server generates region-specific manifests that prioritize locally optimal CDNs, improving adaptability while maintaining simple centralized manifest distribution infrastructure.
4Speed
If video players select CDNs based on geographic proximity, then transmission speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates when regional CDNs fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring multiple CDN options in manifest files and establishing backup pathways before failures occur. When regional CDNs fail, the server automatically switches players to alternative CDNs, maintaining both speed and reliability without requiring real-time failure detection at the player level.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method and apparatus for dynamically switching video segment locations (CDNS) during live content/ad manipulation in a completely transparent way to video players. The computer implemented method and apparatus is configured to use a per-user video manifest delivery to track CDN performance based on CDN switch logic from received manifest/playlist requests.