Set-Top Box Peer-to-Peer Content Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing content delivery systems face challenges in providing fast, reliable, and cost-effective access to large content files, such as digital video, due to high storage demands and operational costs associated with central content libraries, which can lead to overwhelmed networks and poor user experience during peak demand.
Innovation Solution
A network system utilizing a peer-to-peer file distribution protocol that is aware of network topology and cost metrics, allowing set-top boxes to automatically select efficient and cost-effective sources for content delivery, including intermediate routers and optical line termination units, to distribute content closer to subscribers, reducing reliance on central servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content is stored in a central content library and distributed to subscribers, then content accessibility is provided, but storage capacity requirements increase and download times become longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the central content library into multiple distributed content storage locations including intermediate content libraries at network nodes and subscriber premises equipment. This segmentation allows content to be stored closer to subscribers, reducing download distances and improving access speed while maintaining reliable content delivery across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate content libraries positioned between the central content library and subscriber premises. These intermediate libraries act as mediators that receive content from the central library and redistribute it to multiple subscribers simultaneously, reducing the burden on the central library and decreasing individual download times.
2Reliability
If intermediate content libraries are formed to pre-distribute content, then subscriber access to content is improved, but storage costs and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where subscriber premises equipment automatically downloads and stores content locally when connectivity is available. This eliminates the need for manual content distribution operations and reduces the complexity of managing intermediate libraries, as the system automatically optimizes content placement based on network conditions and subscriber demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts content distribution parameters based on network conditions, including switching between central library and intermediate library sources, modifying download priorities, and adapting caching strategies. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes access speed while managing system complexity through automated decision-making rather than manual configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If content library capacity is increased to accommodate growing content volume, then more content is available, but download speeds decrease and content quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content delivery through multiple parallel paths: direct access from the central content library, access from intermediate content libraries, and local caching at subscriber premises. This segmentation provides diverse delivery routes that maintain high download speeds even as total content volume increases, since not all content must pass through a single bottleneck point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary content caching at intermediate libraries and subscriber equipment before actual playback is needed. By pre-storing frequently accessed content closer to end users, the system prepares content in advance, ensuring fast download speeds are maintained even as the overall content library grows in capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for the storage of content on a network and the delivery of content to subscriber locations. The system includes routers and subscriber set-top boxes in communication with each other and a main content source. Content is delivered over a packet-switching network according to a peer to peer file distribution protocol and is stored in a storage area of the subscriber set-top box, such that each subscriber set-top box is configured to transmit and receive content to and from the main content source and other set-top boxes connected to the network. The set-top boxes may identify a preferred source of content based on various factors, such as geographic distance, Internet Protocol (IP) distance, available bandwidth, integrity of the content, etc. An associated method for accessing content and a set-top box for facilitating the storage and delivery of content are also provided.