SIP Relay Nodes for Multicast Stream Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current streaming content distribution in converged IP networks is inefficient due to the duplication of data in unicast protocols and limited support for IP Multicast across all network segments, leading to increased network load and bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to control content distribution by identifying relay nodes closer to multiple clients, caching, and transcoding streams, allowing for efficient bundling and redistribution of content streams using SIP B2BUA, signaling proxies, and relay network elements to optimize data delivery based on network topology and client proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If unicast protocols are used to send separate copies of media stream to each end-user, then simplicity of implementation is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases massively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast streams into a single multicast stream by establishing a shared multicast distribution tree. Multiple receivers sharing the same content source are grouped together and served via a common multicast path, combining what would otherwise be separate unicast connections into one efficient multicast connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal content distribution capability that works both in multicast-supported network segments and in non-multicast segments. The hybrid approach allows the same infrastructure to serve multiple functions: efficient multicast distribution where supported, and fallback unicast distribution where not supported, making the system universally applicable across heterogeneous networks.
2Loss of energy
If multicast protocols are used to send one copy of media stream over network connection, then network bandwidth efficiency is improved, but compatibility with networks not supporting IP Multicast deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network distribution path into multiple sections, allowing different protocols to be used in different segments. Multicast is applied in network segments that support it, while unicast is used in segments that don't support multicast. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for bandwidth efficiency where possible while maintaining compatibility where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary elements (such as multicast-capable network elements or gateways) that enable multicast functionality in parts of the network. These intermediaries translate or bridge between multicast and unicast domains, allowing multicast efficiency to be introduced into otherwise unicast-only network paths without requiring full multicast support across the entire network.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate unicast sessions are established for each receiver, then ease of session management is improved, but network load and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual session management tasks into a single unified multicast session. Instead of establishing and managing separate unicast sessions with each receiver, the system establishes one multicast session that serves multiple receivers simultaneously. This consolidation dramatically reduces the number of session management operations required while lowering network load through efficient data distribution.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method for controlling distribution of a content stream in a communications network, comprising the steps of: storing session state information about existing communication sessions within the network, receiving a request (15) for transmission of a content stream to a requesting network client (4), determining that an existing session includes the requested content stream, determining that a receiver (1) of said content stream in said existing session has a network location correlated with a network location of the requesting network client, selecting a relay network element (5) capable of servicing said correlated network locations, and setting up at least one communication session for streaming said requested content stream to both the requesting network client (4) and said receiver (1) of the content stream in the existing session through the relay network element (5).