SIP Session Controller Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for Video Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video distribution systems over IP networks face challenges in providing guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) and flexible bandwidth management, leading to unstable service delivery and high costs due to complex control mechanisms and the lack of general-purpose protocols.

Innovation Solution

A video distribution system that uses a SIP session controller and bandwidth controller to dynamically negotiate and secure the required bandwidth between a user terminal and a video distribution server, allowing flexible bandwidth allocation based on available resources and terminal capabilities, without the need for pre-defined bandwidth information on portal servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bandwidth is set in advance, then QoS can be guaranteed, but flexibility in bandwidth selection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS guaranteeVSAvoidbandwidth selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation by allowing the video distribution server and user terminal to negotiate bandwidth requirements after session establishment. The bandwidth controller dynamically reserves bandwidth based on actual negotiation results rather than pre-defined values, enabling the system to adapt bandwidth allocation to real-time conditions while maintaining QoS guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If complex control mechanisms are used to manage bandwidth, then QoS can be guaranteed, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQoS guaranteeVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) as a universal signaling mechanism that handles both session management and bandwidth negotiation functions. The bandwidth controller integrates multiple functions including session coordination, bandwidth calculation, and resource reservation within a single system component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining QoS guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bandwidth controller serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the video distribution server and the network resources. It receives bandwidth requirements from the server, calculates appropriate bandwidth values, and coordinates with the SIP session controller to reserve resources, thereby simplifying the control architecture while ensuring QoS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If pre-defined bandwidth information is stored on portal servers, then bandwidth allocation can be determined, but system flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the video distribution server and user terminal to autonomously negotiate bandwidth requirements through SIP signaling exchanges. The system dynamically determines bandwidth needs based on actual service requirements and terminal capabilities without relying on pre-stored information, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining efficient bandwidth allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2129057B1Video distribution system and video distribution method
Publication Date: 2019.01.16 NEC CORP
  • EP2129057B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2129057B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2129057B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is an object of the present invention to provide a high-quality video distribution service which guarantees QoS on an NGN without significantly modifying portal servers and video distribution serves of the background art. A video distribution system according to the present invention includes a user terminal, an SIP session controller, and a video distribution server. When the SIP session controller receives a request to establish a session, the SIP session controller establishes a session between the user terminal and the video distribution server, and controls a bandwidth controller to reserve a bandwidth for the distribution of video content in a communication path between the user terminal and the video distribution server. The video distribution server sends a bandwidth changing request for requesting the SIP session controller to change the bandwidth to reserve a bandwidth depending on a fraction of the bandwidth that is needed for distributing video content. In response to the bandwidth changing request, the SIP session controller further secures a bandwidth for the distribution of video content in the communication path between the user terminal and the video distribution server.