Split Streaming System for Bandwidth Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unicast streaming is inefficient and unable to adapt to changing network conditions due to the need for direct connections between each client and the media server, leading to complex network architectures and suboptimal bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
The split streaming system, which uses a streaming unit to distribute digital data to a large number of receivers with only a few directly connected, allowing for one-to-many and many-to-one communication patterns, and employs modular components like media encoders, level 1 devices, and data stream receivers that can act as both recipients and distributors of streams, optimizing bandwidth and adapting to network changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unicast streaming is used with direct connections between each client and media server, then each client can receive the complete stream, but the network architecture becomes complex and bandwidth utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stream into multiple channels that can be distributed through a hierarchical network structure. Instead of requiring direct connections from each client to the media server, the stream is divided and routed through intermediate nodes, reducing the complexity of the network architecture while maintaining reliable stream delivery to all clients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary nodes (such as network switches or servers) that act as mediators between the media server and clients. These intermediaries receive the stream and redistribute it to multiple clients, eliminating the need for direct client-to-server connections and simplifying the network architecture
2Reliability
If unicast streaming is used with direct connections between each client and media server, then each client receives the complete stream, but bandwidth utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple client connections into a shared network infrastructure. By using a hierarchical distribution model where intermediate nodes serve multiple clients simultaneously, the system combines the bandwidth requirements of multiple clients into fewer aggregate connections, significantly improving bandwidth utilization efficiency while maintaining reliable stream delivery to all clients
3Reliability
If unicast streaming is used, then each client can be directly connected to the media server, but the system becomes less able to adapt to changing network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic hierarchical network structure that can adapt to changing network conditions. The system can dynamically adjust the distribution tree, reroute streams through different intermediate nodes, and reconfigure connections based on real-time network status, thereby maintaining reliable stream delivery while improving adaptability to network changes
Data Source
AI summary
A split streaming system and method are provided in which a stream of data (that can be video, audio or textual data) is split and sent over a plurality of stream reflectors to a stream recipient. Each stream reflector performs time gradient replacement to manage the split streaming.