Set-Top Box Seeder Dynamics for P2P Data Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peer-to-peer network distribution systems face issues such as centralized architecture, misaligned incentives, rent-seeking behavior, opaque rules, content censorship, and difficulty in content discovery, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in data storage and transfer.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes set-top boxes (STBs) as temporary seeders to collect and distribute data, employing DHT tables for dynamic node information and IP updates, and incentivizing users based on memory provision, while also enabling collaboration between permanent and temporary seeders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If set-top boxes are used as temporary seeders to distribute data, then the load on network servers is reduced, but the data storage capability is limited due to fixed and limited number of seeders

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload on network serversVSAvoiddata storage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions seeders from permanent to temporary status, allowing STBs to temporarily hold and distribute content. This dynamic approach optimizes server load reduction while managing limited storage resources efficiently through time-bound seeding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If torrent protocol is used for data distribution, then decentralized peer-to-peer sharing is enabled, but the network becomes slower as the network grows due to increased load on Network for transferring huge chunk of data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecentralized peer-to-peer sharingVSAvoidnetwork transfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the seeding function into temporary STB-based distribution nodes scattered across the network. This segmentation reduces the concentration of transfer load on any single network path, improving overall network speed while maintaining decentralized P2P sharing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If permanent seeders are used for data storage and distribution, then data storage capability is maintained, but the system lacks adaptability to use temporary resources efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capabilityVSAvoiduse of temporary resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic seeder status transitions, allowing nodes to move between permanent and temporary seeder roles based on current network needs and resource availability. This enables efficient utilization of temporary STB resources while maintaining the option for permanent storage when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12256115B2System and method of facilitating peer to peer distribution network using set top boxes

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 JIO PLATFORMS LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a robust and effective solution to an entity or an organization by enabling a plurality of set top boxes (STBs) to be used as seeders for peer to peer network distribution of data. The plurality of STBs may be used to utilize the Internet for downloading content of the network along with streaming of the content. After downloading the content by the STB by following a predefined set of instructions, the STB may provide the downloaded content to the network. After a predefined time, the STB would not be able to transfer data via internet because a sever coupled to the STB may automatically stop accepting incoming connections to download from other STBs associated with the network.