Stream Control System Bandwidth Allocation for Video Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adaptive video streaming protocols face challenges in managing bandwidth effectively in multi-device environments, leading to fluctuations in video quality and potential network congestion, as they fail to guarantee specific bandwidth for individual clients and do not adequately prevent clients from requesting more bandwidth than available, resulting in poor user experience and network inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A stream control system that includes a bridge unit and controller, which communicates with a network controller to determine and allocate bandwidth based on client requests and network resource data, ensuring that the allocated bandwidth is sufficient to meet client demands without exceeding network capabilities, thereby controlling streaming settings and preventing excessive bandwidth requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive bitrate streaming is used to allow dynamic bandwidth adjustments, then continuous video streaming is enabled, but video quality fluctuates and network congestion occurs when multiple devices compete for bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bandwidth allocation by obtaining network resource data and determining resource allocations for multiple video streams before actual streaming occurs. The controller allocates bandwidth to each client based on network capacity and client requirements, preventing bandwidth competition and quality fluctuations during streaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors network resource data and adjusts bandwidth allocations dynamically. The controller obtains updated network resource data and re-determines resource allocations to maintain optimal video quality while adapting to changing network conditions.
2Ease of operation
If clients are allowed to request bandwidth based on their own estimates, then each client can optimize its video quality, but clients may request more bandwidth than available causing network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between clients and the network. It receives bandwidth requirements from clients, obtains network resource data, and determines actual bandwidth allocations that both clients and network can accommodate. This mediation prevents clients from requesting excessive bandwidth while maintaining client autonomy in specifying their quality preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter control approach from client-side autonomous bandwidth estimation to controller-mediated bandwidth allocation. The controller determines bandwidth allocations based on network resource data and client requirements, dynamically adjusting the bandwidth parameter to prevent congestion while satisfying client needs.
3Productivity
If multiple video streams are allowed to compete for network bandwidth, then more devices can stream video concurrently, but bandwidth availability fluctuates leading to quality variations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary resource allocation for multiple video streams concurrently. It obtains network resource data and determines bandwidth allocations for each client before streaming begins, ensuring that the sum of allocated bandwidths does not exceed network capacity. This prevents bandwidth competition while enabling multiple concurrent streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the bandwidth parameter from a contested resource to an allocated resource. By determining resource allocations for multiple streams based on network capacity and client requirements, the system ensures stable bandwidth availability for concurrent streaming while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Stream control methods and devices are provided for use in a network (100) for transferring a video stream from a video server (120) to a video client (110) via a distribution chain of network resources (101, 102, 103, 106). A streaming controller (130) controls streaming settings at the client node. A bridge (150) controls the video stream by obtaining a bandwidth requirement of the video stream, and network resource data including bandwidths available on network resources. The bridge determines a resource allocation including an allocated bandwidth, based on the network resource data and the bandwidth requirement so that the video stream complies with the network resource data. The allocated bandwidth enables the streaming controller to control, in accordance with the allocated bandwidth, the streaming settings for the client. A network controller (140) receives network control data from the bridge to control, in accordance with the allocated bandwidth, the respective distribution chain associated to the respective video stream.