Streaming Media Player Load Distribution via P2P Storage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing streaming media systems, excessive bandwidth pressure is imposed on streaming media servers when multiple users request the same media file simultaneously, leading to decreased user experience and increased costs due to the need for additional servers and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Determine and utilize at least two storage sources for a media file, obtaining and playing media streaming data from these sources to distribute the load and reduce bandwidth pressure on individual servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single streaming media server is used to serve multiple users simultaneously, then the system structure is simple, but the bandwidth pressure on the server becomes excessive leading to poor service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media file into multiple parts and distributes them to different storage sources (P2P nodes). Each storage source serves a portion of the media data to users, dividing the bandwidth pressure across multiple nodes rather than concentrating it on a single server. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple system architecture while improving service quality through load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by allowing users to store and share media files with others. When a user downloads a media file, they can act as a storage source for other users. This copying mechanism creates multiple distribution paths and reduces reliance on a single server, thereby reducing bandwidth pressure while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If the number of streaming media servers is increased to handle more users, then the service quality improves, but the cost increases due to additional bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling users to participate in the distribution process. Users who have downloaded media files can automatically share them with other users through P2P connections. This self-service mechanism allows the system to scale without requiring additional paid server bandwidth, as users contribute their own bandwidth resources to serve others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making every user both a consumer and a potential provider of media data. Users perform multiple functions: downloading media, storing it locally, and sharing it with others. This multi-functionality transforms the system from a server-centric model to a user-centric model where user resources are utilized for service delivery, reducing the need for additional infrastructure bandwidth.
3Device complexity
If a single storage source is used for media files, then the system is simple to manage, but bandwidth pressure causes playback quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the set of active storage sources to change based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically selects which storage sources to contact and how much data to request from each, adapting to network conditions and storage source availability. This dynamic approach maintains simple management while ensuring high playback quality through adaptive data distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by requesting only the necessary portions of media data from multiple storage sources rather than requiring complete files from a single source. The client can selectively request partial data segments from different storage sources, enabling parallel downloads and improving playback quality without managing the complexity of complete file distributions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for playing streaming media is disclosed, which includes: determining at least two storages storing a media file according to information of the media file (400); obtaining media streaming data corresponding to the media file from at least one of the determined storages and playing the obtained media streaming data (401), thereby solving the problem in the prior art that the bandwidth pressure on the streaming media server is excessively heavy if the same streaming media server is accessed when the same media file is obtained when a large number of users perform the data transmission service at the same time in the present streaming media system. A system and a device for playing streaming media are also disclosed.