Network Layer Transport of Video Characteristics in Service Function Chains
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in obtaining and correlating video-related information, such as encoding, bitrate, and resolution, across an end-to-end flow, making it difficult for network providers to maximize network utilization and ensure a seamless user experience, especially due to the lack of video attribute awareness at the network layer.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inserting video characteristics into a metadata field of a Network Service Header (NSH) to provide network layer visibility, allowing network functions to use this information for monitoring, policy enforcement, and automated remediation, enabling scalable and proactive management of video traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If video characteristics are not transported to network layer, then network layer devices operate without video attribute awareness, but network providers cannot obtain video-related information for monitoring and policy enforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (metadata field in packet header) that carries video characteristics from application layer to network layer without requiring complex modifications to network layer devices. This mediator enables information transfer while keeping the network layer implementation simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments video information transport by placing characteristics in dedicated metadata fields within packet headers rather than requiring end-to-end application layer communication. This segmentation allows network layer devices to independently process and utilize video attributes without needing full application layer context.
2Productivity
If manual methods are used to obtain video information, then video attributes can be obtained, but the process is cumbersome and unscalable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically inserting video characteristics into packet metadata at the application layer and transporting them through the network layer without requiring manual intervention. Network functions can automatically retrieve and utilize this information for monitoring and policy enforcement, eliminating cumbersome manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Video characteristics are preliminarily extracted and inserted into packet headers at the application layer before packets traverse the network. This preliminary action ensures that network layer devices receive pre-processed video attribute information, eliminating the need for manual or post-hoc information gathering.
3Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection techniques are used, then video information can be obtained, but the process is computationally expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential video characteristics (encoding, bitrate, resolution) and places them in packet metadata fields, rather than performing comprehensive deep packet inspection of entire video streams. This extraction approach provides sufficient information for network functions while dramatically reducing computational overhead and processing time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If video characteristics are transported at network layer, then network functions can use video attributes for policy enforcement, but additional processing is required at application layer
Solution Approach 1:
The solution creates a universal metadata field structure in packet headers that can carry various video characteristics and serve multiple network functions (monitoring, policy enforcement, differentiated treatment). This multi-functional approach allows different network functions to utilize the same transported information without requiring application layer devices to implement complex function-specific protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes identifying at a network device, a characteristic of a video processed by a video service operating at an application layer, inserting the video characteristic into a header of a packet at the network device, and transmitting the packet on a service function path comprising a network function operable to use the video characteristic at a network layer. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.