Video Network Caching Controller for Transcoding Latency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in content distribution networks is managing the trade-off between server storage capacity and transcoding capability, particularly in supporting a wide range of heterogeneous devices with varying decoding, bitrate, and encryption capabilities, where traditional methods either store multiple content versions inefficiently or transcode on the fly, increasing costs and latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically managing content caching, transcoding, and transrating by evaluating demand and duplications of requests, allowing for intelligent caching and de-caching based on request frequency, device capabilities, and storage constraints, using a caching controller to balance storage and transcoding needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple content versions are stored for different device capabilities, then device compatibility is improved, but server storage capacity is consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transcoding of content into multiple format versions and stores these pre-transcoded versions in the cache. When a content request arrives, the system checks the client device capabilities and serves the appropriate pre-transcoded version, avoiding the need to store all possible versions simultaneously. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing content in advance for multiple device types while managing storage through selective caching based on demand.
2Quantity of substance
If content is transcoded on the fly to match device capabilities, then storage capacity is preserved, but processing time and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs transcoding in advance and caches the transcoded content versions. When content requests are received, the system serves pre-transcoded content from cache rather than performing real-time transcoding. This preliminary action eliminates the time loss associated with on-the-fly transcoding while maintaining efficient storage utilization through demand-based caching.
3Productivity
If content is cached for frequent requests, then network efficiency is improved, but storage resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic content caching where the caching decision is not static but adapts based on observed request patterns. The system monitors content request frequency and dynamically adjusts which content versions are cached and for how long. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between network efficiency gains from caching and the consumption of storage resources, caching only when beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes caching parameters such as cache duration, cache size, and selection criteria based on content popularity and request patterns. For frequently requested content, the system caches multiple transcoded versions to improve network efficiency. For less popular content, caching is minimized or avoided. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting storage resource allocation to actual network demands.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for selectively caching (and de-caching) video content in network so as to reduce content transformation requirements and also cache storage requirements. In one embodiment, a content caching controller associated with a content server differentiates content requests based on content attributes such as the requested codec format (e.g., MPEG or Windows Media), resolution, bitrate, and/or encryption type or security environment. If the content requested by a user is not available with the requested attribute(s), the content server transfers to content to the user by first transforming it. The content server also speculatively caches the transformed content locally, so that a future request for the same content with the same attributes can be filled by transferring without the intermediate transformation step. The controller allows the network operator to optimize use of available storage and transcoding resources.