Video over Ethernet Bandwidth Optimization via Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Video over Ethernet (VoE) technologies face inefficiencies in bandwidth use due to the inability to automatically determine when to switch between multicast and unicast modes, leading to network congestion and video interruptions, as they require manual intervention and are impractical for regular implementation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses control signals and Media Access Control learning to dynamically determine the required destination address (unicast or multicast) based on the number of drop ports, allowing for automatic switching between modes to optimize bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multicast Destination Address is used for VoE traffic, then traffic can be delivered to multiple drop locations simultaneously, but network bandwidth efficiency deteriorates because traffic flows to and through unintended destinations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to deliver traffic to multiple destinationsVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between multicast and unicast modes based on real-time network conditions and destination requirements. The system automatically adjusts the transmission mode rather than using a fixed approach, allowing optimal bandwidth utilization while maintaining adaptability to different drop location scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different transmission modes (multicast or unicast) to different traffic flows based on their specific destination requirements. Each VoE frame is evaluated individually to determine the most efficient delivery method, rather than applying a uniform approach to all traffic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If unicast Destination Address is used for VoE traffic, then network bandwidth efficiency is improved by directing traffic only to intended destinations, but the ability to deliver traffic to multiple drop locations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork bandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidability to deliver traffic to multiple destinations
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between unicast and multicast modes based on the number of drop locations and network conditions. When multiple destinations are required, multicast is activated; when single destination is sufficient, unicast is used for efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the VoE traffic flow into multiple independent streams, each with its own destination address determination. This allows different segments of traffic to use different transmission modes simultaneously, optimizing overall network efficiency while maintaining multi-destination capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to switch between multicast and unicast modes, then control over traffic flow is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase making regular implementation impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol over traffic flowVSAvoidtime for mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated decision-making system that independently determines whether to use multicast or unicast mode based on pre-defined criteria and real-time network state. The system self-adjusts without requiring manual intervention, eliminating time loss while maintaining optimal control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors network conditions, traffic patterns, and destination requirements, using this feedback to automatically adjust transmission modes. This closed-loop control ensures optimal performance while eliminating manual switching overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If higher layer protocols are used for VoE transport, then video traffic can be separated from Ethernet traffic, but the complexity of the system increases and automatic mode switching becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo traffic separationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the destination address determination logic from complex higher layer protocols and implements it directly at the Ethernet layer using standard DA fields. This simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable video traffic separation through layer 2 switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8761602B2Video over Ethernet bandwidth optimization
Publication Date: 2014.06.24 CIENA CORP
  • US8761602B2 patent drawing
  • US8761602B2 patent drawing
  • US8761602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for controlling the flow of video over Ethernet (VoE) traffic in a network are disclosed. The method can include originating the VoE traffic from an add node in the network. A first control signal can be received from a first drop node in the network containing a drop port configured to receive the VoE traffic. The add node can determined if the first drop node contains the drop port based on the first control signal.