Video-Based Probing for Adaptive Real-Time Bandwidth Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating network bandwidth in content delivery systems are not responsive enough due to low-frequency probing sequences, which can lead to network congestion and poor content delivery quality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves dynamically adjusting the frequency of probing sequences based on current network bandwidth and stability, using a policy that maps bandwidth estimations to target probe spacing times, and utilizing content itself to form probing sequences, which can be adjusted in length and frequency to optimize bandwidth estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If probing sequences are sent at low frequency to avoid network overload, then network congestion is reduced, but bandwidth estimation responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of probing sequence frequency based on current network conditions. The system transitions from static low-frequency probing to adaptive frequency modulation, increasing probing rate when network capacity is available and decreasing it when congestion is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and congestion avoidance
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of probing sequences dynamically based on network bandwidth measurements and congestion indicators. By adjusting this key parameter in response to network state, the system achieves both timely bandwidth estimation and congestion avoidance, eliminating the need for fixed low-frequency probing
2Measurement precision
If separate probing data is added to content stream, then bandwidth estimation can be performed, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the probing sequence functionality with the existing content delivery stream. Instead of adding separate probing data packets, the system utilizes the content packets themselves for bandwidth estimation by analyzing packet arrival times and dispersion, thereby achieving measurement capability without additional bandwidth consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The content packets serve dual purposes: delivering actual media content and providing data for bandwidth estimation. By making the content stream multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for dedicated probing sequences, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and bandwidth consumption
3Reliability
If probing sequences use large set of data packets for reliable measurement, then measurement reliability improves, but network overload risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of packets used in probing sequences based on available network capacity. When network conditions are good, larger packet sets are used for high reliability; when congestion is detected, the system reduces probing packet count to prevent overload, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and network stress
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein can dynamically adjust timing of network bandwidth estimations by adjusting a target frequency for sending probing sequences to one or more receivers of content. The receivers receive these probing sequences from a transmitter and respond to the transmitter with network bandwidth estimations. In one embodiment, the probing sequences can use the content itself to create the probing sequences. The embodiments can be used in video conferencing applications to control how a transmitter of content can adjust transmissions based upon the network bandwidth estimations. In one embodiment, a policy can be used at a transmitter to begin a video transmission with a high frequency target for sending probing sequences (with, e.g., smaller length probing sequences) and transition to a lower frequency target (with, e.g., longer length probing sequences) when network bandwidth deteriorates and then return to the higher frequency target when the network bandwidth improves.