Video Streaming Traffic Prioritization for Congestion Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current network technologies face challenges in managing video streaming congestion, leading to bandwidth bottlenecks and poor Quality of Experience (QoE) due to the varying bandwidth consumption patterns of different video streaming applications, which can result in packet delays and packet loss.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that analyze video streaming traffic flows to determine their characteristics and states, allocate bandwidth based on priority, and use weighted fair queuing to ensure fair distribution of bandwidth among different video streaming applications, thereby optimizing network resources and enhancing QoE.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video streaming traffic is allowed to consume bandwidth without management, then video streaming applications can operate freely, but network bandwidth bottlenecks occur and Quality of Experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo streaming application freedomVSAvoidQuality of Experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic traffic management by continuously monitoring video streaming traffic characteristics and adjusting priority levels based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically classifies traffic into different priority queues and adjusts bandwidth allocation according to current network state and application requirements, resolving the contradiction between application freedom and service reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes traffic management parameters by implementing different priority levels and bandwidth allocation ratios for different video streaming applications. By modifying these parameters dynamically based on traffic characteristics and network conditions, the system maintains application versatility while ensuring reliable Quality of Experience through controlled bandwidth distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If bandwidth is allocated equally among all video streaming applications, then fair distribution is achieved, but applications with different bandwidth needs cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth distribution fairnessVSAvoidnetwork resource optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated bandwidth allocation for different video streaming applications based on their specific requirements. Each application receives bandwidth proportional to its needs and priority level, with high-priority applications receiving more resources and low-priority applications receiving fewer resources, optimizing overall network productivity while maintaining operational fairness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation ratios based on real-time traffic characteristics and network conditions. The bandwidth distribution is not static but adapts continuously to changing requirements, allowing the system to maintain fairness while optimizing resource utilization for different application types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traffic prioritization is implemented based on video streaming characteristics, then Quality of Experience is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveQuality of ExperienceVSAvoidtraffic management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces system complexity by segmenting video streaming traffic into distinct priority queues based on characteristics such as application type and bandwidth requirements. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex traffic patterns through simplified queue-based structures, improving Quality of Experience without requiring overly complex management mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by changing and monitoring key traffic parameters such as priority level, bandwidth ratio, and application type. By focusing on these essential parameters rather than attempting to manage all possible traffic characteristics, the system achieves effective Quality of Experience improvement with manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If bandwidth is allocated to ensure fair distribution among applications, then network resource utilization is optimized, but packet delays and packet loss occur during congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidpacket delays and packet loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic priority-based bandwidth allocation that adjusts in real-time based on network congestion conditions. During congestion, high-priority video streaming traffic receives protected bandwidth allocation to prevent packet delays and loss, while lower-priority traffic receives reduced allocation. This dynamic approach optimizes resource utilization while protecting against harmful congestion effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification and priority assignment of video streaming traffic before congestion occurs. By pre-establishing priority queues and bandwidth allocation rules based on application characteristics, the system is prepared to immediately allocate bandwidth appropriately when congestion occurs, preventing packet delays and loss while maintaining optimized resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11831555B2System and method for managing video streaming congestion
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 SANDVINE CORP
  • US11831555B2 patent drawing
  • US11831555B2 patent drawing
  • US11831555B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for managing video streaming on a computer network based at least in part on a state of a video streaming traffic flow. The method includes: reviewing a traffic flow to determine whether the traffic flow is a video streaming traffic flow; if the traffic flow is a video streaming traffic flow, determine at least one video characteristic associated with the video streaming traffic flow; determining a state of the video streaming traffic flow; determining a priority of the video streaming traffic flow based on the characteristics and the state of the video streaming traffic flow; and allocating bandwidth to the video streaming traffic flow based on the priority; otherwise, if the traffic flow is not a video streaming traffic flow, allowing the traffic flow to continue with the traffic flow's current priority.