Dynamic Virtual Media Router Scaling for Provider Network Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of routing media streams in provider networks increases non-linearly with the size of routers, leading to resource inefficiency and higher maintenance costs due to variable traffic workloads, especially during periods of low traffic when large routers are underutilized.
Innovation Solution
A media routing service that dynamically provisions and scales virtual media routers based on traffic demand, using multiple source nodes to distribute routing across the network, allowing for efficient resource allocation and management of media streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large routers are used to handle peak traffic demand, then the network can accommodate high traffic volume, but resource inefficiency and maintenance costs increase during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing where the routing infrastructure scales automatically based on traffic demand. Virtual media routers are provisioned and de-provisioned dynamically, allowing the system to adapt its capacity to match actual workload requirements rather than maintaining fixed oversized capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The routing function is divided into multiple source nodes that can be independently activated. Instead of using a single large router, the system segments routing capabilities across multiple smaller nodes that can be selectively enabled based on traffic patterns, reducing resource waste when full capacity is not needed
2Quantity of substance
If the number of media streams increases, then more content can be delivered to devices, but routing complexity increases non-linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The routing complexity is segmented across multiple source nodes rather than concentrated in a single router. Each source node handles a subset of routing decisions, distributing the computational burden and preventing non-linear complexity growth as media stream quantity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual media routers as intermediary components that simplify the routing process. These virtual routers act as mediators between media sources and downstream devices, providing a standardized interface that prevents complexity from scaling with the number of streams
3Loss of energy
If virtual media routers are dynamically provisioned based on traffic demand, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system performs self-provisioning by automatically scaling virtual media routers based on detected traffic patterns. The system monitors its own workload and dynamically adjusts its capacity without external intervention, improving resource efficiency while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where traffic metrics are continuously monitored and used to adjust virtual router provisioning. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically optimize resource allocation based on actual demand, balancing efficiency gains with manageable complexity through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for routing media streams in a provider network are described. A media routing service is disclosed that comprises one or more virtual media routers for routing media streams from one or more media sources to one or more downstream devices coupled to the provider network. The media routing service provides external entities (e.g., users) of the provider network with the ability to request for a virtual media router for routing media content and determines the appropriate set of computing resources necessary to provision and launch the virtual media router in the provider network. In certain embodiments, the media routing service processes routing commands generated by a client, generates routing information comprising source to destination mappings based on the routing commands, and securely distributes media content to identified downstream devices based on the routing information.