Virtual Peer Limited Chain Relay for Multimedia Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multimedia content distribution networks face challenges with bandwidth limitations, particularly in uplink capacity and peer availability, which are exacerbated in peer-to-peer (P2P) implementations of limited chain relay (LCR) algorithms.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of virtual peers at network nodes within multimedia distribution networks, which provide enhanced storage capacity and uplink capabilities, implementing LCR functions to manage peer storage and uploading, thereby eliminating uncertainties related to peer availability and bandwidth constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If peer-to-peer (P2P) implementations of limited chain relay (LCR) algorithms are used, then bandwidth requirements for multimedia content distribution are reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to peer availability uncertainties and peer capacity limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth consumptionVSAvoidpeer availability and capacity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a content distribution server as an intermediary between the limited chain relay algorithm and end-user devices. The server implements LCR functions centrally, mediating content distribution while eliminating dependencies on peer availability and capacity. This intermediary approach maintains bandwidth efficiency while significantly improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual peers at the content distribution server that replicate the functionality of real peer devices. These virtual peers simulate P2P behavior without requiring actual peer devices to be available, thereby maintaining the bandwidth benefits of P2P while eliminating reliability issues associated with peer availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If peer-to-peer (P2P) implementations of limited chain relay (LCR) algorithms are used, then network complexity is reduced by distributing content, but device complexity increases due to uncertainties in peer capacity and availability management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent distribution network complexityVSAvoidpeer capacity and availability management

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The content distribution server acts as an intermediary that centralizes LCR control functions, eliminating the need for complex peer selection and capacity management algorithms at individual devices. The server handles all decisions regarding content distribution, thereby simplifying device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service content distribution where the content distribution server automatically manages virtual peer capacities and availability without requiring manual intervention or complex algorithms at client devices. This approach maintains simplicity while improving operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If virtual peers are introduced at network nodes, then reliability improves by centralizing control over LCR functions, but device complexity increases due to additional network node components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent distribution reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork node structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The content distribution server is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a traditional content server, implements LCR algorithms, provides virtual peer functionality, and manages content distribution. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the content storage function, LCR algorithm implementation, and virtual peer functionality into a single content distribution server system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8321900B2Limited chain relay with virtual peer for multimedia distribution

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method includes at a first customer premises equipment (CPE) device coupled to a multimedia distribution network, generating a first request for multimedia content. The method also includes sending the first request to a network node of the multimedia distribution network. The method further includes receiving the multimedia content from a virtual peer located at the network node and storing the multimedia content at the first CPE device. The method also includes receiving a message via the multimedia distribution network, the message indicating a transmission of a second request for the multimedia content by a second customer premises equipment (CPE) device. The method further includes transmitting at least a portion of the stored multimedia content to the second CPE device.