Hybrid resource management system and method
AssigneeARRIS Enterprises LLC
InventorsCarol J. Ansley, Andrew J. B. Poole
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Abstract
A method of optimizing the delivery of content over a content delivery network to client devices in accordance with optimization rules is provided. Requests for allocation and release of content delivery resources over a content delivery network are monitored, and the processing capabilities of client devices receiving content over the content delivery network are determined. Network resources are re-allocated based on optimization rules and the processing capabilities, and the client devices are directed to use re-allocated resources for reception of content. Apparatus and client devices for performing the method are also disclosed.
Claims20
A method of optimizing the delivery of content over a network to client devices in accordance with optimization rules, comprising the steps of:
- monitoring requests for allocation and release of content delivery resources over a content delivery network;
- determining processing capabilities of the client devices receiving content over the content delivery network;
- re-allocating network resources based on optimization rules and the processing capabilities;
- and
- directing client devices to use re-allocated resources for reception of content.
Apparatus for delivering video content over an access network to a population of client devices, comprising:
- a receiver for receiving a request over a content delivery network from a client device for requested video content;
- a controller for determining processing capabilities of the client device and for allocating resources to fulfill the request based on the determined processing capabilities of the client device and pre-determined optimization rules;
- and
- a transmitter for responding to the client device with reception parameters for the requested video content.
A client device for receiving content distributed over a content distribution network, comprising:
- a transmitter for communicating a request to tune into requested content;
- a receiver for receiving reception parameters for the requested content;
- and
- at least one processor for tuning to the requested content based on received reception parameters, for processing IP-Television (IPTV) content streams and non-IPTV content streams, and for switching between different forms of content streams of requested content;
- the client device being selected from a group consisting of a set-top box, gateway, modem, computer, a tablet device, a mobile electronic device, a television, a gaming module, a video recorder, and a smartphone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.