U.S. patent application number 11/839432 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for system and method of streaming data over a distributed infrastructure.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Gregory J. BOSS, Christopher J. DAWSON, Rick A. HAMILTON, II, Timothy M. WATERS.
Application Number | 20090049184 11/839432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40363855 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090049184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOSS; Gregory J. ; et
al. |
February 19, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STREAMING DATA OVER A DISTRIBUTED
INFRASTRUCTURE
Abstract
A system and method of streaming data in real time and, more
particularly, a system and method of real time streaming of data
over a grid network or other distributed infrastructure. The method
and system comprises updating a content directory of a root server
with end resource information. The method and system further
includes processing the end resource information to determine
connection locations for streaming data to at least one requesting
end resource in a network.
Inventors: |
BOSS; Gregory J.; (American
Fork, UT) ; DAWSON; Christopher J.; (Arlington,
VA) ; HAMILTON, II; Rick A.; (Charlottesville,
VA) ; WATERS; Timothy M.; (Hiram, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
40363855 |
Appl. No.: |
11/839432 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
709/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/632 20130101;
H04L 65/608 20130101; H04N 21/6587 20130101; H04L 65/4084 20130101;
H04N 21/25808 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/4622
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/231 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: updating a content directory of a root
server with end resource information; and processing the end
resource information to determine connection locations for
streaming data to at least one requesting end resource in a
network.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing is performed by
the at least one requesting end resource.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one requesting end
resource is two or more requesting end resources communicating with
the root server over the network.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising updating the content
directory each time a new connection is made to the root server or
a triggering event occurs.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising tagging each of the at
least one requesting end resources with a hierarchy level
designation.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the tagging is based on a
position away from the root server.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the two or more requesting
end resources is a streaming server, responsive to a request by
another of the requesting end resources.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the streaming server streams the
streaming data to the another of the requesting end resources over
the network.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the streaming server is tagged as
a first tier streaming resource and the another of the requesting
end resources is tagged as a second tier streaming resource.
10. The method of claim 7, further comprising updating the content
directory with new information concerning the streaming server
including at least one of a tag type and a type of data which is
streaming to the another of the requesting end resources.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the requesting end
resources is configured to act independently of one another.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the root server is designated as
a master stream server for broadcasting the data stream in
real-time to the at least one requesting end resource.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the content directory is
dynamically built, in real-time, as each of the at least one
requesting end resources connects to the root server.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the end resource information
includes information and/or characteristics of and associated with
the at least one requesting end resource.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the end resource information
includes at least one of: listings of locations of connected
requesting end resources; data requested from the at least one
requesting end resource; bandwidth requests and/or bandwidth
capabilities of the at least one requesting end resource; and
quality of data which is requested to be received from the root
server.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the resource connection
information is used by the at least one requesting end resource to
make a connection determination to the root server and/or another
end resource.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one requesting end
resource is at least one of: data storage resources on a grid
infrastructure, multiple end user machines running over the
network, a server, in a client server relationship, a user
workstation and a personal computer.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising buffering a
predetermined amount of content stream on the at least one
requesting end resource to provide content to other requesting end
users or to ensure that the content is not interrupted when a
streaming server stops or pauses the streaming data.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one requesting end
resource are two or more requesting end resources which are
dynamically created into a hierarchical set of streaming data
resources as the data stream is broadcast in real-time.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the root server receives a
request from the at least one requesting end resource and the root
server will add address information and broadcast requests into the
content directory.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the streaming data is streamed
from the root server, another requesting end resource or a
combination thereof.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein initially there is only one
streaming server, and as multiple new end resources request a same
stream of data, the root server provides information to the
requesting end resources for making a connection determination to
any number of machines.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one requesting end
resource obtains pieces of the streamed data from the root server,
one or more of the at least one requesting end resource or a
combination thereof.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one requesting end
resource locally recombines the data streams into a complete data
stream of content.
25. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of
creating, maintaining and supporting a computer infrastructure that
performs the steps of claim 1.
26. The method of claim 1, wherein a service provider, on a
subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis, provides the
verification information.
27. A method, comprising: updating a content directory of a root
directory with information related to a connected end user
resource; creating a hierarchy of end user resources as the end
user resource is connected with the root server; and determining a
connection location within the hierarchy of end user resources
including the root server for receiving streamed data, the
determining being based on information in the content
directory.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the hierarchy is dynamically
configured as the streamed data is broadcasting in real-time.
29. The method of claim 27, further comprising authentication the
connected end resource.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the end resource sends a
connection request command to the root server to request a
particular data stream.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the connection request includes
at least one of information on a level of quality that the end
resource wishes to receive and amount of bandwidth that the end
resource is willing to use up to receive the streamed data.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the content directory is
updated after authentication of the connected end resource.
33. The method of claim 27, further comprising tagging each
connected end user resource in the hierarchy with a hierarchy level
designation.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the tagging is based on a
position away from the root server.
35. The method of claim 33, wherein the tagging is based on pieces
of content received from the root directory or other end
resource.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein the end user resource receiving
the streamed data directly from the root server is tagged as a
first tier streaming resource and another of the end user resources
receiving the streamed data from the first tier streaming resource
is tagged as a second tier streaming resource.
37. The method of claim 27, wherein each of the end user resources
is configured to act independently of one another.
38. The method of claim 27, wherein the content directory is
dynamically built, in real-time, as each of the end user resource
connects to the root server.
39. The method of claim 27, wherein the information includes
information and/or characteristics of and associated with the end
user resources, including at least one of: listings of locations of
connected end user resources; data requested from the end user
resources; bandwidth requests and/or bandwidth capabilities of the
end user resources; and quality of data which is requested to be
received from the root server.
40. The method of claim 27, further comprising buffering a
predetermined amount of content stream on the end user resources to
provide content to other end user resources or to ensure that the
content is not interrupted when a streaming server stops or pauses
the streamed data.
41. The method of claim 27, wherein the end user resources are two
or more end user resources which are dynamically created into a
hierarchical set of streaming data resources as the streamed data
is broadcast in real-time.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the streamed data is streamed
from the root server, one or more of the end user resources or a
combination thereof.
43. The method of claim 27, wherein the end user resources locally
recombine the streamed data into a complete data stream of
content.
44. The method of claim 27, further comprising at least one of
creating, maintaining and supporting a computer infrastructure that
performs the steps of claim 27.
45. The method of claim 27, wherein a service provider, on a
subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis, provides the
verification information.
46. A system comprising a server having a database containing data
associated with one or more end user resources and connection
information, and at least one of a hardware and software component
for dynamically creating a data source hierarchy of the end user
resources based on the data, the at least one of a hardware and
software component providing connection locations to each of the
end user resources that request access to a data stream, wherein
each of the end user resources that request access to the data
stream becomes part of the data source hierarchy.
47. The system of claim 46, wherein the at least one of a hardware
and software component resides on a server provided by a service
provider.
48. The system of claim 46, wherein the at least one of a hardware
and software component tags each connected end user resource in the
data source hierarchy with a hierarchy level designation.
49. The system of claim 48, wherein the tagging is based on a
position away from a root server and on pieces of content received
from a root directory of the root server or other end resource.
50. The system of claim 49, wherein the end user resource receiving
the data stream directly from the root server is tagged as a first
tier streaming resource and another of the end user resources
receiving the data stream from the first tier streaming resource is
tagged as a second tier streaming resource.
51. A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium
having readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer
program product includes at least one component to: update a
content directory of a root server with end resource information;
and process the end resource information to determine connection
locations for streaming data to at least one requesting end
resource in a network.
52. A method for deploying an application for streaming data over a
network, comprising providing a computer infrastructure being
operable to: dynamically create a data source hierarchy of end user
resources based on information associated with the end user
resources which are connected to a root server, and provide
connection locations to each of the end user resources that request
access to a data stream that is streaming from one or more of the
end user resources of the data source hierarchy and/or the root
server.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to a system and method of
streaming data in real time across a wide area network and, more
particularly, to a system and method of real time streaming of data
over a grid network or other distributed infrastructure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Managing multiple separate point-to-point connections from a
storage source to an end user or application is very inefficient,
as the same piece of information will be sent multiple times
simultaneously. Consider the example of a group of people in one
office listening to an audio stream from a server somewhere on the
Internet, where everyone in the room is listening to the same
streaming content, such as a conference call.
[0003] In known systems, data is streamed by unicast or
point-to-point algorithms such as a TCPIP/IP connection from a
centralized location (for example a Real Audio server) or by the
use of a multicast. The use of IP multicasting is a method to
reduce a huge amount of bandwidth and waste by only sending the
data out to a preset collection of multicast nodes. The drawbacks
to using multicasting is that the preset number of multicast nodes
must be known beforehand and many routers over the public Internet
do not understand the multicast protocol. Thus, multicasting is
limited to synchronized streams, and foreknowledge of the multicast
servers is required.
[0004] P2P protocols, through the use of complex hashing
algorithms, can pull multiple file segments from separate sources
and re-assemble those segments into a file. P2P protocols, however,
require that the source file must be intact first, before the audio
or video can be viewed. Also, regular TCP/IP can be wasteful of
bandwidth, as it requires high utilization from the streaming data
server. Also, systems require that the file be re-assembled before
playback, and therefore, cannot be streamed. Thus, while the file
transfer protocols are much more efficient, they do not allow for
multiple streams to be re-assembled real-time and operated upon
real-time.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the
deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect of the invention a method comprises
updating a content directory of a root server with end resource
information. The method further includes processing the end
resource information to determine connection locations for
streaming data to at least one requesting end resource in a
network.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises
updating a content directory of the root directory with information
related to a connected end user resource and creating a hierarchy
of end user resources as the end user resource is connected with
the root server. The method further comprises determining a
connection location within the hierarchy of end user resources
including the root server for receiving streamed data, the
determining being based on information in the content
directory.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the invention, a system comprising
a server having a database contains data associated with one or
more end user resources and connection information. At least one of
a hardware and software component dynamically creates a data source
hierarchy of the end user resources based on the data. The at least
one of a hardware and software component provides connection
locations to each of the end user resources that request access to
the data stream. Each of the end user resources that request access
to the data stream becomes part of the data source hierarchy.
[0009] In still another aspect of the invention, a computer program
product comprises a computer usable medium having readable program
code embodied in the medium. The computer program product includes
at least one component to: update a content directory of a root
server with end resource information; and process the end resource
information to determine connection locations for streaming data to
at least one requesting end resource in a network.
[0010] In a still further aspect of the invention, a method for
deploying an application for streaming data over a network,
comprises providing a computer infrastructure operable to:
dynamically create a data source hierarchy of end user resources
based on information associated with the end user resources which
are connected to a root server, and provide connection locations to
each of the end user resources that request access to a data stream
streaming from one or more of the end user resources of the data
source hierarchy and/or the root server.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative environment for implementing
the steps in accordance with the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment in accordance
with the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of steps for implementing aspects of
the invention; and
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of steps for implementing aspects of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The invention generally relates to a system and method of
streaming data in real time and, more particularly, to a system and
method of real time streaming of data over a grid network or other
distributed infrastructure. In embodiments, the system and method
dynamically creates and maintains a hierarchy of data storage
resources within a grid infrastructure to allow for efficient
streaming of data to multiple end users and applications
simultaneously. The storage resources are dynamically created based
on, for example, the type and location of the end users and the
applications that are accessing the streamed data, amongst other
variables and combinations contemplated by the invention. In
embodiments, to dynamically create the data source hierarchy, each
end resource that requests access to the data stream becomes part
of the stream tree. The system and method of the invention can be
implemented using standard unicast protocols such as TCP/IP.
[0016] By using the invention, it is possible to reduce the amount
of data that needs to flow over a distributed Information
Technology (IT) infrastructure without the restrictions of IP
multicasting. The system and method of the invention also solves
the problem of one-to-many distribution of streaming data using
standard unicast algorithms such as simple TCP/IP. In addition, the
system and method is configured to allow data streaming from
different sources simultaneously which is not "file block"
dependent, e.g., streaming audio from one server and video from
another. The different data streams can be combined on a local
resource, i.e., at the requesting end user. Moreover, the invention
is configured to operate upon multiple streams of data in real-time
thus effectively managing streaming nodes dynamically across the
distributed IT enterprise.
[0017] Thus, as further discussed below, the system and method of
the invention is configured to, amongst other things: [0018] (i)
cache streaming data over disparate data storage devices to reduce
overall bandwidth requirements, server utilization, and to increase
data transfer rates; [0019] (ii) separate a data stream into
multiple parts such that an end resource can retrieve these
separate streams from separate sources; [0020] (iii) allow end
resources the ability to start, stop, and/or pause data streams
without affecting other end users; and [0021] (iv) create and
manage streaming nodes dynamically across the distributed IT
enterprise.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative environment 10 for managing the
processes in accordance with the invention. To this extent, the
environment 1 0 includes a computer infrastructure 12 that can
perform the processes described herein. In particular, the computer
infrastructure 12 includes a computing device 14 that comprises a
management system 30, which makes computing device 14 operable to
dynamically manage real time streaming of data over a grid network
or other distributed infrastructure in accordance with the
invention, e.g., process described herein. The computing device 14
includes a processor 20, a memory 22A, an input/output (I/O)
interface 24, and a bus 26. Further, the computing device 14 is in
communication with an external I/O device/resource 28 and a storage
system 22B.
[0023] In general, the processor 20 executes computer program code,
which is stored in memory 22A and/or storage system 22B. While
executing computer program code, the processor 20 can read and/or
write data to/from memory 22A, storage system 22B, and/or I/O
interface 24. The bus 26 provides a communications link between
each of the components in the computing device 14. The I/O device
28 can comprise any device that enables an individual to interact
with the computing device 14 or any device that enables the
computing device 14 to communicate with one or more other computing
devices using any type of communications link.
[0024] The computing device 14 can comprise any general purpose
computing article of manufacture capable of executing computer
program code installed thereon (e.g., a personal computer, server,
handheld device, etc.). However, it is understood that the
computing device 14 is only representative of various possible
equivalent-computing devices that may perform the processes
described herein. To this extent, in embodiments, the functionality
provided by computing device 14 can be implemented by a computing
article of manufacture that includes any combination of general
and/or specific purpose hardware and/or computer program code. In
each embodiment, the program code and hardware can be created using
standard programming and engineering techniques, respectively.
[0025] Similarly, the computer infrastructure 12 is only
illustrative of various types of computer infrastructures for
implementing the invention. For example, in embodiments, the
computer infrastructure 12 comprises two or more computing devices
(e.g., a server cluster) that communicate over any type of
communications link, such as a network, a shared memory, or the
like, to perform the process described herein. Further, while
performing the process described herein, one or more computing
devices in the computer infrastructure 12 can communicate with one
or more other computing devices external to computer infrastructure
12 using any type of communications link. The communications link
can comprise any combination of wired and/or wireless links; any
combination of one or more types of networks (e.g., the Internet, a
wide area network, a local area network, a virtual private network,
etc.); and/or utilize any combination of transmission techniques
and protocols. As discussed herein, the management system 30
enables the computer infrastructure 12 to dynamically manage real
time streaming of data over a grid network or other distributed
infrastructure.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a system in accordance with
the present invention. As seen in FIG. 2, the system includes a
root server 100 and "n" number of requesting servers 200a, 200b
(e.g., end resources). The system is configured to allow the
components to transmit and send data to one another via a network.
Although only two requesting servers are shown in FIG. 2, it is
understood that three or more (e.g., hundreds) requesting servers
are also contemplated by the invention.
[0027] The root server 100 is designated as the master stream
server for broadcasting a stream of content, e.g., a data stream,
in real-time. As should be understood, the root server 100 may be
implemented in the computer infrastructure of FIG. 1. For example,
the root server 100 may be the computing device 14 of FIG. 1.
[0028] The root server 100 includes a cache table (content
directory) 100a configured to store information associated with the
requesting servers 200a, 200b. In this manner, the cache table 100a
acts as a content directory, listing the locations of other servers
or end resources in the enterprise amongst other information. The
caching table (content directory) 100a is dynamically built, in
real-time.
[0029] As each requesting server is connected to the network, the
cache table 100a is updated with information related to the
requesting servers 200a, 200b such as, for example, information
and/or characteristics of and associated with the requesting
servers 200a, 200b. The cache table 100a can be continuously and
dynamically updated, in real-time, as each new requesting server is
connected to the network or a triggering event occurs. The updated
information may include: [0030] (i) listings of the locations of
the connected servers and other resources in the enterprise, [0031]
(ii) the data requested from the requesting server(s), e.g., audio,
video, etc., [0032] (iii) the bandwidth capabilities of the
requesting server(s), [0033] (iv) the quality of data which is
requested to be received from the root server, and/or [0034] (v)
the applications that are accessing the streamed data, in addition
to a host of other system dependent information. The triggering
event, on the other hand, may be a new connection, a different
connection, a stop or pause event of the streaming data, or other
event which affects the streaming of the data. The information and
triggering event may be transmitted to and used by any of the
requesting servers to make a connection determination to either the
root server 100 or another end resource.
[0035] The root server 100 may stream/broadcast content and other
types of data to the requesting servers 200a, 200b via the network.
The data transmitted by the root server 100 may be streamed content
or the information associated with other requesting servers such
as, for example, bandwidth capabilities of the requesting
server(s), quality of data which is requested to be received from
the root server, in addition to other dependent system
information.
[0036] The root server 100 is configured to obtain content from a
database 300, which is streamed to the end resources such as, for
example, the requesting servers 200a, 200b. The database 300 may be
external or internal to the root server 100, depending on the
configuration of the system. The database 300 is configured to
store a specific set of data or content (e.g. audio, video, or any
continuous stream, etc.).
[0037] The requesting servers 200a, 200b, in embodiments, may be
dedicated data storage resources on the grid infrastructure
(network) or multiple end user machines running over a network, to
name just two different embodiments contemplated by the invention.
As further embodiments contemplated by the invention, the
requesting servers may be any types of end user machine including,
but not limited to, a server, in a client server relationship, a
user workstation or a personal computer. In embodiments, the
requesting servers 200a, 200b may locally store information
associated with other servers, content, etc., as discussed with
reference to the cache table 100a. The stored information on the
requesting servers 200a, 200b may be used in the same or similar
manner as the information stored in the cache table 100a.
[0038] The requesting servers 200a, 200b each include a database
which stores the requested data, i.e., content stream, and possibly
the locations and characteristics of other servers in the
enterprise. The databases also buffer a predetermined amount of the
content stream, which may be used to (i) provide content to other
requesting servers or (ii) ensure that the content stream is not
interrupted when a streaming server stops or pauses the streaming
data.
[0039] In embodiments, each of the requesting servers 200a, 200b
may stream content, in real-time, to other requesting servers, upon
authentication and authorization. More specifically, in
embodiments, the requesting servers 200a, 200b may be dynamically
created into a hierarchical set of streaming data resources as the
real-time data stream is being broadcast. For example, the server
200a, upon request and authentication of requesting server 200b,
may stream data (content) to the requesting server 200b. The
streamed data, though, is originated from the root server 200a.
[0040] By way of non-limiting illustration, upon the correct
authentication and authorization, end resources can request data
from the root server 100. As each end resource communicates with
the root server 100, the root server 100 will add the address
information, amongst other data such as the requested data,
broadcast requests (bandwidth, quality), etc. into its cache table
100a. With such information available, the root server 100 will
send the information stored in the cache table 100a to the
requesting server 200b. Upon receipt of such information, the
requesting server 200b can process this information and, upon
making a location determination, request that the streaming data be
broadcast from the root server 100, another requesting server 200a
or a combination thereof. This determination may be based on many
different criteria (i.e., information stored in the cache table
100a) including, but not limited to: [0041] (i) The location to the
requesting server 200b to the root server 100 and other requesting
server 200a; [0042] (ii) The type of content requested, e.g., high
quality content vs. low quality content, video, audio, etc.; and/or
[0043] (iii) The amount of bandwidth that the resource is willing
to use up to receive the data stream, etc. In this way, the content
can be requested from any source dynamically and in real-time
during the actual streaming of the data.
[0044] Thus, in embodiments, initially there is only one stream
server, i.e., the root server 100. However, as multiple new end
resources request the same stream of data, the server 100 provides
information, from its cache table 100a, to the end resources for
making a connection determination to any number of machines. In
this manner, the system and method can stream data from different
sources simultaneously, resulting in the dynamic creation of a data
source hierarchy, where each end resource that requests access to
the data stream can become part of the stream tree, e.g., a proxy
stream server.
[0045] When the end resource receives the data stream, it updates
the root cache table 100a with its information, including the delay
of the stream it is receiving, which pieces of the stream that it
is receiving from which server (e.g., just audio, audio and video,
quality, etc. from which server), etc. This allows the cache table
100a to be constantly updated, thus ensuring that the end resources
obtain the most updated information when making connection
decisions.
[0046] In embodiments, the system and method is configured to
permit any of the end resource(s) (e.g., requesting servers, 200a,
200b) to obtain different content pieces from multiple sources. By
way of non-limiting example, the end resource, e.g., server 200b,
may request high quality video data from the root server 100 and
audio data from another requesting server, e.g., server 200a. In
this process, the end resource, e.g., server 200b, makes a
determination, based on an analysis of the information received
from the root server 100, as to which type of data it will receive
from which particular stream server(s). The stream server may be
the root server or other end resource(s) or a combination thereof,
for example. In embodiments, the receiving (requesting) end
resource can use a plurality of methods including but not limited
to ping, bandwidth, hop count, etc. to find the best matching
resources.
[0047] Once the end resource receives the different pieces of
content from different sources, the end resource can locally
recombine the data streams into a complete data stream of content,
as can be implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art using
well-known algorithms. Accordingly, the end resources are capable
of reassembling and operating upon multiple streams of data in
real-time, whereby the system is thus capable of effectively
managing streaming nodes dynamically across the distributed IT
enterprise. In this way, the system and method is configured to
dynamically create and maintain a hierarchy of disparate data
storage resources within the distributed infrastructure to allow
data streaming from different sources simultaneously. The streaming
data is not "file block" dependent, e.g., streaming audio from one
server and video from another.
[0048] In further implementations, each requesting server 200a,
200b may act independently of one another. That is, each requesting
server 200a, 200b may pause, stop or start the streaming data
without affecting other end users. This is further described with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram implementing steps of the invention
which may be implemented in the environment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 (and
all other flow diagrams) equally represents a high-level block
diagram of the invention. The steps of FIG. 3 (and all other flow
diagrams) may be implemented and executed from either a server, in
a client server relationship, or they may run on a user workstation
with operative information conveyed to the user workstation to
dynamically manage real time streaming of data over a grid network
or other distributed infrastructure. Additionally, the invention
can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely
software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and
software elements.
[0050] In an embodiment, the invention is implemented in software,
which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software,
microcode, etc. Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a
computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or
computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in
connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. The
software and/or computer program product can be implemented in the
environment of FIG. 1. For the purposes of this description, a
computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus
that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the
program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution
system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic,
magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor
system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium. Examples
of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solid
state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a
random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid
magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of optical
disks include compact disk--read only memory (CD-ROM), compact
disc--read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows an implementation of the processes using, for
example, unicasting methodologies. The example of FIG. 3 starts
with one streaming server, e.g., root server. This streaming server
originally contains the source data to be streamed. In step 300, an
end resource, e.g., server 1, requests access to the streaming data
source. To accomplish this process, in embodiments, the end
resource sends a connection request command (authentication and
authorization process) to the root server to request a particular
data stream. Included with the connection request may be, for
example, information on the level of quality that the end resource
wishes to receive and the amount of bandwidth that the resource is
willing to use up to receive the data stream.
[0052] In step 305, upon acknowledgement of the request, the root
server updates the content directory (cache table) for requests to
include server 1. In step 307, the root server tags server 1 as a
"tier 1" node, i.e., it is one hop away from the root node.
[0053] In step 310, the request is sent back to the root server
process. In step 315, the root server sends the content to the
requester at the quality level requested by server 1. The root
server uses a unicast streaming protocol such as regular TCP/IP.
This is synonymous with a regular point to point protocol such as a
Real Audio Server streaming to a Real Audio Client.
[0054] In step 320, a new end resource request for the same content
arrives from a second end user, e.g., server 2. In embodiments,
server 2 provides the requirements as to quality and bandwidth
restrictions to receive the data stream, similar to that described
with reference to server 1. In step 325, the new requester (server
2) is logged into the content directory (cache table) to determine
the possible connection locations for requesting and receiving the
requested data stream. In one example, server 2 will receive two
locations, e.g., the root server at high quality or server 1 at
lower quality and delayed by a number of seconds (since server 1 is
one hop away from the root server).
[0055] At step 330, server 2 examines the information and makes a
connection determination. In this example, server 2 is collocated
with server 1 and the available data stream from server 1 meets its
requirements. In step 335, server 2 connects to server 1 at which
time it can start to receive the data stream. The content directory
(cache table) is updated with the connection information.
[0056] Although not necessarily in this order, in step 340, server
2 is tagged as a "tier 2" server because it is two hops away from
the root server. In step 345, the content directory on the root
node is updated to include server 2 as a "tier 2" stream server.
Server 2 may also be tagged as tier 1 if it receives information
directly from the root server.
[0057] In embodiments, the servers can be tagged with various
tiers, depending on which piece of the data streamed from a
particular source. An example of this embodiment includes the
example of the server obtaining high quality data from the root
source and low quality data from another requesting server. In this
scenario, a tier 1 tag is associated with high quality data and a
tier 2 tag is associated with the low quality data. Basically,
server 2 is tagged as a "tier 1" server for high quality data
because it is one hop away from the root server; whereas, server 2
is tagged as a "tier 2" server for low quality data because it is
two hops away from the root server.
[0058] As should be understood this same process may continue with
more than two end resources, using the steps as described above. By
way of example, another end resource (e.g., server 3), may request
data from server 1, server 2, the root server or any combination
thereof. In this example, server 3 accesses the root server, which
will update the content directory (cache table) to include server 3
information. Directory information will be sent to server 3 for
processing in order to determine one or more location connections
based on the criteria of server 3. By illustration, server 2
requests high quality video data and lower quality audio data.
[0059] Based on information received from the root server, server 3
is provided with three possible location connections, e.g., high
quality video data from the root server and low quality audio data
from either of server 1 or server 2. Making the determination that
the high quality video data will be streamed from the root server
and the low quality audio data will be streamed from server 2, the
root server will tag server 2 as a tier 1 and/or tier 2. In this
scenario, as to the audio stream, server 2 will be tagged tier 1 if
the audio stream is originating from only the root server.
Otherwise, server 2 will be tagged a tier 2 when the audio stream
is diverted through server 1. In any scenario, the content
directory (cache table) is updated with the connection
information.
[0060] In step 350, in the event that server 1 becomes unavailable
(e.g., stops or pauses), server 2 can connect back to the root
server and re-request access to the data stream. In this example,
because there is no other servers to stream from, server 2 can
upgrade to a tier 1 node and start to receive the data stream
directly from the root server. This latter step is further explored
in FIG. 4.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a non-limiting example
of an aspect of the invention. This example shows that a streaming
server can stop or pause the streamed data without affecting other
end users. In step 400, the requesting server, e.g., server 1,
broadcasts information to the another server, server 2. In step
405, server 1 either stops or pauses the streamed data. In step
410, server 2 is notified or becomes aware that server 1 has
stopped or paused the streamed data. The awareness may simply be
that sever 2 is no longer receiving streaming data from server 1.
In step 412, the cache table is updated with the stop or pause time
of server 1.
[0062] In step 41 5, server 2 uses its buffered content to ensure
that there is no discernable interruption in the streamed data to
the end user. In step 420, server 2, logged into the cache table of
the root server, determines other connection locations, noting that
the cache table is updated with the stop or pause time information
of server 1. In step 425, in one example, server 2 receives
additional connection locations which it can receive the streamed
data, e.g., the root server or from server 3. In step 430, server 2
will make a connection to a server which provides the streamed data
at the particular location of the stop or pause time of server 1 or
at any point within the buffered content. This information will be
updated into the content directory in step 435.
[0063] In embodiments, the invention provides a business method
that performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription,
advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as
a Solution Integrator, could offer to perform the processes
described herein. In this case, the service provider can create,
maintain, and support, etc., a computer infrastructure that
performs the process steps of the invention for one or more
customers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from
the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or
the service provider can receive payment from the sale of
advertising content to one or more third parties.
[0064] While the invention has been described in terms of
embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention can be practiced with modifications and in the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *