CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

There are described methods and systems for distributing content in a network, in particular a multicast network. One method includes delivering content from a source to a destination in a content delivery network. A request for an item of content is received and a first multicast stream is identified or established, the first multicast stream comprising a first copy of the content. At least one second multicast stream is also identified or established, the second stream comprising a second copy of the content. The second copy of the content is time-shifted by a time, M, from corresponding portions of the first copy of the content. The content is then delivered to the destination using both the first and the second multicast streams.

主权项

1. A method of delivering content from a source to at least one destination in a content delivery network, the method comprising:
receiving a request for delivery of a piece of content to the destination; receiving information relating to a capability of the destination; determining whether the content should be delivered in a multiple multicast time-shifted content delivery mode, the mode comprising delivering the piece of content using a plurality of multicast streams, the plurality of multicast streams each delivering the content with a relative time-shift between corresponding portions of the content; wherein the determination is based on at least one of;
a measure of the number of requests for the content in a preceding time period;a model of predicted requests for the content in a subsequent time period;a determination of the geographical or topological distribution of the existing or expected destinations in the network;the topological or geographical position of the requesting destination in the content delivery network compared to the position of other destinations already receiving the content; anda measure of the network capacity or availability between the source and the at least one destination.