DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT OF AUDIOVISUAL AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS

摘要

A device, system and method are provided to dynamically manage bandwidth for audiovisual communications and content distribution. The device, system and method may include dynamic qualification of content or channels for distribution in accordance with one or more distribution models, such as a broadcast distribution model and a narrowcast distribution model (e.g., a multicast distribution model and/or a unicast distribution model). In some embodiments, the qualification may be based on demand as reflected in requests for, or access to, content from user terminals. In some embodiments, based on changes in demand for content, a requalification of the content in terms of one or more distribution models may take place.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a first device configured to provide content to a plurality of population pools; a plurality of second devices, wherein each of the plurality of second devices is configured to provide content to a different population pool of the plurality of population pools; and a service manager configured to:
determine whether a number of the plurality of population pools accessing a first content item provided by the first device falls below a predetermined threshold; andin response to determining that the number of the plurality of population pools accessing the first content item falls below the predetermined threshold, assign the first content item provided by the first device to be provided by at least one of the plurality of second devices for a predetermined timeframe.