Method for streaming multimedia information over public networks
US6708213B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for enhancing existing caching systems to better support streaming media over the Internet and other public network system are disclosed herein. By using helpers inside the network, which operate as caching and streaming agents, existing caching techniques are enhanced to better support streaming media over the Internet. The helpers serve to implement several methods specifically designed to support streaming media, including proxy caching, client request aggregation which describes the use of memory and disk resources at the helpers, and data transfer rate control to reduce start-up latency.The method and apparatus advantageously reduces server and network loads by employing the above methods to overcome arrival time and range heterogeneity in client requests thereby improving the quality perceived by end users.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.