Comcast Cable Communications, LLC

Tom Brown

Amit Garg

Rick Gasloli

Robert Gaydos

Mark Muehl

Volnie Whyte

John Paclik

Nishant Agarwal

Cache management techniques are described for a content distribution network (CDN), for example, a video on demand (VOD) system supporting user requests and delivery of video content. A preferred cache size may be calculated for one or more cache devices in the CDN, for example, based on a maximum cache memory size, a bandwidth availability associated with the CDN, and a title dispersion calculation determined by the user requests within the CDN. After establishing the cache with a set of assets (e.g., video content), an asset replacement algorithm may be executed at one or more cache devices in the CDN. When a determination is made that a new asset should be added to a full cache, a multi-factor comparative analysis may be performed on the assets currently residing in the cache, comparing the popularity and size of assets and combinations of assets, along with other factors to determine which assets should be replaced in the cache device.

Cache management in a video content distribution network

An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for resolving bandwidth constriction using multiple bandwidths and/or multiple content delivery paths. The apparatus, system and method may include recording requested video content and/or delivering the recorded video content to resolve bandwidth constriction using alternate bandwidths or delivery paths.

Method for resolving delivery path unavailability

Methods and systems for providing content and content recommendations are described. Content recommendations for users in a service area may be based on content requests from users within the same service area. Content recommendations over a period of time may dynamically change based on many factors, including: the number of requests for particular content within one or more time frames, the storage location of requested content relative to requesting users, and whether a request occurs within a time period of rapid shift in use and types of content requested. A content recommendation including one or more content recommendations may be provided to users.

Content storage management

Systems and methods are described that relate to on-demand compression for electronic data, such as media content, through a communication pathway. The communication pathway may be configured to multicast media content to a plurality of end-users in a service group. In certain embodiments, the service group may comprise a service group node having a quadrature amplitude modulation device. In one exemplary method, it may be determined whether the amount of media content being transmitted meets a first utilization threshold. The determination may be based on, at least in part, by measurements taken at one or more electronic devices located throughout a network or system. If the first bandwidth utilization threshold is not met, media content may be transmitted in a first format. If the first bandwidth utilization threshold is met, at least a portion of the media content may be transmitted in a first optimized delivery technique.

Optimized delivery techniques

Methods are described for managing the delivery of electronic data, such as media content, through a network. An indication of a quantity of data transmitted via a network during a first time period may be received, the quantity of data including a first portion of a content item. Based on the quantity of data transmitted during the first time period, it may be determined that a first bandwidth utilization threshold of the network has been satisfied, and the network may be optimized for delivery of a second portion of the content item.

Systems and methods for generating and receiving a sequenced listing of pieces of content are described. A request to search for assets may be received. A first listing of assets associated with the request may be received. Data representative of assets stored within an edge server associated with the user may be received. A first group of assets of the first listing of assets that are stored within the edge server based upon the received data representative of assets stored within the edge server and a second group of assets of the first listing of assets that are not stored within the edge server based upon the received data representative of assets stored within the edge server may be determined. A second listing of assets may be generated where at least one asset of the first group is sequenced separate from at least one asset of the second group.

Search result content sequencing

A device, computer readable medium, system and method for overcoming bandwidth limitations is disclosed for determining that a bandwidth limitation is related to preventing delivery of content, identifying a version of the content capable of being transmitted over a lower bandwidth, querying a device requesting delivery of the content for an indication of acceptability of a lower bandwidth version of the content instead of a higher bandwidth version, and based on an affirmative response to the querying, causing delivery of the lower bandwidth version.

Controlling delivery of requested content based on delivery bandwidth limitations

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for managing the delivery of electronic data, such as media content, through a network. An indication of a quantity of data transmitted via a network during a first time period may be received. Based on the quantity of data transmitted during the first time period, it may be determined that a first bandwidth utilization threshold of the network has been satisfied, and a first optimized version of a second portion of the content item may be subsequently sent.

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West Chester, PA, United States of America

Tom Brown