Distributed media classification algorithm in a service controller platform for enhanced scalability
View Patent ↗A network system and the method is described that splits media identification logic and media classification and/or general data session processing/management logic into separate controllers (e.g., between the local controllers and a service controller). By separating media identification logic and media classification logic (or general media processing/management logic), the system and method allows for greater flexibility and scalability in a network system employing a service controller. In particular, by allowing the local controllers to perform media identification and to construct a single packet that characterizes/describes a media session, the system avoids the need to transmit multiple data packets of a media session to the service controller for classification of the session. Accordingly, the system includes the flexibility a service controller provides while allowing for greater scalability by separating media identification logic and media classification respectively between a local controller and the service controller.
1. A method comprising:
receiving a metadata packet in a service controller from a local controller, the metadata packet generated by the local controller and describing a data session between a plurality of client computing devices detected by the local controller, wherein the data session comprises a virtual stream between client devices;
determining a call type associated with the data session based on the metadata packet;
classifying the data session in the service controller to a communication-based application based on the metadata packet;
generating control data to control the data session, wherein the control data comprises data to reprogram a flow or connection associated with the local controller based on the determined call type to match a preconfigured setting of the communication based-application; and
transmitting the control data to the local controller.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data session comprises a five-tuple session that includes one or more threads that are partitioned into separate respective virtual streams.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metadata packet comprises data representing a codec associated with the virtual stream.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metadata packet comprises data representing one or more predefined signatures that are detected within a virtual stream of the data session, and wherein the predefined signatures are associated with a corresponding application or service.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein classifying the data session in the service controller comprises:
comparing characteristics represented by data of the metadata packet with characteristics of the application or service; and
associating the data session with the application or service based on a result of the comparing.
6. A non-transitory machine readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to:
receive a metadata packet, generated by a local controller, from the local controller, wherein the metadata packet describes a data session detected by the local controller between a plurality of computing devices, and the data session comprises real-time communication of media between client computing devices;
determine a call type associated with the data session based on the metadata packet;
classify the data session to a communication-based application based on the metadata packet;
generate control data based on the classification of the data session, wherein the control data comprises data to reprogram a flow or connection associated with the local controller based on the determined call type to match a preconfigured setting of the communication based-application;
transmit the data to the local controller to control the data session.
7. The non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 6 , wherein the data session comprises a five-tuple session that includes one or more threads that are partitioned into separate respective virtual streams.
8. non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 6 , wherein the data session comprises a virtual stream, and the metadata packet comprises one or more of data representing a codec associated with the virtual stream, and data representing one or more predefined signatures that are detected within a virtual stream of the data session, and wherein the predefined signatures are associated with a corresponding application or service.
9. The non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 6 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to:
compare characteristics represented by data of the metadata packet with characteristics of the application or service; and
associate the data session with the application or service based on a result of the comparison.
10. The non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 6 , wherein:
the instructions, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to determine a call type or a media type associated with the data session; and
the data generated based on the classification of the data session comprises data to reprogram a flow or reprogram a connection associated with the local controller.
11. The non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 6 , wherein the data generated based on the classification of the data session comprises data to control a prioritization of the data session.
12. An apparatus comprising:
a hardware processor; and
a memory to store instructions that, when executed by the hardware processor, cause the hardware processor to:
receive a metadata packet, generated by a local controller, from the local controller, wherein the metadata packet describes a data session detected by the local controller between a plurality of computing devices, and wherein the data comprises a virtual stream between client devices;
determine a call type associated with the data session based on the metadata packet;
classify the data session to a communication-based application based on the metadata packet;
analyze the data session based on the metadata packet to provide control data to control the data session, wherein the control data comprises data to reprogram a flow or connection associated with the local controller based on the determined call type to match a preconfigured setting of the communication based-application; and
transmit the control data to the local controller.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the metadata packet comprises data representing a codec associated with the virtual stream.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the metadata packet comprises one or more of a format of packets within the one or more virtual streams and one or more predefined signatures that are detected within the virtual stream and are associated with a corresponding application or service.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the metadata packet comprises data describing a codec associated with the virtual stream.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the hardware processor, cause the hardware processor to associate the data session with an application or service based on a comparison of characteristics represented by data of the metadata packet with characteristics of the application or service.
17. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the control data comprises data to control a prioritization of the data session.