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DisneyPatent applicationNetworks & wirelessInterest 3/10

Disney patents system to balance video traffic across servers

This filing describes a method for managing how video files are sent to users by adjusting which server handles each request. It compares the best possible traffic split with the current network conditions to choose the most efficient server for the next batch of requests.

Why it mattersThis is a routine improvement to how streaming services manage server load, likely resulting in slightly smoother playback during peak times.

In the filing’s own words

In some embodiments, a system receives usage data for content delivered by multiple content delivery network (CDN) entities during a last time interval. This usage data is based on delivering the content from servicing first requests. The system calculates ideal distribution weights from this usage data to allocate second requests to the CDN entities in a next time interval. It also calculates effective distribution weights from the usage data to allocate the second requests, where these effective weights are further based on a current network condition. A selection parameter is then generated based on correcting the effective distribution weights to be closer to the ideal distribution weights for the next time interval. The system outputs this selection parameter and uses it to select a particular CDN entity for a second request. This selection is performed according to a distribution for the next time interval that is closer to the ideal distribution than it is to the effective distribution.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method executed by a computing device comprising: receiving usage data for content that was delivered in a last time interval by a plurality of content delivery network (CDN) entities, wherein: the usage data is based on delivering the content from servicing first requests, ideal distribution weights are based on the usage data to allocate second requests to the plurality of CDN entities in a next time interval, effective distribution weights based on the usage data to allocate the second requests to the plurality of CDN entities in the next time interval, the effective distribution weights being based a network condition, and a selection parameter is based on a correction of the effective distribution weights to be closer to the ideal distribution weights in the next time interval, outputting the selection parameter; and selecting, based on the selection parameter, a particular CDN entity of the plurality of CDN entities for a second request, wherein the selecting is performed according to a distribution that is closer to an ideal distribution than an effective distribution in the next time interval.

Facts

Company
Disney (Disney Enterprises, Inc.)
Official title
INTELLIGENT CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK (CDN) ENTITY ROUTING
Publication number
US20260267708A1
Application number
19658301
Filed
Apr 24, 2026
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
6
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 9/505 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.