CN110087105B

CN110087105B - Method and device for switching IPTV multicast to unicast

Info

Publication number: CN110087105B
Application number: CN201810071725.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴平
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-25
Filing date: 2018-01-25
Publication date: 2020-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-25
Also published as: CN110087105A

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a method and a device for switching IPTV multicast to unicast, relates to the technical field of network communication, and solves the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for switching multicast to unicast, so that the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed. The specific scheme is as follows: firstly, a management server collects user information of N users, generates a user list according to the user information of the N users, and configures the user list to an electronic program navigation server; after the electronic program navigation server receives a program information request sent by the set top box, the electronic program navigation server determines that the user list comprises a set top box identifier, and sends a program information response, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program, so that the set top box requests a multicast stream of the program or a unicast stream of the program. The embodiment of the application is used for requesting the unicast stream.

Description

Method and device for switching IPTV multicast to unicast

Technical Field

The embodiment of the application relates to the technical field of network communication, in particular to a method and a device for switching IPTV multicast to unicast.

Background

With the increasing development of network technology, streaming media is widely applied to various services such as video on demand, network teaching, network live broadcast and the like by the characteristics of intuition, instantaneity, interactivity and the like. An interactive network Television (IPTV) is a novel media information service technology established based on a telecommunication network technology, an Internet technology, a broadcast Television network technology and a media transmission technology, and realizes that a user can watch live and on-demand video programs at any time, any place and any terminal.

In the prior art, part of the live programs of the IPTV transmit streaming media to a user access Network (Content Delivery Network (CDN)) in an IP multicast manner, so that the occupation of Network bandwidth is reduced and Network load is also reduced while unicast multipoint reception is achieved. In the process of forwarding the multicast data, if a link or a node fails to cause a failure in multicast data transmission, the terminal device may send a unicast service request to the scheduling server according to a standby unicast address obtained from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) server. However, under the condition of multicast router failure or content source injection failure, a large number of users may have multicast service application failure, and at this time, if all users simultaneously apply for multicast to unicast, the network load may be increased instantaneously, and even the system may be crashed.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a method and a device for switching IPTV multicast to unicast, which solve the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for switching multicast to unicast, so that the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

in a first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a method for switching an IPTV multicast to a unicast is provided, where the method is applied to a management server, and the method includes: firstly, collecting user information of N users, wherein the user information comprises at least one of set top box identification, user account numbers, user service account numbers, set top box multicast failure rate, user home equipment models, user priority and user networking information; then, generating a user list according to the N pieces of user information, wherein the user list comprises M pieces of set top box identifiers; and sending a user list to the electronic program navigation server, wherein N represents the number of users for opening the IPTV, and M is more than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. According to the switching method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast, the management server collects and analyzes the user information of N users, generates the user list and configures the user list to the electronic program navigation server, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides the multicast address of the program and the unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, and therefore the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for switching the multicast to the unicast, the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed are effectively solved.

With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, after generating the user list according to the user information, the method further includes: and sending configuration information to the set top box corresponding to each set top box identifier in the M set top box identifiers, wherein the configuration information is used for indicating that the set top box is allowed to request unicast service. On the premise that the management server controls the number of users for converting multicast to unicast, the authority of the set top box for requesting unicast service is configured, the number of users applying for converting multicast to unicast at the same time is further controlled, and network load is reduced.

In a second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a method for switching an IPTV multicast to unicast is provided, where the method is applied to an electronic program navigation server, and includes: receiving a user list sent by a management server, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications; receiving a program information request sent by a set top box, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier, and the set top box identifier is any one of M set top box identifiers included in a user list; inquiring a user list according to the set top box identifier; and determining that the user list comprises a set top box identifier, and sending a program information response to the set top box, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program. According to the method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast, the management server collects and analyzes the user information of N users to generate the user list, and the user list is configured to the electronic program navigation server, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides the multicast address of the program and the unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, and therefore the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for the multicast to the unicast, the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed are effectively solved.

In a third aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a method for switching an IPTV multicast to unicast is provided, where the method is applied to a set top box, and the method includes: sending a program information request to an electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier; receiving a program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program; requesting a multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program; the multicast stream of the program is not received within a preset time length, and the failure of the multicast service request is determined; sending a first unicast service request to a scheduling server, wherein the first unicast service request comprises an address of the scheduling server and a unicast address of a program; receiving a service redirection message sent by a scheduling server, wherein the service redirection message comprises a unicast server address of a unicast stream of a program requested by a set top box; and sending a second unicast service request to the unicast server, wherein the second unicast service request comprises the unicast server address and the unicast address of the program. According to the method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast, the management server collects and analyzes the user information of N users to generate the user list, and the user list is configured to the electronic program navigation server, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides the multicast address of the program and the unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, the set top box requests the multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program, and requests the unicast stream of the program according to the unicast address of the program under the condition that the set top box does not request the multicast stream, and therefore the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for the multicast to the unicast, the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed are effectively solved.

With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, before sending the first unicast service request to the scheduling server, the method further includes: and determining that the set top box is allowed to request the unicast service according to the configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used for indicating that the set top box is allowed to request the unicast service. On the premise that the management server controls the number of users for converting multicast to unicast, the set top box requests unicast service according to the configured authority of the set top box for requesting unicast service, further controls the number of users applying for converting multicast to unicast at the same time, and reduces network load.

With reference to the foregoing possible implementation manners, in another possible implementation manner, before determining, according to the configuration information, that the set top box is allowed to request a unicast service, the method further includes: and receiving the configuration information sent by the management server.

With reference to the first aspect and the foregoing possible implementation manners, in another possible implementation manner, after sending the first unicast service request to the scheduling server, the method further includes: and receiving a service rejection message sent by the scheduling server, wherein the service rejection message is used for indicating that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program.

In a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a method for switching an IPTV multicast to unicast is provided, where the method is applied to a scheduling server, and includes: receiving a first unicast service request sent by a set top box, wherein the first unicast service request comprises an address of a scheduling server and a unicast address of a program; judging a unicast stream allowing the set top box to request a program according to a network state, wherein the network state comprises the number of current unicast users and the resource consumption condition of a user access network; and sending a service redirection message to the set top box, wherein the service redirection message comprises a unicast server address of a unicast stream of the program requested by the set top box. The method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast provided by the embodiment of the application collects and analyzes the user information of N users through the management server, generates the user list, and configures the user list to the electronic program navigation server, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides the multicast address of the program and the unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, the set top box requests the multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program, requests the unicast stream of the program according to the unicast address of the program under the condition that the set top box does not request the multicast stream, and the scheduling server controls the set top box to apply for the unicast service according to the network state, thereby effectively avoiding the problems of instant increase of network load and even system breakdown caused by simultaneously applying multicast to unicast by massive users.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, after determining whether to allow the set top box to request the unicast service of the program according to the network status, the method further includes: and judging that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program, and sending a service rejection message to the set top box, wherein the service rejection message is used for indicating that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program.

In a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a management server is provided, including: the processing unit is used for collecting user information of N users, wherein the user information comprises at least one of set top box identification, user account numbers, user service account numbers, set top box multicast failure rate, user home equipment models, user priority and user networking information, and N represents the number of users for opening the IPTV; the processing unit is further used for generating a user list according to the N pieces of user information, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifiers, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; and the sending unit is used for sending the user list to the electronic program navigation server.

In a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, an electronic program guide server is provided, including: the receiving unit is used for receiving a user list sent by the management server, and the user list comprises M set top box identifications; the receiving unit is further used for receiving a program information request sent by the set top box, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier, and the set top box identifier is any one of M set top box identifiers included in the user list; the processing unit is used for inquiring the user list according to the set-top box identifier; the processing unit is further used for determining that the user list comprises the set top box identifier; and the sending unit is used for sending a program information response to the set top box, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of the program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program.

A seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a set top box, including: the sending unit is used for sending a program information request to the electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier; the receiving unit is used for receiving a program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program; the processing unit is also used for requesting the multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program; the processing unit is used for not receiving the multicast stream of the program within the preset time length and determining that the multicast service request fails; the sending unit is further used for sending a first unicast service request to the scheduling server, wherein the first unicast service request comprises the address of the scheduling server and the unicast address of the program; the receiving unit is further used for receiving a service redirection message sent by the scheduling server, wherein the service redirection message comprises a unicast server address of a unicast stream of a program requested by the set top box; and the sending unit is further used for sending a second unicast service request to the unicast server, wherein the second unicast service request comprises the unicast server address and the unicast address of the program.

In an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present application, a scheduling server is provided, including: the system comprises a receiving unit, a sending unit and a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit is used for receiving a first unicast service request sent by a set top box, and the first unicast service request comprises an address of a scheduling server and a unicast address of a program; the processing unit is used for judging whether the set top box is allowed to request the unicast stream of the program according to a network state, wherein the network state comprises the number of current unicast users and the resource consumption condition of a user access network; the processing unit is also used for determining a unicast stream allowing the set top box to request the program; and the sending unit is used for sending a service redirection message to the set top box, wherein the service redirection message comprises a unicast server address of a unicast stream of the program requested by the set top box.

It should be noted that the functional modules in the fifth aspect to the eighth aspect may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions. For example, a transceiver for performing the functions of the receiving unit and the sending unit, a processor for performing the functions of the processing unit, and a memory for processing the program instructions of the method for switching IPTV multicast-to-unicast according to the embodiment of the present application. The processor, transceiver and memory are connected by a bus and communicate with each other. Specifically, reference may be made to a function of managing a behavior of a server in the IPTV multicast-to-unicast switching method provided in the first aspect, a function of a behavior of an electronic program navigation server in the IPTV multicast-to-unicast switching method provided in the second aspect, a function of a behavior of a set top box in the IPTV multicast-to-unicast switching method provided in the third aspect, and a function of scheduling a behavior of a server in the IPTV multicast-to-unicast switching method provided in the fourth aspect.

A ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a management server, including: a processor, a memory, a bus, and a communication interface; the memory is used for storing computer execution instructions, the processor is connected with the memory through the bus, and when the processor runs, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored by the memory so as to enable the management server to execute the method in any aspect.

In a tenth aspect of embodiments of the present application, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions; when the computer software instructions run in the management server or a chip built in the management server, the management server is caused to execute the switching method from the IPTV multicast to the unicast.

In an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a computer program product is provided, which includes instructions and is configured to, when the computer program product runs in a management server or a chip built in the management server, cause the management server to execute the above-mentioned IPTV multicast-to-unicast switching method.

A twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an electronic program navigation server, including: a processor, a memory, a bus, and a communication interface; the memory is used for storing computer execution instructions, the processor is connected with the memory through the bus, and when the processor runs, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, so that the electronic program navigation server executes the method of any aspect.

In a thirteenth aspect of embodiments of the present application, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions; when the computer software instructions run in the electronic program guide server or a chip built in the electronic program guide server, the electronic program guide server executes the method for switching from the IPTV multicast to the unicast.

In a fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a computer program product including instructions is provided, which, when the computer program product runs in an electronic program navigation server or a chip built in the electronic program navigation server, causes the electronic program navigation server to execute the above-mentioned method for switching from IPTV multicast to unicast.

A fifteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a set top box, including: a processor, a memory, a bus, and a communication interface; the memory is used for storing computer execution instructions, the processor is connected with the memory through the bus, and when the processor runs, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored by the memory, so that the set-top box executes the method of any aspect.

A sixteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions; when the computer software instruction runs in the set-top box or a chip built in the set-top box, the set-top box executes the switching method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast.

A seventeenth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a computer program product including instructions, when the computer program product runs in a set-top box or a chip built in the set-top box, the set-top box is caused to execute the method for switching from IPTV multicast to unicast.

In an eighteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present application, there is provided a scheduling server, including: a processor, a memory, a bus, and a communication interface; the memory is used for storing computer execution instructions, the processor is connected with the memory through the bus, and when the processor runs, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored by the memory so as to enable the dispatch server to execute the method in any aspect.

In a nineteenth aspect of embodiments of the present application, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium, comprising: computer software instructions; when the computer software instructions run in the scheduling server or a chip built in the scheduling server, the scheduling server is enabled to execute the method for switching from IPTV multicast to unicast.

A twentieth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when the computer program product runs in a scheduling server or a chip built in the scheduling server, causes the scheduling server to execute the above-mentioned IPTV multicast-to-unicast switching method.

In addition, the technical effects brought by the design manners of any aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by different design manners in the first aspect to the fourth aspect, and are not described herein again.

In the embodiment of the present application, the names of the management server, the epg server, the set-top box, and the scheduling server do not limit the devices themselves, and in practical implementation, the devices may appear by other names. Provided that the function of each device is similar to the embodiments of the present application, and fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an IPTV system architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 2 is a flowchart of a switching method for switching an IPTV multicast to unicast according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a flowchart of another method for switching from IPTV multicast to unicast according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is a schematic composition diagram of a management server according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic program guide server according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a schematic composition diagram of a set top box according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a dispatch server according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a schematic composition diagram of another management server provided in the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another electronic program guide server according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a composition of another set top box according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 12 is a schematic composition diagram of another scheduling server according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

In order to solve the problem of instant increase of network load and even system crash caused by simultaneous application of multicast to unicast by a large number of users, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for switching IPTV multicast to unicast, which has the following basic principle: firstly, a management server collects user information of N users, generates a user list according to the user information of the N users, and configures the user list to an electronic program navigation server; after the electronic program navigation server receives a program information request sent by the set top box, a user list is inquired according to a set top box identifier included in the program information request, if the user list is determined to include the set top box identifier, a program information response is sent to the set top box, the program information response includes a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program, and the set top box requests a multicast stream of the program from the multicast server according to the multicast address of the program or requests a unicast stream of the program from the unicast server according to the unicast address of the program. According to the method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast, the management server collects and analyzes the user information of N users to generate the user list, the user list is configured to the electronic program navigation server, and the electronic program navigation server only provides the multicast address of the program and the unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, so that the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for switching the multicast to the unicast, the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed are effectively solved.

Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The IPTV is a new technology that integrates various technologies such as internet, multimedia, and communication, and provides various interactive services including digital tv to home users. Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an IPTV system architecture to which the embodiments of the present application may be applied. As shown in fig. 1, the system architecture can be divided into a client, an access network, a metropolitan network, and a backbone network and a service center.

The backbone network and the service center comprise a management server, an electronic program navigation server, a scheduling server, a unicast server, a multicast router and a live broadcast source. The management server is used for acquiring user information of a user opening the IPTV in the network and generating a user list so as to control the number of users switching from multicast to unicast. The electronic program navigation server is used for providing indexes and navigation of various services for users, namely, an IPTV interface and carrying out service signaling interaction with the set-top box. The scheduling server is configured to parse a Universal Resource Locator (URL) of the unicast service, and implement scheduling to the unicast server through URL parsing. The multicast router is used for receiving content injection of an external multicast source. The unicast server is used for acquiring the multicast service stream from the multicast router and converting the multicast service stream into the unicast service stream for the user to use. The live source is used for providing live programs. The backbone network and the service center may further include other routers, and the other routers may acquire the Multicast stream from the Multicast router through a Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) Protocol and transmit the Multicast stream to the client.

The metro network includes Provider Edge equipment (UPE) routers near the customer side. The UPE router is used for acquiring the multicast stream from the multicast router through the PIM protocol. Meanwhile, the Internet Group Multicast Protocol (IGMP) request from the client is terminated, and the Multicast stream is copied to the client.

The access network includes an Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The OLT is used for forwarding the IGMP request of the client to the UPE.

The client includes an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and a Set Top Box (STB). The ONT is used for accessing the set top box and the OLT. The set-top box, i.e. the service terminal, performs service exchange with the electronic program navigation server to obtain a multicast address or a unicast address and apply for the multicast service or the unicast service.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a switching method for switching an IPTV multicast-unicast service according to an embodiment of the present application, and as shown in fig. 2, the method may include:

s201, the management server collects user information of N users.

N represents the number of users opening the IPTV in a region, and an administrator can set the region according to the needs, and the region may be a city or a partial region of a city. The management server collects user information, wherein the user information comprises at least one of a set top box identification, a user account, a user service account, a set top box multicast failure rate, a user home device model, a user priority and user networking information. The set-top box identification is a set-top box account number which is allocated by the system and used for uniquely distinguishing the set-top box or the MAC address of the network card of the set-top box. The user account may be understood as a user name. The user service account number represents an account number of the package service purchased by the user. The set-top box multicast failure rate is the failure rate of the set-top box applying for the multicast stream in the period. And the home equipment model of the user, such as ONT model, home gateway model and the like. The user priority is the priority of the user using the set top box identified by the set top box, for example, the user level may be a honored guest (VIP) user or a general user. Subscriber networking information, such as a set top box identification, identifies the OLT or Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) to which the corresponding set top box belongs. Optionally, the user information may further include a geographical location range to which the set-top box belongs, or a service level applied by the user.

S202, the management server generates a user list according to the N pieces of user information.

After collecting user information of N users, the management server screens M users from the N users according to at least one factor of set top box identification, user account, user service account, set top box multicast failure rate, user family equipment model, user priority and user networking information. For example, firstly, users may be screened according to user accounts or user service accounts, then users are sorted according to a set top box multicast failure rate, L users with a high multicast failure rate are obtained, a set top box corresponding to a specific user home device model and/or a set top box in specific user networking information are selected from the L users, M set top boxes are obtained, and a user list is generated, wherein the user list includes set top box identifiers of the M set top boxes. Of course, the users may also be ranked according to the user priorities, M users with higher user priorities are obtained, and a user list is generated, where the user list includes set top box identifiers of set top boxes of the M users. L is less than or equal to N, L can be equal to 100 or 200, and M is less than or equal to L.

S203, the management server sends the user list to the electronic program navigation server.

And after the management server generates a user list according to the N pieces of user information, sending the user list to the electronic program navigation server.

It should be noted that the management server may periodically collect the user information of the N users, where the period may be one month or one week, and the management server may collect the user information of the N users every month or every week, and after each collection is completed, generate a user list according to the N user information, and send the user list to the electronic program navigation server.

S204, the electronic program navigation server receives the user list sent by the management server.

After the management server sends the user list to the electronic program navigation server, the electronic program navigation server receives the user list sent by the management server.

S205, the set-top box sends a program information request to the electronic program navigation server.

The program information request includes a set-top box identification and a program identification. The program identifier may be a channel identifier that the user needs to watch, for example, a central viewing channel such as central 1, central 2 or central 3, and a local viewing channel such as eastern satellite viewing, Hunan satellite viewing, Beijing satellite viewing.

S206, the electronic program navigation server receives the program information request sent by the set-top box.

After the set-top box sends a program information request to the electronic program navigation server, the electronic program navigation server receives the program information request sent by the set-top box, and the program information request comprises a set-top box identifier and a program identifier.

And S207, the electronic program navigation server inquires a user list according to the set top box identifier.

And after receiving a program information request sent by the set-top box, the electronic program navigation server inquires a user list according to the set-top box identifier. The user list comprises M set-top box identifications, and the set-top box identification is any one of the M set-top box identifications contained in the user list.

S208, the electronic program guide server determines that the user list comprises the set top box identification. S209 is performed.

S209, the electronic program navigation server sends a program information response to the set top box.

The program information response comprises the multicast address of the program corresponding to the program identification and the unicast address of the program.

The streaming media transmission technology mainly has three modes: point-to-point (Unicast), Multicast (Multicast), and Broadcast (Broadcast). The point-to-point mode is characterized in that: the streaming media server side application for transmitting the streaming media and the client side application for receiving the streaming media are in one-to-one correspondence. In the multicast mode, the streaming media server application transmitting the streaming media and the client application receiving the streaming media are in a one-to-many relationship, and the one-to-many relationship can only be established in the same group, that is, all the client applications belonging to a certain group can receive the streaming media transmitted by the streaming media server application, and the client applications not belonging to the group cannot receive the streaming media. In the broadcast mode, the streaming media server application transmitting the streaming media and the client application receiving the streaming media are also in a one-to-many relationship, but the one-to-many relationship is not limited to a group like the multicast mode, and all the client applications in the same network segment can receive the streaming media transmitted by the streaming media server application.

In addition, if the electronic program guide server determines that the user list does not include the set-top box identifier, the program information response sent by the electronic program guide server to the set-top box only includes the multicast address of the program corresponding to the program identifier.

S210, the set top box receives a program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server.

After the electronic program navigation server sends a program information response to the set-top box, the set-top box receives the program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server, and the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program.

S211, the set-top box requests the multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program.

After the set-top box receives the program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server, the set-top box requests to join the multicast group, and then requests the multicast stream of the program from the multicast server according to the multicast address of the program.

S212, the set-top box does not receive the multicast stream of the program within the preset time length, and the failure of the multicast service request is determined.

After the set-top box requests the multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program, the multicast stream of the program is not received within a preset time length, and the failure of the multicast service request is determined. The preset time period may be 1 second to 30 seconds. In order not to affect the user experience, the preset time period may be set to be between 3 seconds and 10 seconds.

S213, the set top box sends a first unicast service request to the scheduling server.

And the set top box does not receive the multicast stream of the program within the preset time length, and applies for the unicast stream of the program according to the unicast address of the program after determining that the multicast service request fails. The first unicast service request includes an address of the scheduling server and a unicast address of the program.

S214, the scheduling server receives the first unicast service request sent by the set top box.

After the set top box sends the first unicast service request to the scheduling server, the scheduling server receives the first unicast service request sent by the set top box.

S215, the scheduling server judges the unicast stream of the program which is allowed to be requested by the set top box according to the network state. S216 is executed.

And after receiving the first unicast service request sent by the set top box, the scheduling server judges whether to allow the set top box to request the unicast stream of the program according to the network state. The network state comprises the number of current unicast users and the resource consumption condition of the user access network.

S216, the dispatching server sends a service redirection message to the set top box.

The service redirection message includes a unicast server address of the unicast stream of the set top box request program.

S217, the set-top box receives the service redirection message sent by the scheduling server.

And after the dispatching server sends the service redirection message to the set-top box, the set-top box receives the service redirection message sent by the dispatching server.

S218, the set top box sends a second unicast service request to the unicast server.

The second unicast service request includes a unicast server address and a unicast address of the program.

And S219, the unicast server receives a second unicast service request sent by the set top box.

S220, the unicast server sends the unicast stream of the program to the set top box.

After the set-top box receives the unicast stream of the program sent by the unicast server, the terminal (television) displays the program, and the user can watch the program.

After the management server sends the user list to the electronic program navigation server, that is, after S203, in order to further control the number of users simultaneously applying for converting multicast to unicast, and reduce the network load, the authority of the set top box for requesting unicast service may also be set. As shown in fig. 3, the following steps may be further included:

s221, the management server sends configuration information to the set top box corresponding to each set top box identifier in the M set top box identifiers.

The configuration information is used to indicate that the set top box is allowed to request unicast services.

S222, the set top box receives the configuration information sent by the management server.

S223 needs to be performed before the set top box sends the second unicast service request to the unicast server S218.

S223, the set top box determines to allow the set top box to request unicast service according to the configuration information.

The configuration information is used to indicate that the set top box is allowed to request unicast services. The configuration information may be a flag bit, when the flag bit is 1, the set-top box allows the set-top box to request the unicast service, and when the flag bit is 0, the set-top box does not allow the set-top box to request the unicast service.

In addition, if the scheduling server judges that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program according to the network state. S224 and S225 are performed.

S224, the dispatching server sends a service rejection message to the set-top box.

The service reject message is used to indicate that the set top box is not allowed to request a unicast stream of the program.

S225, the set top box receives the service rejection message sent by the scheduling server.

According to the method for switching the IPTV multicast to the unicast, the management server collects and analyzes the user information of N users to generate the user list, the user list is configured to the electronic program navigation server, and the electronic program navigation server only provides the multicast address of the program and the unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, so that the problems that a large number of users simultaneously apply for switching the multicast to the unicast, the network load is increased instantly, and even the system is crashed are effectively solved.

The above-mentioned scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application is introduced mainly from the perspective of interaction between network elements. It is understood that each network element, such as the management server, the electronic program guide server, the set-top box and the scheduling server, includes corresponding hardware structures and/or software modules for performing each function in order to realize the functions. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present application is capable of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software implementing the various illustrative algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether a function is performed as hardware or computer software drives hardware depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

In the embodiment of the present application, the management server, the electronic program navigation server, the set top box, and the scheduling server may be divided into the functional modules according to the above method examples, for example, each functional module may be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be realized in a hardware mode, and can also be realized in a software functional module mode. It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the division of the module is schematic, and is only one logic function division, and there may be another division manner in actual implementation.

In the case of dividing each function module by corresponding functions, fig. 4 shows a possible composition diagram of the management server mentioned above and in the embodiments, as shown in fig. 4, the management server may include: a processing unit 41 and a transmitting unit 42.

Wherein, the processing unit 41 is configured to support the management server to execute S201 and S202 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S201 and S202 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A sending unit 42, configured to support the management server to execute S203 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S203 and S221 in the method shown in fig. 3.

It should be noted that all relevant contents of each step related to the above method embodiment may be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and are not described herein again.

The management server provided by the embodiment of the application is used for executing the method, so that the same effect as the method can be achieved.

In the case of dividing the function modules according to the respective functions, fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a possible composition of the electronic program guide server mentioned above and in the embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the electronic program guide server may include: a receiving unit 51, a processing unit 52 and a transmitting unit 53.

Wherein, the receiving unit 51 is used for supporting the electronic program guide server to execute S204 and S206 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S204 and S206 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A processing unit 52 for supporting the electronic program guide server to execute S207 and S208 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S207 and S208 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A sending unit 53, configured to support the electronic program guide server to execute S209 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S209 in the method shown in fig. 3.

The electronic program navigation server provided by the embodiment of the application is used for executing the method, so that the same effect as the method can be achieved.

In the case of dividing the functional modules according to the respective functions, fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a possible composition of the set-top box according to the foregoing embodiments, as shown in fig. 6, the set-top box may include: a transmitting unit 61, a processing unit 62 and a receiving unit 63.

Wherein, the sending unit 61 is configured to support the set-top box to execute S205, S213, and S218 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S205, S213, and S218 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A processing unit 62, configured to support the set-top box to execute S211 and S212 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S211, S212, and S223 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A receiving unit 63, configured to support the set top box to perform S210 and S217 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S210, S217, S222, and S225 in the method shown in fig. 3.

The set top box provided by the embodiment of the application is used for executing the method, so that the same effect as the method can be achieved.

In the case of dividing the function modules according to the respective functions, fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a possible composition of the scheduling server mentioned above and in the embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the scheduling server may include: a receiving unit 71, a processing unit 72 and a transmitting unit 73.

Wherein, the receiving unit 71 is configured to support the scheduling server to execute S214 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S214 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A processing unit 72, configured to support the scheduling server to execute S215 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S215 in the method shown in fig. 3.

A sending unit 73, configured to support the scheduling server to execute S216 in the method shown in fig. 2, and S216 and S224 in the method shown in fig. 3.

The scheduling server provided by the embodiment of the application is used for executing the method, so that the same effect as the method can be achieved.

Fig. 8 is a schematic composition diagram of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and as shown in fig. 8, the computer device may include at least one processor 81, a memory 82, a communication interface 83, and a communication bus 84.

The following describes the components of the computer device in detail with reference to fig. 8:

the processor 81 is a control center of a computer device, and may be a single processor or a collective term for a plurality of processing elements. In particular implementations, processor 81 may include, as one example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or multiple CPUs such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in fig. 8. Processor 81 may also be an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or one or more Integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present Application, such as: one or more microprocessors (DSPs), or one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).

Taking the processor 81 as one or more CPUs as an example, the processor 81 can execute various functions of the computer device by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 82 and calling data stored in the memory 82.

In particular implementations, a computer device may include multiple processors, such as processor 81 and processor 85 shown in FIG. 8, for example, as an embodiment. Each of these processors may be a single-Core Processor (CPU) or a multi-Core Processor (CPU). A processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

In an implementation manner of the embodiment of the present application, the computer device may be a management server, and the processor 81 is mainly configured to collect user information of N users and generate a user list according to the N user information.

In another implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the computer device may be an electronic program guide server, and the processor 81 is mainly configured to query the user list according to the set top box identifier, and determine that the user list includes the set top box identifier.

In another implementation manner of the embodiment of the present application, the computer device may be a set top box, and the processor 81 is mainly configured to request a multicast stream of a program according to a multicast address of the program, and determine that a multicast service request fails without receiving the multicast stream of the program within a preset time length.

In another implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the computer device may be a scheduling server, and the processor 81 is mainly configured to determine, according to a network status, a unicast stream allowing the set top box to request the program.

The management server, the electronic program navigation server, the set top box and the scheduling server provided by the embodiment of the application are used for executing the method, so that the same effect as the method can be achieved.

The Memory 82 may be a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a Random Access Memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical Disc storage, optical Disc storage (including Compact Disc, laser Disc, optical Disc, digital versatile Disc, blu-ray Disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to such. The memory 82 may be self-contained and coupled to the processor 81 via a communication bus 84. The memory 82 may also be integrated with the processor 81.

The memory 82 is used for storing software programs for executing the scheme of the application, and is controlled by the processor 81 to execute the software programs.

The communication interface 83 is any device such as a transceiver for communicating with other devices or communication Networks, such as ethernet, Radio Access Network (RAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), and the like. The communication interface 83 may include a receiving unit implementing a receiving function and a transmitting unit implementing a transmitting function.

The communication bus 84 may be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended ISA (enhanced Industry Standard Architecture) bus, or the like. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is shown in FIG. 8, but this is not intended to represent only one bus or type of bus.

The device architecture shown in fig. 8 does not constitute a limitation of computer devices and may include more or fewer components than shown, or some components may be combined, or a different arrangement of components.

In the case of integrated units, fig. 9 shows another possible schematic composition of the management server involved in the above-described embodiment. As shown in fig. 9, the management server includes: a processing module 91 and a communication module 92.

The processing module 91 is used for controlling and managing the actions of the management server, for example, the processing module 91 is used for supporting the management server to execute S201 and S202 in fig. 2, S201 and S202 in fig. 3, and/or other processes for the technology described herein. The communication module 92 is used to support communication between the management server and other network entities, such as the functional modules or network entities shown in fig. 1. The management server may also include a storage module 93 for storing program codes and data for the server.

The processing module 91 may be a processor or a controller. Which may implement or perform the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. A processor may also be a combination of computing functions, e.g., comprising one or more microprocessors, a DSP and a microprocessor, or the like. The communication module 92 may be a transceiver, a transceiving circuit or a communication interface, etc. The storage module 93 may be a memory.

When the processing module 91 is a processor, the communication module 92 is a communication interface, and the storage module 93 is a memory, the management server according to the embodiment of the present application may be a computer device shown in fig. 8.

In the case of an integrated unit, fig. 10 shows another possible composition diagram of the electronic program guide server involved in the above-described embodiment. As shown in fig. 10, the electronic program guide server includes: a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002.

The processing module 1001 is used for controlling and managing the actions of the electronic program guide server, for example, the processing module 1001 is used for supporting the management server to execute S207 and S208 in fig. 2, S207 and S208 in fig. 3, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. The communication module 1002 is used to support communication between the electronic program guide server and other network entities, such as the functional modules or network entities shown in fig. 1. The electronic program guide server may also include a storage module 1003 for storing program codes and data for the server.

The processing module 1001 may be a processor or a controller. Which may implement or perform the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. A processor may also be a combination of computing functions, e.g., comprising one or more microprocessors, a DSP and a microprocessor, or the like. The communication module 1002 may be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit or a communication interface, etc. The storage module 1003 may be a memory.

When the processing module 1001 is a processor, the communication module 1002 is a communication interface, and the storage module 1003 is a memory, the electronic program navigation server according to the embodiment of the present application may be a computer device shown in fig. 8.

In the case of an integrated unit, fig. 11 shows another possible schematic composition of the set-top box referred to in the above embodiments. As shown in fig. 11, the set-top box includes: a processing module 1101 and a communication module 1102.

The processing module 1101 is used for controlling and managing the actions of the set-top box, for example, the processing module 1101 is used for supporting the tube server to execute S211 and S212 in fig. 2, S211, S212 and S223 in fig. 3, and/or other processes for the technology described herein. The communication module 1102 is used to support communication between the set top box and other network entities, such as the functional modules or network entities shown in fig. 1. The set-top box may also include a storage module 1103 for storing program codes and data for the server.

The processing module 1101 may be a processor or a controller. Which may implement or perform the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. A processor may also be a combination of computing functions, e.g., comprising one or more microprocessors, a DSP and a microprocessor, or the like. The communication module 1102 may be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit or a communication interface, etc. The storage module 1103 may be a memory.

When the processing module 1101 is a processor, the communication module 1102 is a communication interface, and the storage module 1103 is a memory, the set top box according to the embodiment of the present application may be a computer device shown in fig. 8.

In case of an integrated unit, fig. 12 shows another possible composition diagram of the scheduling server involved in the above embodiment. As shown in fig. 12, the scheduling server includes: a processing module 1201 and a communication module 1202.

Processing module 1201 is configured to control and manage the actions of the dispatch server, e.g., processing module 1201 is configured to support the management server to perform S215 of fig. 2, S215 of fig. 3, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. The communication module 1202 is used to support communication between the scheduling server and other network entities, such as the functional modules or network entities shown in fig. 1. The scheduling server may also include a storage module 1203 for storing program code and data for the server.

The processing module 1201 may be a processor or a controller. Which may implement or perform the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. A processor may also be a combination of computing functions, e.g., comprising one or more microprocessors, a DSP and a microprocessor, or the like. The communication module 1202 may be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit or a communication interface, etc. The storage module 1203 may be a memory.

When the processing module 1201 is a processor, the communication module 1202 is a communication interface, and the storage module 1203 is a memory, the scheduling server according to the embodiment of the present application may be a computer device shown in fig. 8.

Through the above description of the embodiments, it is clear to those skilled in the art that, for convenience and simplicity of description, the foregoing division of the functional modules is merely used as an example, and in practical applications, the above function distribution may be completed by different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device may be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the above described functions.

In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, and for example, the division of the modules or units is only one logical functional division, and there may be other divisions when actually implemented, for example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or may be integrated into another device, or some features may be omitted, or not executed. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and may be in an electrical, mechanical or other form.

The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts displayed as units may be one physical unit or a plurality of physical units, that is, may be located in one place, or may be distributed in a plurality of different places. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of the embodiment.

In addition, functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in a form of hardware, and can also be realized in a form of a software functional unit.

The integrated unit, if implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application may be essentially or partially contributed to by the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions may be embodied in the form of a software product, where the software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a device (which may be a single chip, a chip, or the like) or a processor (processor) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: various media capable of storing program codes, such as a usb disk, a removable hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

The above description is only an embodiment of the present application, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any changes or substitutions within the technical scope of the present disclosure should be covered by the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for switching IPTV multicast to unicast is applied to a management server, and the method comprises the following steps:

collecting user information of N users, wherein the user information comprises at least one of a set top box identifier, a user account, a user service account, a set top box multicast failure rate, a user home equipment model, a user priority and user networking information, and N represents the number of users for opening an interactive network television IPTV;

screening and generating a user list according to the N pieces of user information, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N;

sending the user list to an electronic program navigation server;

and sending configuration information to the set top box corresponding to each set top box identifier in the M set top box identifiers, wherein the configuration information is used for indicating that the set top box is allowed to request unicast service.

2. A method for switching IPTV multicast to unicast is characterized in that the method is applied to an electronic program navigation server, and comprises the following steps:

receiving a user list sent by a management server, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications;

receiving a program information request sent by a set top box, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier,

inquiring the user list according to the set top box identifier;

determining that the user list includes the set top box identification;

sending a program information response to the set top box, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program;

the management server collects user information of N users, wherein N represents the number of users for opening the IPTV; the user list comprises M set top box identifications, wherein M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; receiving the user list configured by the management server.

3. A method for switching IPTV multicast to unicast is characterized in that the method is applied to a set top box and comprises the following steps:

sending a program information request to an electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier;

receiving a program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information response comprises a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program;

requesting a multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program;

receiving no multicast stream of the program within a preset time length, and determining that the multicast service request fails;

sending a first unicast service request to a scheduling server, wherein the first unicast service request comprises an address of the scheduling server and a unicast address of the program;

receiving a service redirection message sent by the scheduling server, wherein the service redirection message comprises a unicast server address of a unicast stream of the program requested by the set top box;

sending a second unicast service request to the unicast server, wherein the second unicast service request comprises the unicast server address and the unicast address of the program;

before sending a program information request to an electronic program navigation server, a management server collects user information of N users, wherein N represents the number of the users for opening an interactive network television IPTV; screening and generating a user list according to the N user information, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; the management server configures the user list to the electronic program navigation server;

after the program information request is sent to the electronic program navigation server, the electronic program navigation server queries the user list according to a set top box identifier included in the program information request, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides a multicast address of the program and a unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, and the set top box requests a multicast stream of the program from the multicast server according to the multicast address of the program or requests a unicast stream of the program from the unicast server according to the unicast address of the program.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein prior to said sending the first unicast traffic request to the scheduling server, the method further comprises:

determining that the set top box is allowed to request the unicast service according to configuration information, wherein the configuration information is used for indicating that the set top box is allowed to request the unicast service;

the configuration information is sent by the management server to a set top box corresponding to each set top box identifier in the M set top box identifiers, and the configuration information is used for indicating that the set top box is allowed to request unicast service.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein before the determining from the configuration information that the set top box is allowed to request unicast service, the method further comprises:

and receiving the configuration information sent by the management server.

6. The method according to any of claims 3-5, wherein if the scheduling server determines that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program according to the network status, the method further comprises:

and receiving a service rejection message sent by the scheduling server, wherein the service rejection message is used for indicating that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program.

7. A method for switching IPTV multicast to unicast is applied to a scheduling server, and comprises the following steps:

receiving a first unicast service request sent by a set top box, wherein the first unicast service request comprises an address of the scheduling server and a unicast address of a program;

determining a unicast stream allowing the set top box to request the program according to a network state, wherein the network state comprises the number of current unicast users and the resource consumption condition of a user access network;

sending a service redirection message to the set top box, wherein the service redirection message comprises a unicast server address of a unicast stream of the program requested by the set top box;

before receiving a first unicast service request sent by a set top box, a management server collects user information of N users, wherein N represents the number of the users for opening an interactive network television IPTV; screening and generating a user list according to the N user information, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; the management server configures the user list to an electronic program navigation server;

after the electronic program navigation server receives a program information request sent by a set top box, the electronic program navigation server inquires a user list according to a set top box identifier included in the program information request, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides a multicast address of a program and a unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, and the set top box requests a multicast stream of the program from the multicast server according to the multicast address of the program or requests a unicast stream of the program from the unicast server according to the unicast address of the program.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein after determining whether to allow the set top box to request unicast service of the program according to the network status, the method further comprises:

the judgment result is that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program;

and sending a service rejection message to the set top box, wherein the service rejection message is used for indicating that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program.

9. A management server, comprising:

the system comprises a processing unit, a network processing unit and a network management unit, wherein the processing unit is used for collecting user information of N users, the user information comprises at least one of set top box identification, user account numbers, user service account numbers, set top box multicast failure rate, user home equipment models, user priority and user networking information, and N represents the number of users for opening the IPTV;

the processing unit is further configured to filter and generate a user list according to the N user information, where the user list includes M set top box identifiers, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N;

a sending unit, configured to send the user list to an electronic program navigation server;

the sending unit is further configured to send configuration information to a set top box corresponding to each set top box identifier in the M set top box identifiers, where the configuration information is used to indicate that the set top box is allowed to request a unicast service.

10. An electronic program guide server, comprising:

the system comprises a receiving unit, a processing unit and a processing unit, wherein the receiving unit is used for receiving a user list sent by a management server, and the user list comprises M set top box identifications;

the receiving unit is further configured to receive a program information request sent by the set top box, where the program information request includes a set top box identifier and a program identifier;

the processing unit is used for inquiring the user list according to the set top box identifier;

the processing unit is further configured to determine that the user list includes the set top box identifier;

a sending unit, configured to send a program information response to the set top box, where the program information response includes a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program;

the management server collects user information of N users, wherein N represents the number of users for opening the IPTV; the user list comprises M set top box identifications, wherein M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; the management server configures a user list to the electronic program guide server.

11. A set top box, comprising:

the sending unit is used for sending a program information request to the electronic program navigation server, wherein the program information request comprises a set top box identifier and a program identifier;

a receiving unit, configured to receive a program information response sent by the electronic program navigation server, where the program information response includes a multicast address of a program corresponding to the program identifier and a unicast address of the program;

the processing unit is also used for requesting the multicast stream of the program according to the multicast address of the program;

the processing unit is used for not receiving the multicast stream of the program within a preset time length and determining that the multicast service request fails;

the sending unit is further configured to send a first unicast service request to a scheduling server, where the first unicast service request includes an address of the scheduling server and a unicast address of the program;

the receiving unit is further configured to receive a service redirection message sent by the scheduling server, where the service redirection message includes a unicast server address of a unicast stream of the program requested by the set top box;

the sending unit is further configured to send a second unicast service request to the unicast server, where the second unicast service request includes the unicast server address and the unicast address of the program;

the management server collects user information of N users, wherein N represents the number of the users for opening the IPTV; screening and generating a user list according to the N user information, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; the management server configures the user list to the electronic program navigation server;

after receiving a program request sent by a set top box, an electronic program navigation server queries a user list according to a set top box identifier included in the program information request, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides a multicast address of the program and a unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, and the set top box requests a multicast stream of the program from a multicast server according to the multicast address of the program or requests a unicast stream of the program from the unicast server according to the unicast address of the program.

12. The set top box of claim 11,

the processing unit is further configured to determine, according to configuration information, that the set top box is allowed to request a unicast service, where the configuration information is used to indicate that the set top box is allowed to request a unicast service;

13. The set top box of claim 12,

the receiving unit is further configured to receive the configuration information sent by the management server.

14. A set-top box according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, after the scheduling server determines, based on the network status, that the set-top box is not allowed to request a unicast stream of the program,

the receiving unit is further configured to receive a service rejection message sent by the scheduling server, where the service rejection message is used to indicate that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program.

15. A dispatch server, comprising:

a receiving unit, configured to receive a first unicast service request sent by a set top box, where the first unicast service request includes an address of the scheduling server and a unicast address of a program;

the processing unit is used for determining a unicast stream allowing the set top box to request the program according to a network state, wherein the network state comprises the number of current unicast users, the resource consumption condition of a user access network, the number of current unicast users and the resource consumption condition of the user access network;

a sending unit, configured to send a service redirection message to the set top box, where the service redirection message includes a unicast server address of a unicast stream of the program requested by the set top box;

the management server collects user information of N users, wherein N represents the number of the users for opening the IPTV; screening and generating a user list according to the N user information, wherein the user list comprises M set top box identifications, and M is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N; configuring a user list to an electronic program guide server;

after receiving a program information request sent by a set top box, an electronic program navigation server queries the user list according to a set top box identifier included in the program information request, so that the electronic program navigation server only provides a multicast address of a program and a unicast address of the program for the set top box corresponding to the set top box identifier included in the user list, and the set top box requests a multicast stream of the program from the multicast server according to the multicast address of the program or requests a unicast stream of the program from the unicast server according to the unicast address of the program.

16. The scheduling server of claim 15 wherein,

the processing unit is further configured to determine that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program;

the sending unit is further configured to send a service rejection message to the set top box, where the service rejection message is used to indicate that the set top box is not allowed to request the unicast stream of the program.

17. A management server comprising a processor and a memory, the memory for storing instructions, the processor for executing the instructions to cause the management server to perform the method of any of claims 1-2.

18. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed on a management server, cause the management server to perform the method of claim 1.

19. A management server, wherein the management server is a product comprising a chip, and the chip structure of the management server comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is coupled to the processor and is used for storing program instructions and data of the management server, and the processor is used for executing the program instructions stored in the memory, so that the management server executes the method of claim 1.

20. An electronic program guide server comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions, the processor being configured to execute the instructions to cause the electronic program guide server to perform the method of claim 2.

21. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on an electronic program guide server, cause the electronic program guide server to perform the method of claim 2.

22. An electronic program guide server, wherein the electronic program guide server is a product in a form of a chip, and the electronic program guide server comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to store program instructions and data of the electronic program guide server, and the processor is configured to execute the program instructions stored in the memory, so that the electronic program guide server performs the method according to claim 2.

23. A set-top box comprising a processor and a memory, the memory for storing instructions, the processor for executing the instructions to cause the set-top box to perform the method of any of claims 3-6.

24. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed on a set-top box, cause the set-top box to perform the method of any one of claims 3-6.

25. A dispatch server, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory to store instructions, the processor to execute the instructions to cause the dispatch server to perform the method of any of claims 7-8.