Providing A Scalable, Interactive Video-On-Demand Service Using Multicast Communication
Author(s)
Almeroth, Kevin C.
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Abstract
Video-On-Demand (VOD) systems are typically designed around the
provision of a one-to-one connection between a customer and a video
server. Such a scheme is not scalable due to bandwidth and video
server resource limitations. On the other hand, it is attractive
because it can provide an on-demand system and a high degree of
interactivity. In this paper we propose the use of multicast
communication in a VOD system wherein multiple users may be served
simultaneously by a single video stream transmitted by the server.
A limited amount of synchronization of customer requests is needed to
further enhance the benefits of the multicast operation. Done properly
this should not detract from the on-demand nature of the system. We
consider how interactive features, giving the illusion of a one-to-one
service, can be added to such a system at the expense of added complexity
to system operation and set-top box hardware. The performance of our
proposed system is investigated through the use of a simulation.
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Date
1994
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246364 bytes
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Technical Report