How variable bitrate video formats can help P2P streaming boost its reliability and scale

Abstract

P2P streaming is attractive for content providers because it removes the main load of provider's servers. However, just like the conventional streaming, P2P streaming fails to scale. Additionally, P2P streaming suffers from low reliability because network and host performance vary drastically across peers. This paper extends the well-known substream P2P streaming method and proves that variable bitrate formats--the emerging topic in multimedia research can help solve both the scale and reliability problems. The paper analyzes and compares performance among several P2P methods in simulation but also presents a more formal model and optimization framework. The commercial value of this research is in the fact that the proposed P2P delivery model finally allows video content providers to run services globally without procuring local facilities in several countries. The paper also relates to application of the proposal in electronic commerce--distinct from commercial use--by discussing the relevant usecases.