Improvement of adaptive HTTP streaming using advanced real-time rate adaptation

Abstract

We propose a real-time rate-adaptation approach for adaptive Hypertext Transfer Protocol streaming. In this advanced real-time rate-adaptation (ARTRA) approach, we monitor the parameters at the client in real time, and select the most likely available bit representation for the next segment download. The algorithm dynamically triggers the rate evaluation and decides the rate switch according to metrics calculated using the segment download duration, measured throughput, and buffer data-level indication. The performance of the ARTRA is compared with those of throughput-based adaptation and segment-fetch time-based adaptation algorithms. An analysis of the experimental results shows that ARTRA enables clients to use the maximum available end-to-end network capacity and delivers the best user experience by reducing re-buffering events and bitrate level changes. ARTRA performs remarkably well under challenging network conditions and supports system stability and robustness.