Moving Toward Zero Infrastructure Broadcasting

Abstract

Is it reasonable to expect that broadcasting operations can occur with no on-premise infrastructure? This paper explores the necessary hardware and software configurations, cloud-based models, and on-demand coordination of necessary resources. Examples of the technologies and methodologies that will be discussed include services, network service orchestration, control of workflow applications, virtualized infrastructure and software applications, and the physical infrastructure layer. What, indeed, are some of the issues that are influencing these shifts in broadcasting operations and infrastructure deployments? One must only consider the nature of how consumers are accessing content on multiple devices, via Wi-Fi, in-home, and out-of-home, to obtain an indication of how much more complex broadcasting “television” has become. These new consumption realities have created a situation in which broadcast facilities are ill-equipped to ingest, transform, and distribute the multitude of formats and deliverables required. Today, it is standard fare to produce 100 different format types for a primetime television show. As a result of these new demands, a new method of facility architecture must be undertaken. This paper highlights the usage of flexible media clusters, software-defined networking and network function virtualization, OpenStack, packet media networking solutions to replace serial digital interface, software-defined storage, and resource reservation layers to elastically and dynamically provide a highly scalable allIP-based broadcasting architecture.