Efficient voD streaming for broadband access networks

Abstract

We propose an efficient Video Adaptive STreaming (VAST) Algorithm which can be used in FTTx broadband access networks. To serve video-on-demand (VoD) users, the algorithm uses a patching scheme to save on network bandwidth for video streaming, and increases the efficiency by adaptively changing the speed of patch streams and patching window based on time of the day and video popularity. To analyze the algorithm, we consider a 2.488-Gbps GPON network providing VoD service to 512 households. We use a daily video request model and a video popularity model to determine the adaptive streaming speed and dynamic patching window. Numerical results show that, when the available network bandwidth is reduced below the required level due to background traffic, the algorithm can considerably reduce the average user waiting time and the number of waiting requests. © 2008 IEEE.