A massively scalable persistent content distribution system
Jani Peltotalo, Sami Peltotalo, Alex Jantunen, Lassi Väätämöinen, Jarmo Harju, Rami Lehtonen, Rod Walsh · 2007
This paper proposes a novel form of peercasting system as an improved solution for IP-based mass media content delivery. Several approaches are discussed, some of which are already widely deployed, or undergoing such deployment, as homogeneous systems. In particular, IP multicast and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) overlay network techniques are described in isolation- as they form the bedrock of the new peercasting system proposal. This proposal aims to improve existing homogenous and heterogeneous systems for mass media distribution to very large user bases, with needs for timely and reliable delivery, and content persistence. Thus IP multicast has great advantages for delivery with controlled last-mile elements, both for mobile and fixed usage. However, persistence while the number of still-receiving users dwindle, and reliability at reasonable network cost, are better served by P2P techniques. The work primarily considers discrete media delivery, which is useful both alongside with streaming media and in standalone applications. The feasibility of such a combined multicast and P2P system is shown and the working prototype implementation of this proposal, Delco, is introduced.