B-DASH: broadcast-based dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP

Abstract

Multiple video players competing at a bottleneck link give rise to overlapping ON-OFF traffic patterns. These patterns may introduce the problem of overlapping oscillatory effects amongst players resulting in poor video quality, frequent flickering and video freezes. We propose a distributed heuristic hybrid-based approach called B-DASH to address this problem. B-DASH implements two mechanisms: 1) message exchange; 2) adaptation. During message exchange, a broadcast mechanism is used to send information to neighbouring players. Based on the information present in this exchange, players can adapt to different network conditions. In this adaptation approach, B-DASH players with the higher estimated bandwidth are forced to reduce their bitrate request, while players with the lowest estimated bandwidth increase their bitrate request. This action reduces the oscillatory effects of the ON-OFF traffic patterns. Adaptive video streaming players using the B-DASH approach are compared to other players using conventional, PANDA and ELASTIC approaches. Experimental evaluation of B-DASH indicates good quality of experience (QoE) characteristics for players. Possible trade-offs for players using the B-DASH approach is investigated under various network conditions. The results show improvements of up to 5% bandwidth utilisation, 79% fairness, 27% re-buffering ratios, 57% stability and 9% quality.