A hybrid client-assisted streaming architecture: Modeling and analysis

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) approaches have been proposed as complementary mechanisms for traditional client-server approaches used in content distribution networks (CDNs), especially for addressing scalability and flash crowd issues. However, pure P2P approaches for video streaming have a few limitations such as low quality assurance, high control traffic, and loose content protection. In this paper, we propose a hybrid architecture that takes advantages of both overlay CDNs and localized P2P approaches for ensuring service quality, improving system scalability, and lowering delivery costs. We analyze the performance of the proposed architecture through simple models and show its advantages compared with previous schemes. We are designing a prototype system in a practical setting and will conduct both simulation and experimental studies under this architecture.