A Novel Play-out Algorithm for HTTP Adaptive Streaming

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hybrid play-out algorithm for HTTP adaptive streaming that combines bandwidth estimation and buffer control, improving streaming smoothness over traditional methods in various network conditions.

Contribution

The paper presents a new hybrid algorithm for HTTP adaptive streaming that outperforms existing bandwidth-only or buffer-only strategies in most scenarios.

Findings

Hybrid algorithm achieves smoother streaming with fewer bit-rate switches.

Performance varies with network conditions, sometimes reducing throughput efficiency.

Evaluated in Wi-Fi and HSPA network environments.

Abstract

In the paper, we proposed a novel algorithm dedicated to adaptive video streaming based on HTTP. The algorithm employs a hybrid play-out strategy which combines two popular approaches: an estimation of network bandwidth and a control of a player buffer. The proposed algorithm was implemented in two versions which differ in the method of handling fluctuations of network throughput. The proposed hybrid algorithm was evaluated against solutions which base their play-out strategy purely on bandwidth or buffer level assessment. The comparison was performed in an environment which emulated two systems: a Wi-Fi network with a single immobile node and HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network with a mobile node. The evaluation shows that the hybrid approach in most cases achieves better results compared to its competitors, being able to stream the video more smoothly without unnecessary bit-rate switches. However, in certain network conditions, this score is traded for a worse throughput utilisation compared to other play-out strategies.