A Global Perspective on the Past, Present, and Future of Video Streaming over Starlink

TL;DR

This paper provides a comprehensive global analysis of video streaming over Starlink's LEO satellite network, highlighting performance, challenges, and potential improvements for adaptive streaming algorithms in dynamic satellite environments.

Contribution

It is the first to analyze video streaming quality over LEO satellite networks at a global scale and proposes algorithmic adaptations to enhance user experience.

Findings

Starlink offers comparable video quality to traditional networks.

LEO network variability causes more bitrate switches and buffering.

Algorithm modifications improve streaming stability in satellite networks.

Abstract

This study presents the first global analysis of on-demand video streaming over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, using data from over one million households across 85 countries. We highlight Starlink's role as a major LEO provider, enhancing connectivity in underserved regions. Our findings reveal that while overall video quality on Starlink matches that of traditional networks, the inherent variability in LEO conditions -- such as throughput fluctuations and packet loss -- leads to an increase in bitrate switches and rebuffers. To further improve the quality of experience for the LEO community, we manipulate existing congestion control and adaptive bitrate streaming algorithms using simulation and real A/B tests deployed on over one million households. Our results underscore the need for video streaming and congestion control algorithms to adapt to rapidly evolving network landscapes, ensuring high-quality service across diverse and dynamic network types.