Re-evaluating Multicast Streaming Using Large-Scale Network Simulation

Internet-based media streaming services are replacing more traditional broadcast services, resulting in increased demand for network resources. Multicast techniques may be used to improve bandwidth utilisation by servicing one or more clients with each network stream. In this paper, we re-evaluate the performance of the existing multicast patching technique. In particular, we build on the original server-centric performance evaluation to examine the effect of patching on an entire network. We also propose a novel approach to the implementation of patching using standardised transport control (RTSP) and multicast control (MLD) protocols. Our results highlight how network distance from the origin server effects the improvements gained by using patching.