On peer-to-peer media streaming

In this paper, we study a peer-to-peer media streaming system with the following characteristics: (1) its streaming capacity grows dynamically; (2) peers do not exhibit server-like behavior; (3) peers are heterogeneous in their bandwidth contribution; and (4) each streaming session may involve multiple supplying peers. Based on these characteristics, we investigate two problems: (1) how to assign media data to multiple supplying peers in one streaming session and (2) how to quickly amplify the system´s total streaming capacity. Our solution to the first problem is an optimal media data assignment algorithm OTS_p2p, which results in minimum buffering delay in the consequent streaming session. Our solution to the second problem is a distributed differentiated admission control protocol DAC_p2p. By differentiating between requesting peers with different outbound bandwidth, DAC_p2p achieves fast system capacity amplification; benefits all requesting peers in admission rate, waiting time, and buffering delay; and creates an incentive for peers to offer their truly available out-bound bandwidth.