A rate adaptive algorithm for HTTP streaming

Recently, the traffic volume of HTTP streaming application is rapidly growing on the Internet. As an adaptive streaming technology, the most challenge of HTTP streaming technology is when and how to switch bitrates so that the user can get satisfactory experience. In this paper, we propose a novel Bitrates Adaptive HTTP Streaming (BAHS) algorithm. This algorithm uses application layer information, not needs to require information from transport layer, detecting network congestion and client buffer state to determine next media quality level. Simulation results show that the flexible BAHS algorithm can effectively combine real-time network state with client player buffer as well as control the frequency and total time of buffer overflow and underflow, prompting user experience.