A Point-to-Multipoint Distribution Mechanism for IPTV Video Network

IPTV video streams have the characteristics of long-lived connection, high bandwidth consumption and delay sensitive. In this paper, we propose a novel point-to-multipoint distribution mechanism for IPTV video network, and it´s especially suitable for the edge network which is between access network and end users. A new transport protocol -- Labelcast, is designed and implemented. Label is used to forward packets and the special video transmission path is built based on label switched. Label cast can provide abundant transmission information, support video quality monitoring, failure detection, flow control, routing optimization and so on. We develop Label cast protocol prototype and implement it. The experimental results demonstrate that, Label cast can choose and adjust to the appropriate path according to the results of video quality monitoring, and it achieves better QoE for users remarkably.