Optimised network resource exploitation in interactive broadcasting environments via P2P constellations

This paper proposes the utilisation of peer-to-peer (P2P) concept in interactive broadcasting environments, as an enabling technology for optimised network resource exploitation. Building upon a regenerative DVB-T platform, it presents a decentralised architecture that exploits the broadcasting stream as part of the core/backbone network, providing interactive IP services to rural/urban citizens. Towards enhancing the scalability as well as the performance of the entire network, the paper studies the realisation of IP overlays by exploiting P2P technology, and proposes a prototype configuration for optimum resource exploitation and increased Service/Bandwidth gain both at the core and access segments. Performance evaluation experiments carried-out under real transmission/reception conditions with a number of real users verified the validity of the proposed architecture, besides outlining fields for future research.