Title :
A network interface unit to support continuous media
Author :
Blair, Gordon ; Campbell, Andrew ; Coulson, Geoff ; Garcia, Francisco ; Hutchison, David ; Scott, Andrew ; Shepherd, Doug
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Comput., Lancaster Univ., UK
fDate :
2/1/1993 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The combination of high-speed multiservice networks and multimedia workstations offers considerable potential for the development of distributed multimedia applications. A key problem is how to integrate continuous-media types such as audio and video into a distributed workstation environment. An experimental system architecture based on a specialized multimedia network interface that attempts to provide this integration is described. The design and implementation of this system are discussed in depth in terms of workstation enhancement and distributed system support. A new approach to the problem of media synchronization is introduced, and the importance of quality of service in the architecture is highlighted. Experiences encountered during this work are described, comparison with other approaches is made, and likely future developments in multimedia network interfacing are discussed
Keywords :
B-ISDN; computer networks; multimedia systems; network interfaces; workstations; ISDN; computer networks; continuous media; distributed multimedia applications; high-speed multiservice networks; media synchronization; multimedia workstations; network interface unit; quality of service; Application software; Computer aided instruction; Multimedia systems; Network interfaces; Protocols; Quality of service; System buses; Video sharing; Videoconference; Workstations;
Journal_Title :
Selected Areas in Communications, IEEE Journal on
