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Computer Networks Assignment 1

The document discusses the benefits of adopting Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) including widespread compatibility, network optimization, scalability, cost reduction, improved user experience, flexibility, progressive enhancement, secure content delivery, ease of integration, and offline playback. It also outlines two main server placement philosophies used by Content Distribution Networks (CDNs): 'Enter Deep' which focuses on reducing latency by deploying servers closer to end users, and 'Bring Home' which involves placing clusters at Internet Exchange Points for easier management but with higher latency. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages regarding user experience and operational costs.

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mohib khan
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7 views4 pages

Computer Networks Assignment 1

The document discusses the benefits of adopting Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) including widespread compatibility, network optimization, scalability, cost reduction, improved user experience, flexibility, progressive enhancement, secure content delivery, ease of integration, and offline playback. It also outlines two main server placement philosophies used by Content Distribution Networks (CDNs): 'Enter Deep' which focuses on reducing latency by deploying servers closer to end users, and 'Bring Home' which involves placing clusters at Internet Exchange Points for easier management but with higher latency. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages regarding user experience and operational costs.

Uploaded by

mohib khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Question#1.

(CLO-02, C2) Describe the following benefits


of adopting HTTP for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over
HTTP (DASH) at the application layer?
(a) How does widespread support and compatibility benefit DASH over HTTP?
Answer:
DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming Over Http) leverages HTTP Video:
protocol to transfer video content across the internet. DASH is A sequence of
images typically
supported on a wide range of devices and platforms such as
displayed at a
mobile devices, TV’s and is also universally supported by all
constant rate. Usually
browsers. This widespread support and compatibility ensures that 24 or 30 images/sec
the content can reach a larger audience without requiring special
plugins or software.

(b) How does DASH over HTTP optimize network usage?


Answer:
In DASH, the video is encoded into different versions with each version having a
different quality and bit rate. When the client bandwidth is high, the client selects a
higher bit version and when its low the client selects the lower bit version. This
adaptive and dynamic behavior of DASH helps in optimizing network usage and
delivering a smooth experience to the client.

(c) Why is DASH over HTTP considered scalable?


Answer: CDN:
Stores and serves
DASH offers excellent scalability. This is due to the usage of CDNs multiple copies of
(Content Distribution Networks). CDN stores copies of the same videos at multiple
content at CDN Nodes. A user can request content from CDN, then geographically
the user is directed to a nearby copy. A different copy may be distributed locations
chosen if network traffic is high.

(d) How does adopting HTTP for DASH reduce costs?


Answer:
Implementing DASH can be cost effective for providers because it is based on HTTP.
This means that it can work with existing web infrastructure without needing special
dedicated servers or equipment. DASH is also cost effective from the user point of
view, this is because DASH can give different quality videos based on different
bandwidths. So, a full time available, high quality net isn’t necessary for streaming
with DASH.

(e) How does DASH over HTTP improve the user experience?
Answer:
DASH massively improves user experience because it allows clients with different
internet access rates to stream videos at different encoding rates. Clients with low
speed such as 3G connections receive low bit-rate versions whereas clients with
fiber connections receive high bit-rate versions. Clients request video content in
small “chunks” of data.

(f) What is the advantage of DASH being interoperable and flexible?


Answer:
DASH is flexible because it allows the same video at different qualities and bit rates.
This helps clients in selecting the best possible quality suiting their needs. This
flexibility allows users using different devices/platforms to access the same video
content.

(g) How does progressive enhancement work in DASH over HTTP?


Answer:
Progress enhancement in DASH allows users to start viewing a
video in low quality, while the higher quality version loads. As
network conditions improve, the quality can be progressively
upgraded without interrupting playback.

(h) How does HTTP-based DASH ensure secure content delivery?


Answer:
DASH can implement various security measures, including encryption techniques
and secure token authentication, to ensure only authorized users can access the
content. This level of security helps protect intellectual property and sensitive
content.

(i) Why is DASH over HTTP easy to integrate into web applications?
Answer:
DASH uses standard HTTP protocols. It can be easily incorporated into existing web
applications without the need for massive changes. This makes DASH an easy
choice for providers and developers alike.

(j) Can DASH over HTTP support offline playback?


Answer:
Yes, DASH supports offline playback by allowing users to download segments of
video content for later viewing. This feature can be implemented using HTML5 APIs.

Question#2. (CLO-02, C2) What are the two main server


placement philosophies typically applied by Content
Distribution Networks (CDNs)? Briefly describe each
Answer:
CDN adopt one of the two different server placement philosophies:
Enter Deep:
It means to “enter deep” into the access networks of Internet Service Providers (ISP)
by deploying server clusters in access ISPs all over the world. The goal is to get
closer to end user, to improve user-end delay and throughput by decreasing the
number of links and routers between the and user and CDN server.
Advantages:
1. Reduces latency and improves throughput, preferred for real-time, high speed
content.
2. Enhances User Experience by delivering content from servers located near
end-users.
Disadvantages:
1. Requires many servers to accommodate everyone.
2. Maintenance and development cost is high.
Internet Exchange
Points:
An Internet exchange
point (IXP) is a physical
location through which
Internet infrastructure
companies such as Internet
Bring Home: In this approach, large clusters are built at a smaller number of sites
instead of getting inside the access networks. These CDNs typically place their
clusters in Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).
Advantages:
1. Easier to manage and maintain.
2. Still benefits from a relatively faster delivery
Disadvantages:
1. Higher latency compared to “enter deep”.
2. Can face congestion during peak times.

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