Multimedia Distribution Networks and the Aeetes Project

Abstract

This thesis provides an introduction to the field of Multimedia Distribution Networks (MDN) and is written as the first part the Aeetes Project. It compares potential MDN architectures and technologies, and makes a proposal for a suitable IMDN architecture based on it. The thesis defines the concepts of MDN and IMDN, and describes the current state of the art of MDN technologies and implementations. An Internet-based Multimedia Distribution Network (IMDN) is a type of overlay network, comprised of a cluster of servers on the Internet which is used to distribute multimedia content to end-users in a cost-efficient manner with better quality of service compared to regular distribution models. It also makes a comparison of the technology and performance of various existing MDN architectures with focus on their advantages and limitations. Based on this comparison the possible architectures are evaluated and a proposal is made for an Aeetes implementation candidate. The suggested architecture is focused on low cost and simple deployment, and is designed to be used in both academic and commercial settings. It also attempts to be extensible and to allow for simple modifications as it might become the base system upon which a range of further work in the field of Multimedia Distribution Networks is built.