Outburst: Efficient Overlay Content Distribution with Rateless Codes

The challenges of significant network dynamics and limited bandwidth capacities have to be considered when designing efficient algorithms for distributing large volumes of content in overlay networks. This paper presents Outburst, a novel approach for overlay content distribution based on rateless codes. In Outburst, we code content bitstreams with rateless codes at the source, and take advantage of the superior properties of rateless codes to provide resilience against network dynamics and node failures. We recode the bitstreams at each receiver node, so that the need for content reconciliation in parallel downloading is eliminated, and the delivery of redundant content is minimized. The effectiveness and efficiency of Outburst are demonstrated with simulations.