A massively scalable persistent content distribution system

This paper proposes a novel form of peercasting system as an improved solution for IP-based mass media content delivery. Proposal aims to improve existing homogenous and heterogeneous systems for mass media distribution to very large user bases, with needs for timely and reliable delivery, and content persistence. Thus IP multicast has great advantages for delivery with controlled last-mile elements, both for mobile and fixed usage. However, persistence while the number of still-receiving users dwindle, and reliability at reasonable network cost, are better served by Peer-to-Peer techniques. The work primarily considers discrete media delivery, which is useful both along side streaming media and in standalone applications. The feasibility of such a combined multicast and P2P system is shown and the initial prototype implementation of this proposal, Delco, is introduced.