Run-Time Optimization of Heterogeneous Media Access in a Multimedia Server

Discrete media (DM) data throughput is vital to systems that need to support the heterogeneity and variety of data found in interactive hypermedia and digital library applications. Therefore, a multimedia server's ability in delivering a high DM data throughput without degrading its CM data throughput deserves more attention. In this paper, we address this issue by optimizing the use of disk bandwidth spent on CM service at run-time and redirecting the saved bandwidth to service DM requests. Based on a new cost model of disk access incurred in CM service, we formulate strategies to control the size of each disk read at run time. These strategies improve the efficiency of each disk access and improve the DM data throughput of a multimedia server, without jeopardizing the CM throughput. Through experimental evaluations, the improvements achieved are demonstrated. Furthermore, efficient control of the allocation of disk bandwidth between DM and CM services over a wide range is also demonstrated.