Multi-path streaming: Optimization of load distribution

Under the current Internet infrastructure, quality of service (QoS) in the delivery of continuous media (CM) is still relatively poor and inconsistent. In this paper we consider providing QoS through the exploitation of multiple paths existing in the network. Previous work has illustrated the advantages of this approach. Here we extend this work by considering a more expressive model for characterizing the network path losses. In particular, we propose a variation on the Gilbert model wherein the loss characteristics of a path depend on an application’s transmission bandwidth. Using this model, we show the benefits of multi-path streaming over best single-path streaming, under optimal load distribution among the multiple paths. We use extensive simulation and measurements from a system prototype to quantify the performance benefits of our techniques.