Large scale content distribution protocols

Abstract

This paper introduces large scale content distribution protocols, which are capable of scaling to massive numbers of users and providing low delay end-to-end delivery. Delivery of files and static objects is described, with real-time content streaming being outside the scope of this paper. The focus is on solutions provided by the IETF Reliable Multicast Transport Working Group. More precisely, the paper explains FLUTE, ALC and the associated building blocks. Then it discusses how these components are used in the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) for 3G systems and in the IP Datacast (IPDC) service for Digital Video Broadcast for Handheld devices (DVB-H).