Outburst: Efficient overlay content distribution with rateless codes

Abstract

The challenges of significant network dynamics and limited band-width 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 re-silience against network dynamics and node failures. We recode the bitstreams at each receiver node, so that the need for content reconciliation in parallel down-loading is eliminated, and the delivery of redundant content is minimized. The effectiveness and efficiency of Outburst are demonstrated with simulations. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2007.