Abstract: A scalable Media-on-Demand (MoD) method to a large group of users in the Internet. This method makes use of peer buffering capabilities to collaborate in the distribution and downloading of media, facilitated by a central repository for the search of optimal peers as parent nodes to connect to and for the support of advanced features such as fast forward and backward plays. The method relieves the server load by shifting the media streaming functionality to the client side with high media receiving continuity and quality, leading to well-balanced and low network loads.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus facilitating joint channel and routing assignment are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes nodes in a network configured to perform distributed joint channel and routing assignment of traffic through exchange of information with one another. The assignments are iteratively updated based on whether the update will result in an increase in a value of a function associated with throughput for traffic in the network. In some embodiments, the assignments are determined based on random decisions that are adopted if the function is improved utilizing the routing and channel information in the assignment. In some embodiments, the assignments are determined based on traffic prioritization in which destination nodes having a high level of traffic are assigned routes and channels having characteristics amenable to reduction of interference in the network.

Abstract: Video on demand is orchestrated between systems by linear program (LP) based multimedia storage and retrieval. An LP based storage and retrieval system can partition multimedia data into an integral number of segments. Further, the LP based storage and retrieval system can store a first amount of the integral number of segments in a storage device of storage devices of a storage network in response to a determination that a storage size of the storage device satisfies a first condition with respect to the first amount of the integral number of segments. Furthermore, such system can store a segment of a second amount of the integral number of segments in a remote storage device of the remote storage devices in response to a determination that the segment satisfies a second condition with respect to a defined number of remote storage devices of the storage devices that have stored the segment.

Abstract: A system and method of integrating IP multicasting with application layer multicasting for media streaming. The proposed approach teaches forming an overlay P2P tree using a scalable protocol. New node either detects an existing IP multicasting island to join or forms a new one. Ingress node of each island is adaptively elected and streams media to nodes in its island via IP multicasting, while getting the media from its parent node via traditional unicast to achieve much lower end-to-end delay and link stress.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a cooperative caching method and apparatus, relating to the field of network technologies, to improve the local hit ratio without increasing the local server costs. The technical solution provided in the present invention includes: obtaining, according to cache information, end-to-end delay between a local server and a neighbor server, and popularity in a cache list, a consolidated gain value of a cached video segment and a consolidated gain value of a candidate video segment in the local server; and replacing the cached video segment with the candidate video segment when the consolidated gain value of the cached video segment and the consolidated gain value of the candidate video segment in the local server meet a replacement condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collaborative streaming among mobile terminals. Periodically, the mobile terminals may pull a portion of the data stream from a content provider coupled thereto over a primary channel and distribute the pulled data to neighboring mobile terminals, possibly including other mobile terminals pulling portions of the data stream from the content provider and passive mobile terminals that are only receiving pulled data. By transferring data over the secondary channel, the cost to any one terminal to receive the data stream is reduced.

Abstract: A method of video distribution within a peer-to-peer network. Once the video has initially been downloaded from a server, various fragments of it reside on various peers of the network. At the location of each fragment, the peer which stores it preferably also carries pointers to preceding-fragment, following-fragment, and same-fragment locations. This provides a list-driven capability so that, once a user has attached to any fragment of the program, the user can then transition according to the previous-fragment and following-fragment pointers to play, fast-forward, or rewind the program.

Abstract: Algorithms are described that facilitate the inference of a network topology by estimating router co-ordinates and merging anonymous routers. The algorithms have practical applications in the inference of a network topology as part of the provision of a network service that is based on the underlying topology and where knowledge of the actual topology allows improved performance.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating infrastructure and ad hoc wireless networks. In one example embodiment, a plurality of nodes and access points exchange beacons and route replies which are forwarded by intervening nodes. Nodes determine whether to switch access points based on cost values contained in the received beacons. Intervening nodes store routes with weights to the source node, such that the access points maintain weights to every node in their zones.