Efficient content distribution on source constraint networks: peer communication

Graduation date: 2007Popular applications such as P2P file sharing, multiplayer gaming, videoconferencing, etc. rely on the efficiency of content distribution from a single source to multiple receivers. Most users of these applications are on the widely prevalent source constraint networks such as the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and wireless networks. Overlay multicast techniques are widely employed to address this issue. However, most approaches do not consider the source constraint nature of the underlying network nor do they achieve optimal system throughput in the overlay structure. We propose various topologies in which all participating nodes contribute their bandwidth, resulting in high overall system throughput. We implement Hypp, a hybrid P2P system, based on the proposed topology. Hypp consists of one or more Supernodes that perform mesh and node management functions, and participating Peers, connected together in a structured manner as directed by a Supernode. This work focuses on the Peer subsystem that is responsible for communication and actual content delivery. We present results of experiments conducted over PlanetLab nodes that prove Hypp is a scalable and high throughput system capable of synchronous and efficient content delivery