Real-time dissemination of continuous media in packet-switched networks

The authors present a model of communication in a packet-switched network called continuous-media (CM) dissemination, which is the distribution of digital audio, video, and other periodic time-correlated data streams, from a source to multiple receivers. This model is similar to that of a cable TV system. The authors discuss an important design principle, the principle of loose coupling between a source and multiple receivers, for supporting this type of communication. The main argument for loose coupling is that there can be an arbitrary number of receivers for a single source of a CM multistream, and that the complexity of keeping track of the states of all receivers would overwhelm the source. Applications of the design principle include group addressing, proactive dynamic control mechanisms, and individualized tailoring of the CM multistream by receivers with limited effect on the source.<>