P2p And Cdn Software For Streaming Video

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If you are planning on including streaming video on your website, one of the obstacles you are likely facing is whether to utilize P2P or CDN software for streaming video. To further complicate matters, it appears that a hybrid combination of the two technologies is just around the corner. Each system has benefits as well as several downsides. Understanding the two technologies completely may just help you decide which will work best for you.

CDN or content delivery network is a system that utilizes clients, placed throughout a network, to delivery downloadable objects. These have the advantage of helping large scale websites avoid a ‘bottleneck’ by forcing viewers to download videos or other objects from the same server. While this can help avoid visitor frustration, many webmaster who utilizes a CDN system in its current form are paying increasingly high fees for the service.

P2P or person to person is a system under which multiple computers, connected to the internet, can, in effect, share their content. Various software programs are currently in existence to facilitate this process. ...
... At its most simply form, a user has the ability to search other computers on their ‘network’ and download files from them. This system is obviously a less expensive method of file sharing, but it does have other drawbacks. First, copyright infringement is rampant with this sort of technology. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the website owner loses all control over the information and files being shared. This type of service is how many of the music share sites operate.

It is also important to keep in mind security. You can only guarantee security for your viewers if you have complete control over the system. You are unlikely to have any control over a P2P system. Those that are interested in sharing sensitive information or have security concerns will want to shy away from a P2P system.

There is some evidence that a hybrid of the two systems is in the works. The buzz lets us know that the P2P CDN hybrid is on the way. The system will allow users the best of both worlds: lower costs and higher security. Unfortunately, the hybrid is proving exceptionally difficult to code. We are likely in for a long wait until a workable version of the hybrid is available for the general public.

Finding a workable solution to your file sharing needs takes some research. Depending on your need for security, your cost concerns and the size of your site, you will choose either the P2P system or the CDN technology. In general, CDN seems to be the ‘winner.’ Safer, with more control for the webmaster, content delivery networks vastly outnumber P2P systems. The tide is beginning to change and is likely to continue to do so. As the hybrid system begins to work out the kinks and become a viable solution, it is likely that most websites will turn to it to meet their needs.