Different Enterprise IPTV Applications

You cannot talk about online streaming without mentioning Internet-based Protocol Television (IPTV). IPTV has played a crucial role in the revolutionary shift from the traditional broadcasting modes such as satellite TV and cable to Internet-based streaming modes.

IPTV offer solutions that enable the acquisition, processing, encoding, and managing video.

IPTV Architecture Type

Various service providers have two main distinct IPTV headend equipment depending on network architecture. It can either be centralized or distributed.

Centralized Architecture Model

This model is relatively simpler and easier to manage as compared to the distributed one. It does not need a sophisticated content distribution system since all media is stored on centralized servers. This model is scalable, but may be very expensive when it is expected to serve larger areas.

The centralized architecture is best suited for networks that deploy relatively small video on demand (VOD) services. They should also have sufficient core and edge bandwidth as well as efficient content delivery networks (CDNs).

CDNs reduce the time for content acquisition from clients. To achieve this, some strategically located edge servers are incorporated in the network and consumers acquire their media content from them instead of getting it from the central server.

Some central servers are located strategically somewhere within the network for placing the content for the first time before the media content is replicated to distributed servers. Your requests are forwarded to these edge servers to locate the content you want.

It is worth noting that the central architecture uses multicast, which is a significant technique for IPTV delivery.

Distributed Architecture Model

This model is as scalable as the centralized architecture model, but it offers some inherent system management features which are made for managing large server networks. It also provides some bandwidth advantages over the centralized model.

Centralized solutions present various limitations regarding scalability, especially in operator’s networks in which bandwidth is extremely valuable. To improve bandwidth usage in this model, a peer-to-peer network topology is used to combine groups of distributed, heterogenic, and independent peers sharing resources such as objects or storage capability.

The distributed architecture is best suited for IPTV headend equipment that serves relatively large systems. It requires very a sophisticated and intelligent content distribution technology to enhance efficiency in the delivery of media content over the network.

Even though there are these two main architecture model, each service provider may design its IPTV headend slightly different from its competitors to suit its needs, local and regional market condition and its business model, which may offer it a competitive advantage over its market rivals. This modification is made possible due to the availability of IT options in the market. However, even though there may be variation in the design, the core principle of developing the architecture is observed.

Types of IPTV Services

Transmitting Classic Television Channels

When you request to access TV channels or videos through an interactive portal via a set-top box (STB), you can navigate various IPTV services and catalogues.

Video on Demand (VOD)

When you subscribe to this service, you access various videos on demand from the server’s media library. You can watch any feature film or movie in the library.

TV on Demand

TV channels are recorded to enable you to access them at your convenient time.

Live Television

This service lets you view live broadcasts real-time.

Time-shifted TV

This service lets you view live broadcasts at a later time. It also provides rewind and forward options for TV programs.

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