Simplifying Multi-CDN Delivery with HLS / DASH Content Steering

Yuriy Reznik, Adam Waldron, Guillem Cabrera

Content Steering is a new feature in both HLS and MPEG DASH standards, enabling regulating the use of multiple CDNs for streaming. Its key promise is the simplification of the design of multi-CDN delivery systems. No custom client plugins, DNS redirects, or CMS integrations are needed to deploy multi-CDN systems. It also addresses the problem of seamless in-session switching. In this paper, we will review the principles of operation of the HLS / DASH content steering method and explain how to design practical mass-scalable systems using it. We will also survey the current state of adoption of this standard by HLS/DASH streaming clients and related open-source tools and projects.

Published
2023-10
Content type
Original Research
Keywords
HLS, DASH, Content Steering, Multi-CDN streaming, CDN switching technologies
DOI
10.5594/M002018
ISBN
978-1-61482-964-5