Optimization Techniques for Multimedia Transmission Over Small Bandwidth IP Networks

Project Nexus, a European project with the participation of the Andalusian government and the University of Seville, aims to implement a distant learning system that can operate from a domestic Internet connection, where bandwidth and quality of service are very variable in time.

The project faces two major challenges: the increased demand for bandwidth and machine resources expected when the number of connected clients increases and the lack of prioritization under TCP/IP protocols, which is needed to route the different streams of information. This paper outlines techniques for tackling these problems effectively, including the use of multicast transmission for dealing with many clients at once, and the use of traffic shaping for managing data streams.