Supplying instantaneous Video-on-Demand services based on Grid computing

It is impossible to satisfy the infinite rapid-increasing requirements with finite addition of servers and bandwidth in the traditional VOD (Video-on-Demand) system. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid Grid-type architecture to resolve this problem. By taking advantage of the large storage and the powerful processing capability in current client-side devices, user host serves both as a client and as a mini video server, and the system capability is enhanced due to the contribution of user hosts. This VOD system not only benefits from the secure and efficient organization in Grid computing, but also benefits from the flexibility and scalability in peer-to-peer models. In order to reach an optimal utility factor of system resources, an adaptive video delivery policy is implemented in this system. By cooperating with each other, the relevant servers can supply instantaneous video services for local users.