As Pay TV transitions from traditional cable, satellite and IPTV formats to HTTP-based delivery, maintaining service quality and reliability is essential, and last-mile broadband networks play a crucial role. Sports, breaking news, and other live events threaten to overwhelm last-mile networks due to the sheer volume of traffic generated when large numbers of viewers tune in. Akamai Licensed Multicast Solution helps Pay TV operators avoid costly network build-outs by improving efficiency, especially during high viewing periods or spikes in consumption.
Akamai’s Licensed Multicast Solution ( LMS) is licensed software for Pay TV and network operators who seek to offer a diverse, higher-quality mix of services over their broadband networks — without having to overspend on network buildout.
Operators who offer these new services, and also deploy LMS, stand to benefit from higher viewer satisfaction, as well as cost savings:
Akamai LMS positions operators for a more graceful and seamless transition from traditional Pay-TV models to one that more easily supports the new and emerging ways in which viewers watch television and other streaming content.
Integrate with any Unicast CDN
Ingest content from the Akamai Intelligent Edge™ or any unicast origin to deliver an optimal mix of over the top (OTT) and on-net originated content
Easy-to-Integrate Client SDK
Support both multicast and unicast streams through integration with the set-top-box player software and user interface
Uses Existing Multicast Network
Integrate with routers, optical termination equipment, and other multicast-enabled infrastructure used for other services
Support for Virtualized Infrastructure
Drive network agility and efficiency all the way to the edge by deploying LMS as a virtual network function (VNF)
Flexible Deployment
Deploy LMS as a standalone solution or in conjunction with Aura Licensed CDN, optimizing the content mix between unicast and multicast-assisted ABR
Common Management Framework
Aura Management Center (AMC) centrally manages LMS and Aura LCDN with scale-out configuration and real-time fault monitoring and analytics
Modular Approach
Multicast Controller, Multicast Generator, and Client Data Collector work in conjunction with Client SDK and AMC for a complete solution
Multicast-assisted Adaptive Bit Rate (M-ABR) Codecs
Combine multicast efficiencies with the quality made possible through the use of HLS, MPEG-DASH, and other formats used for all-IP delivery
Address a Common Scaling Problem
Save the cost of network upgrades or build-outs by reducing the number of streams required to deliver popular broadcasted events such as sports
Maximize Quality for High-audience Events
Deliver high-definition and even 4K HDR content with low latency without imposing undue stress on access networks
Consolidate Network Resource
Transition from single-purpose cable, satellite or IPTV to an all HTTP-based service model — one that provides maximum flexibility and cost savings
Avoid Additional Multicast Investment
Use existing last-mile multicast-enabled network elements without having to enable multicast on core elements
Increase Service Reliability and Reach
Make it possible for viewers to watch their favorite shows, even from outside their home service area or when on-net resources are overloaded
Live Event Simulcast
Reduce latency and optimize quality for live events with multicast-assisted Adaptive Bitrate (M-ABR) delivery
Migration from Traditional Pay TV Models
Reduce costs by leveraging high-bandwidth fiber broadband access
Avoiding Costly Network Build-outs or Upgrades
Use existing network resources more efficiently when simulcasting high-audience sports, breaking news, and other live events
Optimizing Service Mix
Integrate OTT and on-net originated content over a single connection