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A Global Perspective on the Past, Present, and Future of Video Streaming over Starlink

Liz Izhikevich, Reese Enghardt, Te-Yuan Huang, Renata Teixeira

TL;DR

This study presents the first global analysis of on-demand video streaming over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, using data from over one million households across 85 countries, and underscores the need for video streaming and congestion control algorithms to adapt to rapidly evolving network landscapes.

Abstract

This study presents the first global analysis of on-demand video streaming over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, using data from over one million households across 85 countries. We highlight Starlink's role as a major LEO provider, enhancing connectivity in underserved regions. Our findings reveal that while overall video quality on Starlink matches that of traditional networks, the inherent variability in LEO conditions -- such as throughput fluctuations and packet loss -- leads to an increase in bitrate switches and rebuffers. To further improve the quality of experience for the LEO community, we manipulate existing congestion control and adaptive bitrate streaming algorithms using simulation and real A/B tests deployed on over one million households. Our results underscore the need for video streaming and congestion control algorithms to adapt to rapidly evolving network landscapes, ensuring high-quality service across diverse and dynamic network types.

A Global Perspective on the Past, Present, and Future of Video Streaming over Starlink

TL;DR

This study presents the first global analysis of on-demand video streaming over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, using data from over one million households across 85 countries, and underscores the need for video streaming and congestion control algorithms to adapt to rapidly evolving network landscapes.

Abstract

This study presents the first global analysis of on-demand video streaming over Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, using data from over one million households across 85 countries. We highlight Starlink's role as a major LEO provider, enhancing connectivity in underserved regions. Our findings reveal that while overall video quality on Starlink matches that of traditional networks, the inherent variability in LEO conditions -- such as throughput fluctuations and packet loss -- leads to an increase in bitrate switches and rebuffers. To further improve the quality of experience for the LEO community, we manipulate existing congestion control and adaptive bitrate streaming algorithms using simulation and real A/B tests deployed on over one million households. Our results underscore the need for video streaming and congestion control algorithms to adapt to rapidly evolving network landscapes, ensuring high-quality service across diverse and dynamic network types.
Paper Structure (21 sections, 19 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 21 sections, 19 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. LEO's Rise in Delivering Video
  3. Quality of Experience
  4. Methodology
  5. Perceptual Video Quality
  6. Play Delay
  7. Network Impact on Video Delivery
  8. Bitrate Switches
  9. Network Rebuffers
  10. Improving Congestion Control for Video Delivery over LEO
  11. Investigating Congestion Control Causes for Low Throughput
  12. Experiment Setup: New Reno with MulTCP
  13. Results
  14. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming For Starlink
  15. Modeling ABR Today
  16. ...and 6 more sections

Figures (19)

  • Figure 1: Starlink's Growing Popularity and Global Reach
  • Figure 2: Comparative Analysis of Regional Video Streaming Over Starlink
  • Figure 3: Maximum Quality Ratio (Time-weighted VMAF divided by maximum possible VMAF)--- In April 2024, globally, Starlink users experience similar perceptual video quality to users streaming from alternative networks.
  • Figure 4: Comparison of Perceptual Video Quality (Maximum Quality Ratio) Per Country for Starlink and Non-Starlink Networks
  • Figure 5: Starlink Maximum Quality Ratio Country Trends--- Over time, perceptual video quality over Starlink has improved. Regions that rely more on Starlink experience a more dramatic increase in video streaming quality over time.
  • ...and 14 more figures