Broadband ISP and mobile operator EE are preparing to trial delivery of their TV content via a new Content Delivery Network (CDN) technology in the “coming months“, which reflects BT’s effort to integrate their “world’s first” MAUD (Multicast-Assisted Unicast Delivery) solution into Edgio’s CDN.
Most broadband and mobile operators use sophisticated Content Delivery Networks and systems to help manage network load, which caches popular internet content closer in the network to end-users (i.e. improves performance without adding network strain). Such systems also help to lower the provider’s impact on external links and keep bandwidth costs down.
In case anybody has forgotten, BT first talked about their new IP transmission technology, called MAUD, back in December 2023 (here). Unlike traditional “unicast” delivery methods, where each broadband connected viewer watches the action via a dedicated, personal internet stream, MAUD uses “multicast” to group those single streams into one shared one, directing it to those that want to watch the action.
The new technology’s integration is also made completely transparent to the player application, which means content service providers (BBC, Netflix etc.) don’t need to modify their customer apps to take advantage of it (i.e. saving time and money). BT previously claimed that its MAUD technology uses up to 50% less bandwidth during peak events and reduces energy usage through the use of fewer caches.
Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group, said:
“BT Group’s goal is to develop an efficient live streaming solution that addresses the needs of players within the content delivery path. Partnering with Edgio, we’re pioneering an effective content delivery system that seamlessly integrates with CDNs, making it accessible for external content providers”.
Suffice to say that it makes perfect sense for the operator’s first live network trials of this technology, alongside Edgio’s CDN, to involve some of EE’s TV customer and their set-top-boxes. BT Group will also be showcasing MAUD at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2024, taking place 13-16 September in Amsterdam.
Admittedly, from the consumer’s perspective, this is one of those seamless changes where if it’s working correctly then you probably won’t even notice it’s there. On the other hand, anything that helps to reduce network congestion is likely to result in more customers receiving higher quality streams.
Sadly, at the time of writing, we still don’t know exactly when these trials will take place or how many customers will be involved.
