Buffer model and management in distributed multimedia presentation systems

The delivery of continuous and synchronous multimedia data from a database (or file) server to multiple destinations over a network presents new challenges in the area of buffer management. Many factors that were not considered in conventional buffer management must be examined. In this paper, we investigate the principles of buffer model and management for multimedia data presentations in distributed systems. The primary goal is to minimize the response time of multimedia presentations while ensuring that all continuity and synchronization requirements are satisfied. A frame-work for buffer model and management is introduced. Minimum buffering requirements at both client and server sides to guarantee the continuity and synchrony of the presentation of multimedia data are examined. A prefetching and replacement strategy which satisfies these requirements is then offered. These principles and techniques provide users with the full range of information required to develop a distributed system for multimedia presentations.