P2P live video streaming in WebRTC

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse the feasibility of implementing live video streaming protocols into web applications with the use of WebRTC. As a result of demand the distribution of video content requires ever increasing bandwidth. Although, specialised programs exist to distribute video content efficiently, web pages have up until recently not been able to leverage these technologies. WebRTC could serve as a solution by enabling peer-to-peer communication directly between browsers without any need for a server as an intermediary. The feasibility analysisis accompanied by a practical implementation of a peer-to-peer streaming protocol in WebRTC that runs natively in all browsers and an identification of optimal settings for such a protocol. Our work highlights current limitations and future challenges when implementing sophisticated peer-to-peer solutions using a technology that is still in its infancy. Finally, we provide preliminary experimental data on WebRTC which measures the performance of such a system in a laboratory environment.