telecommunication

Performance and Quality Analysis of IPTV on Unstructured Network

By,

VIJETHA BOPPISHETTY

(08QQ1A0459)

This report has been submitted for the partial fulfillment of bachelor’s degree of Electronics and Communication Engineering

20th April 2012

Supervisor

Asst. Prof. Ramanjaneyulu

Electronics and Communication Engineering

ABSTRACT

Internet protocol Television is a distribution of video and data content on over data network by using internet infrastructure. The internet infrastructure organizes the IPTV services in a client-server architecture model. The client- server architecture model needs to support large scale of data on over single and multiple links but due to lack of resources, this model failure to deliver quality of services to the customer during supporting live TV services. The client-server architecture model IPTV causes lot of network problems due to the regular network channel switching and large amount of data transmission

The aim of this study is to review the distributed factors in IP Multimedia Subsystem by extending the features of P2P IPTV services by combining the centralized control layer at destination node. For that objectives are considered as follows:

· To design a scalable network platform for broadcasting quality multimedia services over internet

· To minimize the importance of server infrastructure by utilizing the resources of peer to peer resources such as storage and bandwidth

· To reduce the start up delay during tuning the channels by configuring peer to peer network infrastructure for IP multimedia subsystem

· To organize the peer to peer network infrastructure for improving the IPTV quality of services

For this project, it considered operations through OPNET simulation model which is highly suitable for network environment projects.

Certification

I hereby certify that this dissertation, which includes reviews, software, experimental work, decisions, is my own work except where otherwise has been mentioned and acknowledged. I also declare that this has not been submitted earlier for any kind of award, except where otherwise acknowledged.

Acknowledgements

I would like to sincerely thank Asst. Prof. Ramanjaneyulu for his guidance, patience, comments and suggestions as I worked on this dissertation. In this dissertation, I was benefited with his advice, especially when trying to explore new things. Without his co-operation, this dissertation would have been impossible.

I would like to thank my parents from deepest of my heart for their continual support throughout my life. All my studies, degrees, achievement are because of their support.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

1.1 Back ground study about the project

1.2 Aim

1.3 Objectives

1.4 Evidence of requirement

1.5 Context description

1.6 Research methods

1.7 Brief product description

1.8 Deliverables

1.9 Thesis structure

1.10 Schedule

2 Literature survey

2.1 Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)

2.2 History

2.3 Internet Protocol Television- IPTV

2.4 IPTV System Diagram

2.5 Media Content Provider

2.6 IPTV Viewing Device

2.7 IPTV Viewing Device, the STB

2.8 Working of IPTV

2.9 Bandwidth Requirements

2.10 IPTV Regulation

2.11 Technical characteristics of an IPTV

2.12 Network Architecture

2.13 System requirements

2.14 IPTV Security Requirements

3 Research analysis

3.1 Technical Architecture of IPTV processing

3.2 Design and Implementation

3.3 Quality of Service

3.4 Where is the problem?

3.5 IPTV Security Requirement

3.6 Proposal

4 Design and Implementation

4.1 Design

4.2 Implementation of modules with OPNET

5 Finding Results

5.1 Summary of Results

5.2 Performance and quality achieved through IPTV

5.3 Discussions and Evolutions

6 Conclusion and Future Trends

References

Keywords:

· IPTV

· Unstructured networks

· SIP

· RIP

· Jitter

· Delay

· Congestion

· Throughput

· Media server

· Peer to peer

· Server configuration

· Simulations

Performance and quality analysis of IPTV on unstructured network

Chapter-1:

Introduction:

1.1 Back ground study about the project:

Internet protocol Television is a distribution of video and data content on over data network by using internet infrastructure. The internet infrastructure organizes the IPTV services in a client-server architecture model. The client- server architecture model needs to support large scale of data on over single and multiple links but due to lack of resources, this model failure to deliver quality of services to the customer during supporting live TV services. The client-server architecture model IPTV causes lot of network problems due to the regular network channel switching and large amount of data transmission

In order to resolve the above model, the proposed system analyzes the problems behind ISP services, and it proposes IPTV services on over Peer to Peer network infrastructure for managing high end data services. The peer to peer network infrastructure organizes all of its peers for regulating the data transmission on over single and multiple network links by joining new nodes. At the same time this model analyzes the network traffic flow by organizing the IPTV with different network objects.

The IP based systems provide various network services for delivering multimedia and telecommunication services by using network infrastructure. It provides an opportunity to extend the network services by invoking new level of network features. The packet based switched technology is a core factor for multimedia services and it operates multiple paths to switch the packets across different coverage nodes.

Multimedia services have emerged solution in telecommunication and it offers rich solution for managing video services. The configuration and infrastructure of IPTV services are more cost effective.

Multimedia services have emerged over the years and proved to be the future of telecommunication, a result of which compelled operators and vendors to create a total solution to harness the Multimedia opportunities. This total solution is the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). IMS is a label that has started springing up all over the telecom industry, whether on individual products, or as vendor systems platforms or interoperability programs. Though initially very complicated and pretty abstract, it has become a reality and is perceived to be the big vision of the future of telecommunication (Telecom Report, 2005).

1.2 Aim:

The aim of this study is to review the distributed factors in IP Multimedia Subsystem by extending the features of P2P IPTV services by combining the centralized control layer at destination node

1.3 Objectives:

· To design a scalable network platform for broadcasting quality multimedia services over internet

· To minimize the importance of server infrastructure by utilizing the resources of peer to peer resources such as storage and bandwidth

· To reduce the start up delay during tuning the channels by configuring peer to peer network infrastructure for IP multimedia subsystem

· To organize the peer to peer network infrastructure for improving the IPTV quality of services

1.4 Evidence of requirement:

Present world scenario completely relay on communication industry especially on wireless and mobile device communication. My project is more towards real domain. This is major advantage for me to choose this task as my project. In marketing point of view, broadcasting and multicasting are very popular to make advertise their services with less expense. For that multimedia data streaming is very important even through television services.

In this project, my intension is to make the research work on efficient IPTV performance and quality techniques by making the proper analysis on this area. As per my opinion, this project will bring the innovative idea and exact solution to the companies which they are searching for. Even I am expecting to get pay for my document for my cost estimated plan. I am very comfort to handle this project to make successful.

1.5 Context description:

This is very standard practice for real time industries. As I am interested in network-oriented concept which can acquire more knowledge from this domain concept even I have knowledge in networks and communications. But it may not enough to achieve this project task, hope I will accomplish proposed task through self references and reviews of other designers and with help of my supervisor.

1.6 Research methods:

There are many research methods used by the many scientists to conduct the research, one who has going to conduct research he should know which method is good to get the answer to his research question. For this he needs to investigate and compare the different research methods which are available.

My point of view the primary purpose of research is to discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a variety of things in the world i.e., investigate existing problems.

I choose experimental research on this topic which extract the information of existing and search for the new enhancement with the trails. It is a systematic and scientific approach to research in which researcher manipulates one or more variables, and controls and observes any changes in other variables.

In our project we are dealing with data ware housing technology which is mainly depends on the different data resources.

· How it achieves scalability factor without degrade the performance?

· How the performance is better than existing system?

· How it is useful in the present world?

1.7 Brief product description:

I consider this project for my research to make use for real domain where I can feel satisfy with that. In this project, I will make analysis over multimedia data transmission along with protocol support by using proper literature survey and will provide solution with documentation which can be useful for the people looking for information about the IPTV.

The proposed system configures IPTV Peer to Peer network by implementing OPNET simulator for analyzing the network traffic and flow level. This simulator organizes the network for switching the packets across different peers for estimating the traffic flow rate by analyzing the number of packet transmission rate per second. This model manages the IPTV services by placing high end resource for sharing maximum number of resources

1.8 Deliverables:

· Implementing OPNET simulator for analyzing the network traffic and flow level

· Organizes the network for switching the packets across different peers for estimating the traffic flow rate by analyzing the number of packet transmission rate per second.

1.9: Report structure:

Chapter-1: brief introduction about project and problem definition; aim and objectives are covered along with deliverables and research questions.

Chapter-2: literature survey about project area like IPTV configurations and terminology related information which is very useful for project analysis. Protocol structure towards IPTV processing is covered.

Chapter-3: system analysis towards the project aim and objectives with respect to IPTV functional processing architecture and frame work towards the project implementation.

Chapter-4: design and implementation frame work is considered with UML specification and OPNET simulation models.

Chapter-5: discussion over results and key findings of the project.

Chapter-6: conclusion about the project work.

1.10 Schedule:

In order to complete this project, the estimated time scheduling with proper documentation frame work where initially project work will come up with background study and literature survey towards the project aim and objectives. Next level I will start with design frame work of simulation process and implementation process accordingly. Finally, will provide key finding results along with critical evolution with research analysis under the guidance of my project coordinator.

Task	Description	Duration (DAYS)
Analysis/	Analyzing work on background study	5
Literature study on project requirement	Studying of all the literature study about IPTV and associated factors	20
Research analysis	Make a analysis work on performance factors	10
Project design	Complete designing structure of our project by using dfd’s, uml model design’s	10
Development	Implement the simulation process using OPNET.	10
Analysis and evolution	Evaluation on results and key findings	10
Dissertation	To Produce final dissertation	10
	Total	75

Chapter-2:

Literature survey:

2.1 Internet Protocol television (IPTV)

Internet Protocol television also called as IPTV is a system that allows the user to watch television through internet. The system uses the architecture and the network methodologies of internet protocol (which is the protocol used in the network layer of the OSI Model) to deliver the content through a packet switched network infrastructure. [2]

This concept could be better explained with an example, Internet Protocol television is used to deliver the television content using a broadband connection. Instead of using meditational sati light signals, radio frequency broadcasting, and cable TV formats we use the latest technology used in computers to deliver this content. Using IPTV has many advantages as we can provide better content as well as more content than the traditional cables. Using IPTV, we can provide more services like video on demand and also provide web access and VoIP. [1][2]

We will be hearing terms like Triple Play and Quadruple Play. Generally, "Triple Play" refers to a package containing 3 services like

1. IPTV

2. VoIP

3. Internet access

Whereas “Quadruple Play" refers to the same services offered in the "Triple Play" along with Mobility. IPTV also provides “time-shifted TV” which allows the user to replay the TV shows that were played hours or days ago. IPTV is a very big system and a closed network infrastructure is used by the service provider to provide all these services...

IPTV has a tough competition which is non-other than Internet TV which uses public internet hence IPTV will be used to deliver the content on closed LAN’s. [3][1]

The most commonly uses equipment of IPTV is a set top box or a customer premises equipment.

2.2History

In the past there have been many different versions or types of IPTV have been developed, some of them used elementary stream or transport stream over IP (internet protocol) networks. [1][5]

The official international definition approved by ITU-International Telecommunication Union that focus on IPTV is

"IPTV is defined as multimedia services such as television/video/audio/text/graphics/data delivered over IP based networks managed to provide the required level of quality of service and experience, security, interactivity and reliability." [2]

ABC Channels “World News Now” was the first TV show ever that was broadcasted over the internet using videoconferencing software in 1994.

The term IPTV first came in to existence in the year 1995 by the development of a software called IP/TV by the company “Percept Software” founded by Carrick and Judith String. IP/TV was developed as an internet video product. It was compatible with UNIX and Windows based applications that were capable of transmitting multi source and single source audio and video streams. The quality was ranging from low to high quality like did quality. It uses both unicast and IP multicast RPT-Real Time Transport protocol and RTCP-Real Time Control protocol. Precept was taken over by Cisco in the year 1998.

In January 1998 Internet radio company “AudioNet” started live webcast which delivered the content from WFAA TV. [2]

In 1999, September Kingston Communication a telecommunication operator from UK launched IPTV over DSL a Television service, providing various TV and Video on demand services. Kingston communications was the first company ever to provide IPTV on DSL. Following Kingston many companies all over the world have provided IPTV. [2]

2.3Internet Protocol television- IPTV

IPTV is a system that is used to provide television is both video and audio through the use of internet protocol networks. It uses the IP protocol to transmit and receive multimedia information i.e. both audio and video. The IP systems either uses private IP systems such as LAN’s or public IP systems such as internet or a Hybrid of both the private and public systems for the transmission of data. [4][6]

IPTV needs 4 key devices or components

1. Adapters or viewing devices

2. Broadband access providers (or internet access providers if public IPsystem is used)

3. IPTV Service provider

4. Media Content provider

The following figures depict the organisation and functioning of content providers, viewing devices, distributed network and IPTV service operators.

The distributed network is used to transfer the multimedia content to the viewing devices from multiple sources in our case multiple systems. [4][7]

The Content providers include content aggregators i.e. the on-demand content providers, the existing TV networks and other independent content providers. [7][5]

The viewing devices include normal TV sets with adapters or set top boxes or computers or mobile devices i.e. both feature phones and smart phones. The IPTV system operation is responsible for establishing a connection with the user devices i.e. viewing devices to the IPTV system which provides various services as mentioned before. [8]

2.4IPTV System Diagram

Figure-1: overal view of IPTV connectivty processing

The adapters or viewing devices are used to convert or transform the TV signals to a form that could be controlled and viewed by the users. High speed broadband is used to deliver the TV signals. Service providers manage the connection between the adapters and the content providers or also called as media sources. The media content providers provide the content that is viewed by the customers.

2.5Media Content Provider

The contents provided by the IPTV can range from live TV such as ABC NEWS to on demand videos or content from micro producers. IPTV can provide the seers with unlimited number of channels as the system needs to provide only one channel at a time unlike the traditional cable TV which only sends a limited set of channels due to its on limitations. [4]

IPTV Distribution systems

These systems are used to transfer the multimedia date from the content providers to the adapter or users or viewing devices. IPTV can be used on many types of systems that can transmit IP packets such as the telecom systems, wireless systems, wired systems (such as cable TV systems), power companies (i.e. over power lines), optical networks’... [6][8]

IPTV Service Providers

IPTV service providers must initially take right to provide various kinds of content. For this reason, they need to take permission from various content providers. The IPTV service providers can also provide services in a specific geographical region such as where they have rights to distribute the content. Logically speaking, the IPT service providers can provide service to any part of the world as they can use internet to provide the content. [8]

2.6 IPTV Viewing Device

IPTV viewing devices should be capable of receiving IP packets of data and converting it into multimedia data so that the user can view the content. The viewing devices or adapters can range from normal TV’s with set top boxes that convert the IP signals to the viewable content format to the mobile devices which are capable of viewing multimedia content. [9][8]

2.7 IPTV Viewing Device, the STB

Viewing devices or the adapters are the devices that connect the user’s television to the IPTV system. For the user these viewing devices or adapter are like normal STB cables provided by your local cable operator. We generally use set top boxes as the adapter and these set top boxes must be affordable and easily disposable as the scale of the user may be very large. To increase a greater number of user the adapters must be very affordable. [8][10]

STB is a hardware component, with which the user associates the IPTVSP. STB is like an embedded PC with its own processor and memory which is used to decoding and encoding MPEG2 or MPEG4 or also generally called as MP4. He STB also performs various other tasks such as encryption and decryption, providing an interactive mechanism for the user to interact with it, responding to the user, etc.

IPTV content can be viewed on PC using a media player. Several measures are taken to protect the intellectual property. Hence the media players need to initially interact with the Digital Rights management system. [12][8]

2.8 Working of IPTV

IPTV - How it Works

IPTV is system used to distribute digital content using IP packets over a network to the user in the most effective way possible. This process involves handling the content which is acquiring the content streams, demodulating the stream and decrypting if required along with recoding, compression and de-compression and encryption. This content is sent through a distributed network from the content providers to the user adapters or viewing devise. [12][2]

The key steps to delivering IPTV to the end user [10][7]

1. Acquiring the Content

Initially we need to continuously acquire content both new and old. This may include content from local content providers, satellite streamed data, etc. and all this content may be digital or analog hence they must also be converted to the required form.

2. Encoding the content

The received content is re-encoded so that it could be sent using over an IP network. We may also need to encrypt the data

3. IPTV Distribution network

An IPTV system would probably need as wide area network to distribute the content over a vast are and a huge number of users. Then network needs to have enough amount of bandwidth. The quality of service can be achieved by using the current technology.

4. Middleware technology

IPTV needs a user-friendly interaction system so that the user may interact with the IPTV system to use the services as easily as possible.

6. IPTV Viewing device

It is very much similar to that of a STB provided by local cable operator in case of the IPTV us generally a set top box.

Acquiring the Programming

Usually the content provided by the IPT to the end use is owned by either a single per son or an organisation. Almost in all cases an organization hold the right to the content. The organisation that has that owns the content is called as “The programmer”. The IPTV service provider has to approach this programmer and take right to take the content from the programmer and redistribute it. After acquiring the right, the IPTVSP (IPTV Service provider) needs to establish a system or a facility that could process that content of the programmer to distribute is to the customers. [7][8]

This facility is called as the head-end. At head end the multimedia data is collected and de-coded so that it could be send over anIP network. This head-end is very similar to a Cable television head-end. The head-end has 3 majors’ parts, or it performs 3 main tasks they are

1. Receiving the content

2. Encoding and encrypting

3. Distribution

On the receive part, the data in generally sent trout the starlight and as the data travels from the starlight down to the earth, the signal strength is reduced hence we need to amplify the signal more over we use dishes to capture the signal. Generally, a 5 meter dish would be sufficient, but as per the specification by the head-end engineer we may have to go for a bigger dish for more margins to boost the robustness of the system.

In the head-end the signals captured so far will be split and will be distributed to various receivers, this can b don’t use a centralized receiver. This receiver may also be called as active splitter. The active splitter provided a dc current to power the low noise block amplifier also known as LNB. After splitting the signal, it is further processed to perform demodulation. [6][8]

Due to the advancement it the technology we now have digital head ends that enables the transmission of digital signal all the way from the sailing to the set top box. Yet there are some places we need to per process the data as the streams of data are not available digitally.

Where as in an analogy world the receiver gets input from the satirist, and then decodes and decrypts the data.

Encoding the content:

All the received data is collected and is sent as input to the encoding device, which assign as multicast IP address. This is done by encoding the content to MPEG2 or MPEG4. It is most preferred to encode it to MPEG2 as the cost of the equipment used to encode to MPEG4 is very high.

If the content is HD, then the content needs to be encoded to MPEG4 as MPEG2 takes more bandwidth that MPEG4.

Generally analog to MPEG2 takes and additional task i.e. to convert the analogy data to digital data then the digital data to MPEG2; [2][1]

After demodulation the content and encoding it, the data needs to be encrypted and this encryption is done by the Digital Rights Management (DRM) package, which takes data as input and send encrypted data as output.

The DRM has two servers for performing these operations, apart from encryption DRM also has Key Management server which is used for decrypting the content.

IPTV Distribution Network:

An IPTV network is built using many technologies and is frequently updated with the Improvement in the technology to provide more bandwidth to the user.

This network should be capable of transmitting the content as IP packets. IPTVSP also provide additional services like HD packages and on demand videos which further increases the need for the bandwidth.

Middle ware:

So far the data has been in the form of data but the end user is only consent with the channels, so here needs to be some kind of mechanism to present the streams of data as channels. This is where middleware comes in. it provides a guide to the use to select different channels or different content to view. His middleware must scan through the database and present the content available to view at that point of time. The middleware must manage the user subscription, the package selected by the user, the channel numbers assigned to the individual streams of data. It should be capable of handling the users billing information and enable the user to interact with the presentation guide to view the content the user desires. [16] [15]

The guide must provide details such as the list of channels available to the user based on the package the user chooses and the details of the current shows being aired on each channel and the shows that are going to be aired on the channels.

2.9 Bandwidth Requirements

The most important factor that depends on the bandwidth as the aspect ratio, resolution, bit rate, coda used, frame rate, viewing devices used. [13][12]

· The most commonly seen aspect ratio is 16:19.

· The resolution may vary from 480p to 1080p.

· Different kinds of codec used results in different kinds of quality and space occupied and the processing power to encode and decode the content.

· Bit rate also matters as the quality of the content also depends on the bout rate.

· Frame rate is kept to 24 frames per second as many videos are shot at that frame rate.

· Now the bandwidth requirement varies according to the kind of data we stream through the network hence the network designer must be very good at the networks and the multicasting.

· With the different kinds of content, the bandwidth demand also varies. If a greater number of people are using at the same time the buffering may take time and results in poor quality. We need to a VoD such a situation.

· In general 1.2 mbps connection can serve up 180 channels but to provide HD content with 5.1 audio is takes up 5mbps. So allocation of bandwidth is very important and hence we prefer SD-standard definition over HD-high definition.

2.10 IPTV Regulation

Similar to the normal broadcast TV some regulations have been imposed on the IPTV. The most important aspect here is that there have been many definitions for IPTV from the past, so it is not a right way to fix some regulations on IPTV based on some definition. Yet IPTV have been very rapidly adopted in developed countries like unite states, France, Germany, japan, and developing countries like India, china, south quorum, Spain, Belgium, etc..

IPTV Technology

VoD (Video on demand):

VoD stands for video on demand, VoD means that the user has the flexibly it watch or view whatever he or she was art whatever time they want.

VoD provides the user with an opportunity select the movie he like and watch it instantaneously.

For VoD real-time streaming protocol is used and the content is encoded in MPEG2 or MPEG4 based on the quality of the video requested.

The VoD service allows the user to pay for the movie get wants to see and the video is available to the user for 24hours from the time he paid for the video. This activity is managed by the Digital Rights Management.

IPTV Technology

The network used for IPTV must be capable of supporting new protocols because with the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth dither limitations of the bandwidth we need to use different protocols and compression methods to deliver the content as soon as possible without loose in quality.

For this purpose, we encode the content. We encode the videos using MPEG2 or MPEG4 and encode audio using MPEG1 or Dolby digital, etc.

How it is deferent from traditional TV:

IPTV is a lot different from a regular TV as it provides the user with other additional services like video on demand, Voice over IP and internet access. At this comes as a single package. The normal cable operator doesn’t provide all these facilities.

IPTV also provides a way to know the current and future shows that are going to be aired on different channels which is not possible on traditional TV’s

There is a hug list of technical differences between the IPTV and abnormal TV. The equipment used is also completely different. The quality of service is better in IPTV that in traditional TV.

IPTV is the uses the most advanced technology and is considers as the future of TV.

2.10 Technical characteristics of an IPTV:

· Delivering content over IP, the channels are streamed by multicasting technologies.

· Delivering the content to the customer with minimum or no disturbances.

· Digital rights management provides high level of protection by encryption.

· Delivery of the data is device dependent hence the quality and resolution and bandwidth usage differ.

· Billing and customer service mechanisms are same as traditional cable.

Kinds of IPTV

IPTV can be implemented on either centralized architecture or a distributed architecture. A centralized architecture won’t suffice the users for a long time as the demand for VoD services may become so big that not even a gab speed won’t be sufficient. In such a case it won’t be easy to change the entire architecture or bring changes that could satisfy the users. Hence it is a better choice to go for a distributed architecture.

In a distributed architecture the VoD services are provided by more than 1 server so there won’t be any bottle neck for the demand and the bandwidth. [12][1]

Layers used in IPTV

The basic IPTV model has the following layers as shown in the figure below. The IPOTV model is compared against the OSI model.

Figure-2: layer architecture for IPTV

The IPTV model shown above can be further divided into 2 sections i.e. the transmission layer and the service layer. All the layers above PTP UDP come under service layer whereas the remaining layers come under the transmission layer. [12]

The following figure shows how the multimedia content collected from various sources is encoded using some coda like MPEG2 or MPEG4. These data stream is divided into slices to create a packetized elementary stream (PES). This PES will contain a picture and a slices header. All these PES is encapsulated and a RTP header is added to it which is called art encapsulation. Then UDP header is attached in the process of UDP encapsulation. Then the final data is placed as a payload in an ip packet. Then these packets are transported over the network.

Figure-3: packet encapsulation process

2.11 Network Architecture

Before placing the requirements for the network architecture the IPTVSP must consider the factors that may seriously affect the services provided by them because of the network. The network plays a very crucial role in providing various services to the user, the network has to be designed considering the limitations on the bandwidth and the network should be scalable as the users may keep on increasing.

IPTV network infrastructure consists of network components such as set top boxes, head-end broadcasting servers, Codecs, error correction, etc...

Specialized content may need additional network hardware for encrypting and decrypting the data.

Architecture

IPTV service providers are continuing sly offering new and improved services to the customers. Currently the most generally provided package is the triple-play package but it also provides the Quadra-play services based on the plan chosen by the user. The content is being delivered to the end user using a network and the numbers of devices that can view this content are increasing at its own pace. Several attempts have been in progress to effectively create and manage the videos and the hybrid system. IMS- IP Multimedia service is a method to manage the IPTV services based on the traditional session-based model. Hence every user is assigned a session and all the user details are constantly monitored and updated. We also use the non-session-based approach in tasks like peer to peer communication, chatting, video streaming, etc. where there is no need to create any session. [3][12][1]

Due to the increasing technology and the availability of different kinds of devices to the public, the need for different kinds of content is increasing at a much faster rate. This is forcing the IPTVSP to upgrade the infrastructure or even build it from the start. Hence service providers need a cost-effective plan that is both scalable and that could last for a long time. Many of the newly established infrastructures are using the next generation of protocols like IPv6.planning is a crucial task to reduce the complexity of the network, capital and operational expenses. The ultimate purpose is to provide the user requested content in the most effective way possible as soon as possible. [12]

The present generation on customers use a variety of devices of viewing content from cell phone to pad’s, from tablets to mp3 players, from pc’s to laptop’s, from small gaming consoles like PSP to professional gaming consoles like Xbox360 and PS3 all these devices have access to internet and consume various kinds of multimedia content. IPTVSP can be benefited by providing a wide range of services to the different devise that are being used today. [1]

2.12 System requirements

After the introduction of IPTV, many traditional content providers such as cable operators have started providing services like IPTV. To face the competition IPTV must rely on its own services like proving the best quality of the requested content and providing the content as soon as possible. There are many devices that are capable of accessing a network for viewing different kinds of content which renege from cell phone to pads. IPTV must provide serves like mobility which allows the user to view the content on the go. IPTV must be capable of providing services to any kind of device.

1. Providing any kind of service to any kind of device.

The IPTVSP must prove any kind of service requested by the user on any device. Whine ever a user requests for any kind of content, the content is searched and if it exits then it is sent to the user or the customer that requested for the content using a content delivery system to the device the user has asked to. [12]

The most important factors that are to be taken care of for improving the experience of the end user are as follows [11][12]

a. Quality of experience to the customer

B. a well-arranged content

C. very user friendly to use

D. affordable pricing

For this purpose, a complex architecture is used to perform the user requested task by using all the interpretable components of the network.

2.13 IPTV Security Requirements

The content delivered using IPTV must be sent to the user in a secured manner. The content provided by the service providers must not be altered by anybody else other that the content providers. Hence it is necessary that different layer adopt different security mechanisms

IPTV Security Objectives

The IPTV security objectives are as follows [14][15]

a. The services provided must be highly stable and reliable

b. Only a valid user must be allowed to access the content

c. All the contents streamed by IPTV must be protected by copyrights.

d. IPTV must avoid un-authorize access to the content

e. Any user’s abusive actions must be handled carefully.

Of this reason security is to be provided at transport layer, network adapter and we must protect the availability and the integrity of the content.

It is also necessary to provide security to the subscribers, service providers, content stream, content providers, etc…

Generally, encryption is the most commonly used for providing security to the content but is takes time to encrypt and decrypt the content.

Advantage of IPTV

There are many advantages it IPTV as it provides many services at very affordable price.

It allows the user to watch TV over IP network.

It allows the user to access VoD services at whatever time he / she want and on whatever device he / she want it.

It provides the VoIP services to the users

As it is very cost effective it is preferred by many people

Chapter-3:

Research analysis:

3.1 Technical architecture of IPTV processing:

To implement IPTV, we would require a very complex architecture in which all the components such as business and operation’s support system along with head end and the VoD servers must work together to effectively provide services to the end user. At the user end the middleware should work in cooperation with head end and other servers. [7]

The following figure shows the architecture of the IPTV

Figure-4: IPTV functional process

The complexity of IPTV is pretty high as the services provided by IPTV are unique from that of the normal cable TV or satellite TV. IPTV provides services like live video recording, live video pause and play, VoD services, etc... Hence IPTV evolves continuously to provide much more interactive services to users...

It is also believed that providing the latest and innovative services to the customer can contribute to the success of IPTV hence IPTVSP are more interested to integrate the services even to mobile phones and provide additional services like interactive communication to general television sets.

The following diagram shows the evolution of the services of IPTV

Figure-5: Evolution of the services of IPTV

Migrating to IMS

Due to the potential in the IPTV services, the IPTVSP are trying to provide VoIP by using the IP multimedia subsystem IMS architecture, which is used for VoIP communication by using the SIP signaling.

This has led to a moment that may replace the traditional public switching telephone networks.

Many IPTVSP choose TMS architecture for providing rich multimedia communication of various kinds. Many organizations like ETSI and Cable Labs have created standards for IMS architecture to be sported by many networks. TISPAN which is a part of ETSI and Cable Labs is a dedicated organization to provide standardization for IMS architecture to be support policy controlled internet protocol transport network. [2][5]

Currently IMS architecture hasn’t replaced PSTN yet, by work is going on to do it as soon as possible. Currently IMS standards are mainly focused on providing communication services using STP signals.

The following figure shows the High-level architecture of TISPAN NGN architecture

Figure-6: High level architecture of TISPAN NGN architecture

Currently IMS is being used to support communication and rich multimedia services using IPTV architecture.

As IMS alone can’t provide all the services envisioned by the IPTV service providers, the IPTVSP are looking for means to use both STP and non STP based applications. Some of the popular non STP based applications are peer to peer sharing, instant messaging, MMS, SMS, etc. Many IPTVSP prefer to use Cisco service framework until IMS and non IMS strategies evolve. Cisco service framework provides a means to use both STP and non STP based applications. [4][3]

3.2 Design and Implementation:

IPTV uses analog devices with Blackfin Embedded processor.

Figure-7: processing structure at chip level

Hardware and Software

Hardware

Processor:

IPTV uses a high-performance processor known as Blackfin ADSP-BF533. This processor is specifically made for the power constraints and computational demands of embedded video and audio applications. It uses RISC programming model along with an improved memory architecture containing DMA and cache memory.

Video Encoder:

We use anADV7171 integrated digital video encoder to convert video data to analog TV signal with worldwide standards.

Audio Codec:

We use a high-performance single chip codec, AD1836 audio codec that provides three DAC’s and two stereo ADC’s...

Ethernet interface Chip:

IPTV uses SMSC LAN91C111 chip that implements a 3rd generation fast Ethernet connectivity for embedded applications. LAN91C111 can be used for analog/digital devices which could implement both the MAC and PHY portion of CSMA/C protocol at speed of 10-100mbps. It can also be used with embedded devices with bus constrains of 8 bit/ 16 bit/32-bit interfaces.

Software Blocks

UClinux OS:

We will be using uClinuc OS which is a linux based OS. The processes in the OS are divided into user processes and kernel process and whenever a user process needs to access hardware device connected to the system, it needs to use the specific device driver.

Example:

A specific network driver to use the Ethernet device SMSC’s LAN91C111, Video driver is used for video encoder chip ADV717, RS232 driver to use the UART, Audio driver for using codec AD1836.

Video Driver

The application puts a YUV422 format frame in the frame buffer and calls the driver write function by passing the address of the start frame as argument. When a timer interrupt occurs the timer interrupt handler transfers the control from YUV422 user buffer to the Driver buffer, while performing this action interlacing is done. Interlacing is the process of separating even lines from odd lines. After finishing the processor continues on with the other frames at a rate of 15 frames/second.

Audio Driver:

We need to configure SPI so that it operates at a baud rate 2MHz, 16-bit data, MSB first, SPI Master.

We need to configure SPORT so that it operates in I2S mode so that it transmits and receive data to and from AD1836, External clocks which is 2 MHz, External Frame sync. MSB first, 16-bit data, Secondary side enable. DMA2 is mapped to Sport0 TX and work in the stop mode.

Initially DMA2 is disabled and its addresses will be assigned to decoder address buffer, after that DMA is enabled and then enables SPORT. It uses the DMA2 bit to specify theta data transfer to the audio chip is completed so that any new write operation can be performed.

Media Player:

We use FFmpeg media player which is capable of recording and converting video and audio streams and it also has a built-in codec called liba codec. This media player is platform independent although it was originally developed in linux. As said data stream is split into packets, as size of video frames can vary the borders of any two video frames may not coincide with each other in a packet. We can either use an external unction to read individual frames or use the media players built in av_read_frame function to read the frames. Generally, we use the built in function to reducer the overhead.

3.3 Quality of Service

Measuring IPTV QoS performance:

Quality-of-experience (QoE)—or QoS is also said to be the satisfactory levels of the users i.e. are the customs happy or satisfied with the quality of services. Whereas QoS can also be used to improve or modify the network implementation to improve the quality of services’

To rapidly improve and maintain Qi’s the SP must respond to the customs problems as soon as possible. Hence the STB must be able to report problems faced by the user to SP.

The most commonly used test for video quality assessment is dual-ended model where we compare the actual video to that of the impaired video which is the result of complex video processing which is an effect of compression and decompression, encryption and decryption, video digitization, etc.. This model is of no use if the source and impaired videos are far from each other. [6][7]

MPQM model

Moving Picture Quality Metrics (MPQM) is developed over the last 10 years specifically for it. It is singled ended model used for video assessment at run time. it works in the same way as E-Model assesses VoIP quality. It is based on human vision system. It considers the degradation of the source video from that of the video after processing in the human eye and brain prospective. Quality loose are mainly due to compression and packet losses in the network.

V-factor implementation of the MPQM model provides video quality score and other information which could be used for diagnosing the quality issues. V-factor provides the transport stream key parameters (KPI) (as mentioned in ETSI TR 101290) and other network layer's performance parameters (as mentioned in ITU Y1540/1541 or IETF RFC2330.)

Video quality

We need several parameters such as the probability of packet loss in the network, image quality, jitter in network, network losses and PCR jitter to use MPQM. [4][5]

The probability of packet loss can be found from the network and streaking impairments and the buffer depth used for data decompression. Image quality considers parameters like nature of videos frame affected by network jitters and packet losses along with the sizes if frames and group of pictures (GOP). The loss of the video stream frame depends on the value of GOP, as GOP specifies the sequence of I, B and P. loss of I frames can make the process of reconstruction of R and p frames very difficult.

This kind of monitoring system can be used in services like VoD or IPTV.in this way we can monitor the quality of video throughout the network. We can use the same model to monitor the data from content providers by adding V-factor agent to STB by which problems can be easily diagnosed and fixed

V-factor into STB

V-factors can be used to monitor IPTV services and to alarm the SP about any errors that may occur in video streaming.

We provide information like the size of A/V buffer which helps to find the maximum jitter that STB can handle for A/V parts, for the MPQM model to work. This helps to find out if techniques like FEC can be helpful or not.

After that some real-time data is accessed from the iplayer, MPEG2 layer and RTP layer. The API’s provided by the V-factor can be used for this purpose. Apart from that based on the architecture of STB, data can be accessed from the TV or the adaptation.

IPTV QOS which is a confusing issue for many businesses:

People generally tend to use old techniques as the new techniques may often be confusing. For this reason, QoS was not used by many people. Similarly, when the industry moved from analog signals to digital signals, engineers used to measure the digital signals by first converting them to analog so that they can use existing equipment for measurement. IPTV QOS has caused the same problem, where engineers with networking knowledge wanted to measure in network statistics and engineers with video knowledge measured with video statistics which wasn’t a good practice. [6][8]

But the methods are best at what they do but they were not good enough for QOS.

The problems in the IPTV system can be pointed out to the following 4 test points.

1) Head End

2) Core Network

3) Network Edge

4) Customer Home.

1) Head End.

This part involves creating, providing and receiving video from a Head End.

A Head End consists of professional video encoders, Video on Demand Servers with videos in one of many video formats, bitrates, compression types, etc. They could be Unicast or Multicast, UDP, RTP or proprietary mechanism.

The head end must be robust as any problem at head end could affect every user.

We need to monitor IP video flow to check if the first point in IP is encapsulated correctly as the rest of the infrastructure depends on it.

Most importantly we must monitor all the flow if we use any kind of round robin mechanisms. That is because we may just check2 out of 200 flows and there may be some error in some other flow, hence check all flows. [7]

2) Core Network.

We need to check our flows coming into the network and going out of the network.

Our utmost concern is of packet loss. As jitters cause packet loss, we need to monitor all the jitters.

Another issue here is that sometimes all the ip packets are present but the media packets inside the ip packets are lost. Hence, we need to cheek deep into the ip packet to confirm that the media packets are present.

These complications are one of the things that might not have been accounted by the equipment manufacturers. IPTVSP are more interested to provide more services to the customer rather that solving the problems faced by the customers. If they try to solve the customer’s problems, then they need to provide good solutions.

3) Network Edge.

Initially we need to confirm that all the streams flow simultaneously despite the jitters and packet losses, after that we confirm that the “last Mile” mechanism is working perfectly on the client side.

These steps involve conversation of IP to RF (radio frequency) as cable companies use RF instead of copper or optical fibers, so we can’t say the end user has an IP network or not, this can only be known by the infrastructure used.

4) Customer Home:

It is the most important part of the system.

Initially we need to check our input. If the ere are no jitters and packet losses the video will be safely transmitted to STB just as it was encoded at the head end.

If there is any problem in to the customer, we can provide mechanisms like provide ding equipment to customer to notify the head end about the problem faced by the customer.

But in reality, it is not possible as the IPTVSP cannot access the entire system as different components may be designed and manufactured by different companies.

If the other companies are working cooperatively then these problems could be solved.

3.5 Where is the problem?

The, most difficult is to find where the problem has occurred. To quantify the quality of IPTV there are a set of standards, the most preferred standards are as follows.

1) V-Factor

2) MOS

3) MDI

1) V-Factor

It uses the MPQM to decide the video quality by simulating the human experience.

Though this seems to be a good solution it couldn’t be implemented as it takes too much of processing time, hence it would be better to integrate it into the STB as we only need to have an abstract information about the quality of video.

2) MOS (Mean Opinion Score)

This metric also works in the same was as V-factor, but it provides information such as what is wrong with the system in human prospective. It gives a score to the videos based on its quality.

3) MDI (Media Delivery Index)

Unlike the previous two methods where we analyses the video in this method, we find data about the jitters and packet losses. This information can be used to find out how the video has been delivered.

MDI can be used to find problems in the delivery mechanisms and more over it can provide information such as which data streams can be effected by the network for example when we shift from SD to HD there might be some differences in the video that is finally delivered, this could be only noticed by MDI

Measuring quality of Service

Quality of Service in IPTV - Presentation Transcript [13][14]

1. A Perspective on Quality of Service and Quality of Experience in IPTV are broadly used by Maya Garson

2. Agenda

· Why to choose IPTV?

· Need for IPv6 driven by Triple play services

· Defining Quality of Service

· what is Channel Zapping Time

· Measuring the quality of video

· Testing IPTV Networks IPTV QoE

3. Possibilities of IPTV

· These is literally no limits to the applications and services that could be provided by IPTV

· Cost reduction due to the shift from broadcast to multicast

· VoD

· Ability to access the web

· Triple Play – combining VoIP, VoD and web access

· Improved Interactive communication

· Providing an Interactive communication for IMusers.

· Personal Video Recorder – accessible from anywhere

4. Do Not Disturb Urgent: an IPTV service that can handle the user’s incoming calls while the user is viewing IPTV content.

5. Because of the rapid growth in the number of people using devices capable of using IPTV services, the need for IPv6 is also growing rapidly as a greater number of devices needs to be addressed and for plug and play networking. IPv6 provides the following functionality.

· It allows Interactive Gaming & Video on demand

· Automatic configuration

· Enhanced security

· improved mobility support for IPTV, IP Phones, IPTV QoE

3.6 IPTV Security Requirements

Introduction to security requirements

The document presents the security requirements of IPTV from the transport perspective, service perspective and content perspective. Security requirements for each layer are based on a set of entities as shown in the figure.[14][15]

SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT

Figure-8: secuirty requirement structure for IPTV

In this document we are only concerned with some aspects of IPTV, whereas the general security issues involving physical equipment or environment security or OS security is out of the document.

IPTV Security Objectives

Security objectives of IPTV service are as follows: [15][16]

· The services provided by IPTV are to be highly stable and available.

· Only authorized users can access the IPT services.

· The user’s abuse actions should be managed to reduce the garbage data.

· IPT services must be protected from being deleted, modifies or subjected to replay attack.

· IPTV service programs or content should be protected by copyrights.

Requirements for IPTV security

In this document we focus only on the security requirements that are to be achieved rather that how they are achieved.

Security requirements for IPTV Transport Stratum

It is divided into two parts one for network operator and another for subscribers.

Security requirements for network operator

Access control and authentication: authenticate the access to network and the services over the network to avoid unauthorized access to the network and its services.

Authenticity of network entities: the network should be able to authenticate every component of the network for a trust relationship between network entities.

Protection of data integrity and availability:

IPTV guaranties the availability and integrity of the data available in the network.

Accountability of data packets: we need to adopt mechanism by which we can find incentives based on the traceability of the source of the behavior either good or bad. Then based on the behavior we can reward or punish the source.

Multicast security protection: control over multicast group members, availability of the key equipment’s, verifythe identities of multicast source, etc. should be achieved by IP multicast or allocation layer multicast.

Security requirements about CDN: we need to protect the CDN nodes and distributed streaming in CDN network.

Security requirements for subscribers:

Authenticity of subscribers’ devices: there is a possibility that there might be more than one device sharing the same user account, and then there should be mechanisms to verify the home device. Authorization and accountability are also required.

Security requirements for service provider

IPTVSP use multiple authentication mechanism like digital certificates, smartcards, fingerprint, etc. to authenticate the user to prohibit illegal access to the services. IPTVSP may also limit the access times of the users by policy control to avoid unauthorized user for accessing the services.

Availability of IPTV service: IPTV system should be able to monitor itself and check to see if someone is trying to attack the system and check to see if any error has cured as even a small service failure can upset the customers. It should have mechanisms for emergency recovery.

Security requirements of subscriber

There should be mechanisms for the subscriber/user to verify the identity of the IPTV service provider

Protection of subscriber’s information confidentiality: IPTVSP must adopt mechanisms like encryption to protect subscriber information.

Protection of subscribes’ right to privacy: IPTVSP must protect user’s information such as user location, identities, phone numbers, billing details, network addresses or call-accounting data.

Security requirements for IPTV Content Stratum

There are three entities that are concerned with the security of IPTV content.

1. Content provider

2. Service provider

3. End consumer

DRM can be used for different purposes b SP or CP (service providers or content provider) individually or together.

Security requirements for content provider

Copyrights protection for contents: IPTVCP should use digital watermarks to copyright their content from being copied or sold by unauthorized people.

Security requirements for service provider

Copyrights protection for contents: IPTVSP must use some king of DRM servers that ensures that no one uses the content illegally or copies the content.

Protection for legality of contents: IPTVSP must ensure that the content being streamed follow the law/regulatory requirements which issued by national or local authorities.

Security requirements for subscriber

Copyrights protection for contents: all the viewing devices have a DRM module which enable s it to cooperate with the DRM server for content protection.

3.7 Proposal

IPTV security requirements are to be studied as a work item and the document may consist the following:

 Requirements for content stratum

 Requirements for service stratum

 Requirements for transport stratum

As requirement for each participant may differ we need to analyze the requirements for each layer according to different participants.

Advantage of IPTV

Advantages of IPTV are as follows.

Integration

Integration plays a key role in the success of IPTV as the IPTVSP integrates various services in a single package. In this way the cost can be reduced, and the user now has to deal only with once service provider.

Switched IP

We need to know that in traditional cable TV broadcasters and Satellite TV broadcasters all the channels are being streams to them at a time in a single cable. Even though a user is watching one channel all the channels are being streamed which is causing wastage of bandwidth. Where as in IPTV on the channel that the user wants to watch is streamed to him, in this way we save lot of bandwidth. The leftover bandwidth can be used to request additional information like player statistics while watching a football game. By using IPT we are connected to internet hence we can develop much application that could be more interactive and improve the user experience.

Home Network

As all the devices like computer and television are connected to the same network, devices can share content on the network. For example, we can use the TV to view content like movies and images stored in a computer. Computers with TV tuner cards can be used to view tic channels on the computer.

Video on Demand (VOD)

Video on demand is the latest service provided by the IPTVSP which enables the user to view the videos or movies they like at the time they want. All that the user needs to do is to select the program or video or movie he/she wants to see from the list of items and the requested content will be streamed to the viewing devices.

Better Compression

As IPT uses a better standardized compression mechanism that that used in traditional standard, the file sizes that are sent over the network are smaller in size with a much better quality.

Chapter-4:

Design frame work and Implementation

4.1 Design:

4.1.1 Use case diagram

To improve the performance of the IPTV we use a distributed architecture hence we use multiple servers to send content to the customers. We use different servers in different localities. Places where there are a greater number of user, we use more servers. Hence when we want to send any content to the customers the content data needs to be buffered in the local servers so that it could be distributed from the local server. Hence IPTVSP (IPTV service provider) initially performs data synchronization between all the servers.

Customers can access the web using IPTV hence the IPTV connects the customer’s viewing devices to the Internet. All the information that the customer access through the web is routed through the IPTV services.

Figure-9: use case model

Figure-10: use case model

4.1.2 Activity diagram

Data synchronization

The IPTVSP initializes the system ie.. Start the system and send the content to all the local servers and performs data synchronization to check that all the servers get the same information and there is no loose in the quality of video

Figure-11: activity diagram for data synchronization

Web Access

Figure-12: activity diagram for web accessing

When the customer wants to access the web the customer initially turns on the STB or the Adapter so that it establishes a connection with the head end and the requests for web access. The head end the provided services to the customer to access the web.

4.1.3 Sequence Diagram

Data synchronization

Figure-13: sequence diagram for syncronization

The first step performed by the IPTVSP is to perform data synchronization with all the local servers so that all the servers receive the data or content to be streamed to the end user or customer.

Web Access

When a customer want to access the web the customer must initially send a request to the system for accessing the web then not he system establishes a connection between the customer device and the internet.

Figure-14: sequence diagram for web accessing model

4.2Implementation through OPNET simulation:

Unstructured network scenario of peer to peer with IPTV Streaming:

Major intention of this project comes with technique that reduces the burden from centralized server with peer to peer connectivity. The connectivity is not directly possible, instead, it come with volatile cache memory streaming for distributed architecture. For that, this project used simulator as OPNET which enables to analyze the different factors in network channels and communication. In this project, simulator designed a model which can able to trace the packet switching while transmitting the data over network and rate of transmission can be calculated as arte per second. This becomes a major achievement to access lower end terminals with same quality aspects of higher end terminals.

For this module, initially it needs to select a project module and network topology with respect to centralized station and applications configuration settings and profile configuration settings. For this network, this project considered unstructured network with different end of nodes. One media server is considered and connected to every node in the network. Media server is the end which can capable to handle multimedia data transmission over network. Main server is kept at the centralized location which can be attached with gatekeeper setting where there is a lot of scope for security threats in multimedia data transmission, so every terminal need to get the data with gatekeeper verification where it is also connected with gateway router which enables to convert the different configuration standards.

Initially network setting is required in simulation, so every node is configured with property settings and preferences. As per the all conditional settings, this project scenario is as follows:

In the above network, n number of segments considered and connected in peer to peer fashion, so each segment is configured with attribute settings. Media server is having protocol settings like multimedia protocol enabling. Gate keeper must configure with security protocol settings and finally server is configured with synchronization settings. Configuration DES is the panel that used to set the input values and output panel record where each output should be enabled based on the values entered in input fields. For this network, simulation duration is considered as 15 minutes which applied load value on kernel level. Accordingly, simulation gets generated. Output field consists simulation models settings like 2-dimensional visualization or 3-dimensional visualization. Then finally it runs through run button logic.

Simulation process checks the kernel level settings like TCP/IP protocol communication settings and the graph value is generated according to the input values. Following screens are depicting the level of processing along with graph variations.

Then, simulation results can enable to view based on single factor like busy rate at receiver end and busy rate at transmission end. In the following screen, one terminal end is tested with packet delay and busy rate of receiving packets and transmission of packets. As per the graph values there are not a quality degrades values by considering busy variations.

Utilization and throughput values are get changed with load balancing factor where it can clear visualized in following graph simulation.

When comes to packet loss factor, it varied with throughput and data utilization factors.

Finally all the simulation parts with respect to individual factors are displayed in the following graph. According to this graph values, it supports the project aim which reduces the burden from main server and improve the quality and performance of IPTV by placing the mediatory memory blocks like media server in distributed environment.

Chapter-5

Findings & Results

Summary of Results:

Security is also considerable and major factor for measuring the performance and quality of IPTV data transmission. Without any disturbance all the data can be transmitted by using this IPTV system. If we consider the security issues, then there are a lot of limitations in order to transmit the data over the network. As this IPTV technology is about transmitting the data packets in the form of the multimedia even if the hacker gets the data packets, he may feel difficult in converting the data packets into the sound files. It is because it will be very difficult in altering the data packets even though the content is readable.

Security aspects that can be achieved for IPTV:

Who will take of security?

IPTV user is not the single person who takes care of the security in the communication. Service providers also take care of security mechanism through the system by monitoring the firewalls for authentication and for encryption.

Encryption:

Since the voice signals and video are transmitted in the form of data packets there is very larger possibility having attacks. So, for that purpose encryption is must in order to prevent attacks. Cryptography is used for converting the data in to the cipher text at the sender side. These encrypted or cipher text is converted in to plain data at the receiver side such that those packets can be converted back to the voice signals. Since in VoIP and IPTV data transmission is in the form of sound files there is no need of special encryption mechanism because data in the audio file is very difficult to be tampered.

Enforcing authentication:

Verifying the credentials by verifying the password such things to access the network service is nothing but the authentication. Unauthorized users can be restricted from being accessing the network. The list of the authenticated users can be varied in this research project. For ensuring the security this is one of the best methods. Generally, VoIP and IPTV check the authentication along with the phone number having the credentials at its initial stages. So, in the initial stages only people are restricted.

Using firewalls:

Firewall is nothing but a program which takes care of the barriers between the source of security threats and our system or the network. The firewall filters the all the data that flows between the source of the data and the system. If the centralized system handles the administration of the network, then firewall software must be installed on the system. By that we can have protection to the network. In our project firewall is embed with the router such that it handles the threads.

Discussions and Evolutions:

1) How secure is IPTV

As per our project implementation and the design higher security can be achieved by the IPTV transmission when compared to the other data transmissions. As I have observed previously data in the form of sound file will be difficult to be altered even though it is in the readable mode.

A client can be connected only after checking with credentials. Filtering must be done or unauthorized people must be avoided in order to prevent access over the communication. The availability of the users can be observed and there can be an initiation message sent to the person whom user wants to talk first. From the terminal ends the denial of service can be defended.

2) What’s the IPTV quality like

As per the practical implementation I made and as per the information I can say that the quality performance of the IPTV is very satisfactory.

· When compared to the existing processes the end to end delay is less compared. Because as per the literature survey there must be ended to end delay at 150ms in order to have high quality communication. There are certain limits for building such network having very limited resources. But in VoIP end to end delay is very less and with the satisfactory level it can be achieved.

· In order to have better quality in the voice communication bandwidth is the key factor. For one-way transmission the bandwidth required is 64Kbps. VoIP communication is half duplex and there must be higher bandwidth in order to transmit the data. Even video quality gets increased with mediatory server cache which this project proposal.

· Worst case scenario must be taken to judge the call distribution time exactly. An example for the worst case is busiest call transmission. We can observe the call distribution by observing the implementation.

3) Less expensive:

When compared to the present PSTN communication VoIP is very less expensive. Most of the IPTV providers will offer the same local and distance calls. The only condition that the user will aware is user must be having a broadband connection.

· If there is internet, good sound devices and also a proper IPTV connection then the call will be free and there is no need to pay anything for it.

Chapter-6

Conclusion and Future trends

As per the analysis and as per the implementation of the project IPTV is secure when compared to other transmissions. The data sent over the IPTV network is very safe and it is best in some issues such as quality of the data, speed of the transmission and quality of service factors etc.

According to the research analysis made we can say that IPTV can defend many types of attacks such as DoS, unauthorized access, malwares and other attacks.

The research made is very much helpful to enhance the security issue and also to have better communication between the two ends with any disturbances. This IPTV is very useful to the users and the improvement of the technology is very high.

Future trends:

We must keep track of all the details regarding the attacking areas because as the technology increases the strategy of attacking the network also increases.

This IPTV technology is very much suited for the networks with higher bandwidths. So other users cannot get higher clarity of the voice in the communication. So, this area must be more focused to improve the voice quality for the lower bandwidth networks. By that all the users could get the same type of facilities.

References:

[1]Digital Video Distribution in Broadband, Television, Mobile and Converged Networks: Trends, Challenges and Solutions by Sanjoy Paul. John Wiley and Sons, 20-Jun-2011.

[2]European Telecommunications Standards Institute, “Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), Transport of MPEG-2 Based DVB Services Over IP Based Networks,” ETSI TS 102 034, v1.2.1, Sept. 2006, p. 51. _http://www.etsi.org_.

[3]Why IPTV: Interactivity, Technologies, Services by Johan Hjelm , John Wiley and Sons, 20-Jan-2009.

[4] S. Hawley and G. Schultz, IP Video Quality: QoS & QoE—Quarterly Technology & Content Report, IPTV Tracking Service, Multimedia Research Group (MRG), Feb. 2007.

[5] Next Generation IPTV Services and Technologies by Gérard O'Driscoll and John Wiley & Sons, 02-Jan-2008

[6] IPTV security: protecting high-value digital contents By David Ramirez,John Wiley and Sons, 11-Mar-2008.

[7] International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardization Sector, “Subjective Video Quality Assessment Methods for Multimedia Applications,” ITU-T Rec. P.910, Sept. 1999, _http://www.itu.int_.

[8] Delivering the Promise of IPTV by International Engineering Consortium 01-May-2006.

[9] A CAM-based, high-performance classifier-scheduler for a video network processor By Srivamsi Tarigopula, University of North Texas-ProQuest, 2007.

[10] International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardization Sector, Focus Group on IPTV, “Working Document: Quality of

[11] A. R. Reibman, S. Kanumuri, V. Vaishampayan, and P. C. Cosman, “Visibility of Individual Packet Losses in MPEG-2 Video,” Proc. IEEE Internet. Conf. on Image Processing (ICIP ‘04) (Singapore, 2004), vol. 1, pp. 171–174.

[12] S. Tao, J. G. Apostolopoulos, and R. A. Guérin, “Real-Time Monitoring of Video Quality in IP Networks,” Proc. Internat. Workshop on Network and Operating System Support for Digital Audio and Video (NOSSDAV ‘05) (Stevenson, WA, 2005), pp. 129–134.

[13] System Design for Telecommunication Gateways By Alexander Bachmutsky - John Wiley & Sons, 20-Jun-2011.

[14] Webcasting worldwide: business models of an emerging global medium By Louisa Ha, Richard J. Ganahl - Routledge, 2007.

[15] J. Welch and J. Clark, “A Proposed Media Delivery Index (MDI),” IETF RFC 4445, Apr. 2006, _http://www.apps.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4445.txt_.

[16] S. Winkler, Digital Video Quality: Vision Models and Metrics, John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, West Sussex, Hoboken, NJ, 2005, pp. 42–47.

[17] Experience Requirements for IPTV,” ITU-T FG IPTV-DOC-0086, May 2007, p. 20, _http://www.itu.int_.

[18] http://www.opnet.com/university_program/teaching_with_opnet/textbooks_and_materials/materials/Lab_Exercices_Modeler.pdf

[19] http://www.opnet.com/solutions/brochures/R&D_NEMs.pdf

[20] http://www.opnet.com/solutions/brochures/R&D_NEMs.pdf

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