Rethinking the Necessity of Streaming Servers for VOD: Reimagining Content Delivery Without CDNs

The realm of online media consumption has witnessed a seismic shift toward streaming services, with video on demand (VOD) becoming an integral part of our daily lives. As technology continues to evolve, questions arise about the necessity of a dedicated streaming server for delivering high-quality content. Contrary to prevailing wisdom, especially in the case of HTTP streaming and VOD, utilizing a dedicated content delivery network (CDN) is not always obligatory.

CDN marketing often highlights the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to validate premium pricing. However, behind the scenes, it's not uncommon to find the utilization of obsolete technologies, coupled with a noticeable absence of personalized features that have gained prominence in recent years.

The Allure of HTTP Streaming

HTTP streaming, also known as adaptive streaming, is a technique that enables the delivery of multimedia content over conventional HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) connections. This method has gained substantial popularity due to its compatibility with existing web infrastructure, making it suitable for various platforms, devices, and network conditions. Prominent HTTP streaming protocols include HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP), which dynamically adjust video quality based on the viewer's network capabilities.

Reevaluating the Role of CDNs

While CDNs have long been regarded as indispensable for robust content delivery, the importance of a dedicated CDN for HTTP video streaming, especially for VOD, might be overstated. Let's explore this notion:

VOD and HTTP Streaming: Video on demand delivery, coupled with HTTP streaming, inherently follows a segmented approach. Content is divided into smaller segments, which can be individually fetched by viewers. This segmentation aligns with the fundamentals of CDNs, as they specialize in efficiently distributing content in smaller, manageable parts.

HTTP Caching: CDNs, in the context of VOD, primarily function as HTTP cache servers. They store frequently requested content segments, effectively reducing the load on the origin server. However, when dealing with VOD content, which is often not as time-sensitive as live streaming, the necessity of instantaneous access to content diminishes.

Caching Latency: While CDNs boast a network of geographically distributed edge servers, latency can still be a concern, particularly for less popular content. Accessing cached content from a nearby edge server can still result in additional latency compared to fetching content directly from the origin server.

Simplicity and Ownership: Opting for direct origin server delivery might offer a simpler content distribution model. It allows content providers to maintain complete control over their content delivery without relying on third-party CDNs.

Cost Considerations: Utilizing a CDN involves costs related to data transfer and storage. For certain scenarios, especially when dealing with less frequent content access, the financial advantages of bypassing CDNs can be noteworthy.



In some cases, the widespread use of CDNs can actually introduce certain disadvantages, particularly when it comes to accommodating the growing need for user personalization and dynamic content manipulation. While CDNs have proven effective in content delivery, they often lack the inherent flexibility required for real-time "manifest manipulation," a crucial aspect for tailoring content to individual viewer preferences. Traditional CDNs tend to offer personalization at a premium cost through features like 'Edge Compute,' which can significantly inflate the overall expense. Furthermore, many CDNs may not possess an in-depth understanding of intricate streaming details such as keyframes and buffer management, leading to suboptimal delivery experiences. Additionally, some CDNs continue to employ outdated HTTP Streaming, end-of-support Unified Streaming Platform packagers, which can limit their ability to keep pace with the latest advancements in streaming technology. These limitations underscore the importance of considering alternative strategies that enable more comprehensive content customization without compromising on cost and performance.

Conclusion

In summary, the assumed indispensability of a dedicated CDN for HTTP video streaming, especially in the realm of VOD, warrants closer examination. The rise of HTTP streaming has revolutionized content delivery by enabling efficient, segmented distribution. While CDNs offer valuable caching capabilities, their necessity for VOD scenarios can be reevaluated. Content providers should weigh the benefits of a simpler, more controlled delivery process against the advantages of utilizing CDNs, considering aspects such as latency, cost, and ownership. By taking a nuanced approach to content delivery, providers can tailor their strategies to better suit the demands of their audience and content type.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier

Independent streaming and iOS engineer

Last modified: December 17th, 2024