Low-Latency Live Video Streaming over a Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Network with DASH
Jinwei Zhao, Jianping Pan
Abstract
In light of Starlink's recent rapid growth in constructing a global low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation and offering high-speed, low-latency Internet services, the implications of utilizing Starlink for low-latency live video streaming, particularly in the context of its fluctuating latency and regular satellite handovers events, remain insufficiently explored. In this paper, we conducted a thorough measurement study on the Starlink access network, examining its performance across different protocol layers and at multiple geographical installations, including locations where laser intersatellite links are utilized in practice. We performed a comprehensive latency target-based analysis of low-latency live video streaming with three state-of-the-art adaptive bitrate (ABR) algorithms in dash.js over Starlink. We presented a novel ABR algorithm designed for low-latency live video streaming over Starlink networks which leverages satellite handover patterns observed from measurements to dynamically adjust video bitrate and playback speed. The performance evaluation of the proposed algorithm was conducted using both a purpose-built network emulator and actual Starlink networks. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively delivers a better quality of experience for low-latency live video streaming over Starlink networks, characterized by low live latency, high average bitrate, minimal rebuffering events and reduced visual quality fluctuation.