BT Group Partners with Edgio to Integrate Cutting-Edge CDN Technology
BT Group has announced a landmark partnership with Edgio to introduce a new Content Delivery Network (CDN) that leverages MAUD technology. This collaboration represents a significant advancement, with plans to trial MAUD-enabled streaming of EE TV content on select set-top boxes within the live network in the near future. This rollout, following MAUD’s introduction in December 2023, marks the first live deployment of this technology, setting a precedent for future CDN integrations.
MAUD Technology Revolutionizes Live Streaming
In an era of increasing demand for both live and on-demand content, MAUD technology offers an innovative solution to manage rising traffic loads efficiently. By utilising multicast to consolidate individual streams into a single shared stream, MAUD enhances the delivery of live content over the internet. This approach improves the reliability, quality, and sustainability of live streaming, providing a superior experience for viewers.
Advantages of MAUD-Enabled CDNs
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) play a crucial role in content distribution, storing data close to end-users to ensure fast and efficient access. For MAUD-enabled CDNs like Edgio, this technology offers dedicated support for streaming TV, ensuring high-quality delivery even when other internet activities, such as large downloads, are occurring simultaneously.
The adoption of MAUD is anticipated to bring significant cost benefits to CDN operators by facilitating scalable solutions without the need for extensive hardware upgrades. This capability is especially advantageous during major events, such as the World Cup or Euros, where it is essential to accommodate millions of viewers concurrently.
Additionally, MAUD-enabled CDNs contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing bandwidth usage by up to 50% during peak periods. This results in lower energy consumption due to fewer required caches. The integration of MAUD is seamless for content providers, requiring no changes to existing player applications.
Industry Perspectives
Howard Watson, Chief Security and Networks Officer at BT Group, commented: “Our objective at BT Group is to develop a streaming solution that meets the evolving needs of the content delivery landscape. By partnering with Edgio, we are advancing a content delivery system that integrates seamlessly with CDNs, making it available to a wide range of content providers.”
Emma Whitmore, Group Vice President EMEA at Edgio, added: “We are thrilled to be the first CDN to implement MAUD technology in our ongoing collaboration with BT Group. MAUD will alleviate network congestion, delivering a more consistent and high-quality experience for clients. The technology’s integration is designed to be straightforward, even in diverse network environments.”
Support for Open Caching Standards
Edgio champions Open Caching and actively supports the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA) in advancing standards for effective and scalable content delivery networks. By adhering to these standards, Edgio and BT Group are well-positioned to implement effective mechanisms for a successful collaboration.
