Overview
This course covers OTT TV by primarily looking at the delivery of video streams using HTTP adaptive streaming. Both MPEG DASH and HLS are investigated. Hands on sessions primarily involve using Wireshark to analyse streams.
Prerequisites
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
- Explain what OTT TV is, and how it works.
- Describe the OTT TV architecture.
- Use Wireshark to analyse and troubleshoot OTT video streams.
- Explain how HTTP adaptive streaming works.
- Evaluate and compare MPEG DASH and HLS.
- Use tools to create OTT TV adaptive streams.
Outline
What is OTT TV?
Broadcast vs OTT TV. Delivery over the Internet. Video providers vs ISPs. What is HTTP streaming? How is it kept secure? HTTP, not HTTP streaming, streaming protocol vs HTTP streaming, TCP vs UDP, not UDP and RTP for delivery, ABR streaming, standards.
Hands on: Using Wireshark for HTTP streams.
HTTP protocol stack
The whole stack, IP, TCP, UDP, IPv6, HTTP versions, HTTP packet structure, HTTP example GET and RESPONSE, HTTPv1.1, HTTPv2.0, HTTPv3.0, HTTP vs Flash, HTML 5.
Hands on: Analysing HTTP streams.
Adaptive bitrate streaming principles
Transcoding - transizing and transrating, bit rate encoding ladder. Video chunks, fragments, segments. Switching streams, manifest files - overview and examples, URLs.
Hands on: Client behaviours on a stream.
OTT TV streaming architecture
IPTV, OTT, The Internet. content providers, peering and transit, IX, peering arrangements, CDN, CDN servers, CDN providers, nearest servers, HTTP caching, Name resolution, DNS and multiple addresses, GSLB, anycast.
Hands on: Analysing CDN and Internet delivery.
TCP and HTTP streaming interactions
TCP connections, 3-way handshake, TCP and broadcasts, acknowledgments, sliding window, window size, the problem with TCP and HTTP, persistent and concurrent connections, performance of HTTPv1.1 and HTTPv2.
Hands on: TCP and HTTP.
MPEG DASH
Overview, stakeholders, architecture, codec agnostic, XML files, media presentation (MPD) XML files, segments, example MPD.
Hands on: MPEG DASH MPD analysis.
HTTP Live Streaming and others
HLS introduction, HLS overview, playlists, example playlist, Microsoft Smooth Streaming.
Hands on: HLS manifest analysis.
Tools
Bento4, Apple developer tools for HLS.
Hands on: Creating segmented content.
Security
TLS/SSL protocol, HTTPS, TCP and TLSv1.2, example TLSv1.2 client and server hello, TCP and TLSv1.3, QUIC timeline, QUIC layers, QUIC connections, QUIC streams, QUIC packets and frames, QUIC headers, QUIC encryption, QUIC acknowledgements, QUIC congestion control, QUIC handshake, content protection.
Hands on: Analysis of TLSv1.2, v1.3 and QUIC.
Summary
Streaming priorities, IPTV vs OTT, VOD vs live stream, HLS vs MPEG-DASH vs low latency, WebRTC.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.