Enhanced Transport Protocol for Media Distribution on SFN Networks

This paper presents a novel network architecture for local content insertion in Single Frequency Networks (SFNs) from an IP-based perspective. The proposed approach enables seamless integration with legacy systems while improving efficiency by eliminating data duplication. To evaluate its applicability, the study examines the STLTP protocol for content distribution in lossy network environments and explores the potential benefits of alternative solutions. Key findings indicate that the SMTP-2022-1-based Forward Error Correction (FEC) mechanism becomes insufficient when network losses exceed 5%. In contrast, Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ)-based solutions can accommodate losses of up to 10%, but they introduce significant retransmissions and associated overhead. Furthermore, the study assesses the capabilities of the Reliable Internet Stream Transport (RIST) protocol, a modern alternative designed to enhance robustness in lossy networks. Finally, the paper proposes a hybrid approach for challenging network conditions characterized by high round-trip times and dynamic packet losses. This solution adaptively selects the most suitable error correction mechanism based on a utility function that optimizes overall system performance.