Open Caching 101

Why do we need Open Caching?

The way we consume video content has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Streaming services are now surpassing traditional broadcast TV in many regions, while the rise of high-definition formats – like HD, 4K, and beyond – is accelerating worldwide. These shifts have created unprecedented demands on content delivery, which must handle large volumes of data while maintaining low latency and high bandwidth.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of new applications—such as gaming, immersive experiences, and IoT— has further increased the complexity of content delivery. Traditional content delivery networks (CDNs) are often ill-equipped to keep up with these demands. As a result, innovative approaches like Open Caching have emerged as critical solutions to ensure a seamless and high-quality viewing experience.

What is Open Caching?

Open Caching is a standardized technology designed to enhance the efficiency of streaming content delivery by incorporating content caches directly within Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks. It has been developed by the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA), a consortium of companies focused on solving the critical challenges facing streaming video to ultimately enable a better end-user experience and increase adoption. This alliance includes members from across the video ecosystem, such as:

• Media companies
• Studios
• Broadcasters
• ISPs
• Traditional CDN providers
• Streaming technology and service companies (like Qwilt)

Open Caching marks a departure from traditional content delivery methods that depend on centralized CDNs. Instead of relying on distant servers, Open Caching places caching nodes within the ISP’s network infrastructure. This strategic placement reduces the physical distance data must travel, addressing latency and network congestion issues that often plague streaming services. By standardizing content caching and delivery processes, Open Caching technology aims to deliver a streaming experience that is on par with, or exceeds, the quality of traditional broadcast television.

How Does Open Caching Work?

Open Caching works by embedding caching nodes directly within the ISP’s network infrastructure, typically positioned at the network edge. This localized setup allows content to be served from a cache node geographically closer to the end user rather than from a remote server. When a user requests content, such as a video stream, the request is routed to the nearest cache node, significantly reducing the distance the data travels and minimizing latency.

Key components of the system include:

• Request Router: Directs request to the appropriate cache node
• Caching Nodes: Stores and delivers frequently accessed content locally
• Control Plane: Manages configuration, updates, and security

This architecture ensures that content delivery is optimized, reducing the load on core network infrastructure and improving the overall Quality of Experience (QoE) for users.

 

 

Benefits of Open Caching

What Are the Benefits for Content Publishers?

Content publishers benefit from Open Caching through several key advantages:

• Improved Viewer Experience: Using local caching nodes helps deliver content with reduced buffering and latency, enhancing the viewing experience and meeting consumers’ high expectations for uninterrupted, high-quality video
• Expanded Reach: Enables publishers to reach audiences in rural and underserved areas more effectively, extending content availability and boosting viewership.
• Operational Efficiency: By reducing reliance on traditional CDNs and embracing an open platform, publishers can streamline their content distribution operations, making their organization more efficient.

What Are the Benefits for Service Providers?

For ISPs, Open Caching presents numerous operational and financial benefits:

• Network Optimization: Integrating caching nodes within their networks allows ISPs to alleviate network congestion and reduce the burden on core infrastructure, minimizing the need for costly network upgrades and expansions by making better use of existing resources.
• Peak Management: Helps manage peak traffic loads and high bandwidth demands, as well as improve network performance and reliability during large-scale events or high-definition content streaming.
• New Revenue Streams: Opens new revenue streams through partnerships with content publishers, enabling ISPs to monetize content delivery more effectively.
• Cost Reduction: Reduces bandwidth consumption and operational costs, making Open Caching a scalable and efficient solution as ISPs expand their networks.

What Are the Benefits for End Users?

By improving content delivery efficiency and maintaining high-quality performance across various devices and network conditions, end users experience significant improvements with Open Caching:

• Enhanced Viewing Experience: Reduced buffering times and faster content load times create a smoother and more enjoyable viewing experience.
• Improved Streaming Quality: Local caching reduces latency, ensuring high-definition and UHD content with minimal interruptions.
• Better Access: Faster access to on-demand videos and smoother playback of live streams are additional benefits that enhance the overall user experience, especially in areas with less advanced network infrastructure.