The design and performance of a multimedia server for high-speed networks

We present a multimedia architecture and a data retrieval model for supporting simultaneously multiple clients requesting files of different play-back rates. We study its performance using a circular SCAN disk scheduling policy in terms of the maximum number of concurrent video streams it can support. We present new techniques, namely, the maximum operation set and the Rate-based Buffer Weighting Scheme, to relieve the processing load on the server. Finally, we describe a new way of designing the admission control. The new admission control algorithm is simple, effective and efficient.