Bandwidth alerts

Context

When used in the context of video streaming, bandwidth defines the volume of information per unit of time that a transmission medium, like an Internet connection, can handle.

A connection with a larger bandwidth is capable of moving a specific amount of data, such as a video much faster than a connection with lower bandwidth. In other words, as bandwidth increases so do the amount of data that can flow through in a given amount of time. For real-time video applications, the more bandwidth that is available the better — higher quality video can be transported, either with respect to the video bitrate, the resolution, the frame rate, or the quality of compression.

Problem

The streamer is often not aware of fluctuations in the bandwidth as its focus is on the video.

Solution

The app feedbacks to the streamer when the internet connection is disconnected, lower than the stream quality bitrate or it cannot support the stream quality. The critical feedback displays on top of the video so the streamer is aware of the alerts regarding the network.

Use cases

1) When there is no internet connection

  • Bitrate = 0
  • Message = “You are offline. Please check your connection”
  • Duration of the display = As long as the connection is offline or disconnected.
  • The following alert will be displayed:

2) When the internet connection is unstable

  • The bitrate of the internet connection < The bitrate of the stream x allowed tolerance/100
  • Message = “Your internet connection is unstable”
  • Duration of the display = 20 seconds
  • The following alert will be displayed on top of the stream:

3) When the internet connection is lower than the stream quality bitrate

  • The bitrate of the internet connection < The bitrate of the stream
  • Message = “Your internet connection cannot support this stream quality”
  • Duration of the display = 20 seconds if the situation persists after 20 seconds another 20 seconds will be added to the duration of displaying the alert.
  • The following alert will be displayed on top of the video: