Kernel-Level ABR: A Game Changer for Video Streaming

The challenge with traditional user-space Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) algorithms is their lack of visibility into transport layer signals. They miss key indicators like minimum Round Trip Time (RTT) and instantaneous delivery rates, only reacting after issues reach the playout buffer. Enter eBandit, a novel framework that addresses these limitations by relocating both network monitoring and ABR selection into the Linux kernel using eBPF.

Revolutionizing Video Streaming

eBandit's core innovation is its integration within the Linux kernel, effectively allowing it to access live TCP metrics. A lightweight epsilon-greedy Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) operates inside a sockops program, evaluating three ABR heuristics against these metrics. The results speak volumes. On an adversarial synthetic trace, eBandit achieved a cumulative Quality of Experience (QoE) of 416.3 ± 4.9, outperforming the best static heuristic by a notable 7.2%.

Real-World Impact

The applicability of eBandit goes beyond synthetic scenarios. In testing across 42 real-world sessions, it achieved a mean QoE per chunk of 1.241, the highest across all policies. This demonstrates its effectiveness in diverse, often unpredictable mobile conditions. The key contribution here's clear: eBandit represents a significant step forward in adapting ABR algorithms to meet the demands of modern network conditions.

Why It Matters

But why should we care? Simply put, eBandit’s approach to embedding network intelligence within the kernel sets a new standard for video streaming quality. As video consumption continues to soar, the demand for smooth streaming experiences rises in parallel. eBandit promises not just incremental improvements, but a fundamental shift in how ABR algorithms can operate more efficiently.

Yet, a question lingers: will other systems follow suit and embrace kernel-level solutions? If eBandit is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. The move to kernel-resident algorithms isn't just smart, it's inevitable. As developers and researchers look to the future, eBandit has set the bar high, and it's time for others to catch up.