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This article offers a comprehensive measurement analysis of Kankan, a notable video-on-

demand (VoD) streaming platform in China, distinguished by its utilization of a hybrid content
delivery network (CDN) and peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture. In contrast to its contemporaries in
the Internet VoD streaming landscape, which predominantly relied on either CDN or P2P
networks for content delivery, Kankan pursued an innovative approach aimed at achieving a
delicate equilibrium between streaming efficiency and scalability. Structurally, the article is
organized into an introductory section, followed by five subsequent sections, ultimately
culminating in a well-rounded conclusion that synthesizes the key findings and insights derived
from the study.
The motivation driving this study is elucidated in the introduction, where the authors
highlight the emerging interest of academia and industry in hybrid CDN-P2P content delivery
systems. They note that CDNs faced challenges in scaling and supporting HTTP-based video
delivery, while P2P VoD streaming encountered issues such as prolonged startup delays. CDNs
offered superior speed and reliability for video streams but at a higher cost, while P2P methods
were more cost-effective for large-scale streaming. The hybrid CDN-P2P architecture presented
an opportunity to strike a balance between streaming speed and scalability, thus garnering
attention from researchers and industries alike.
This study's comprehensiveness stems from a substantial research gap. While prior
research had extensively explored both CDN and P2P VoD systems, the authors observed a
dearth of actual measurement studies on operational hybrid CDN-P2P VoD systems. Most earlier
research relied on simulations using synthesized or collected traces as inputs. Only two studies
had scrutinized real-world commercial hybrid systems: China's P2P-enhanced LiveSky system
and NetSession, a CDN leveraging a peer network for data distribution. However, these
evaluations were primarily based on system traces. Thus, this article fills a crucial void by
offering a detailed measurement analysis of the Kanban system, making it a significant
contribution to the knowledge base surrounding hybrid content delivery systems.
The authors' contributions extend to their successful analysis of the collaboration between
the P2P and CDN networks within Kankan, allowing for an exploration of the design trade-offs
inherent in the hybrid CDN-P2P system architecture. By isolating signaling messages and
internet traffic between CDN servers and Kankan clients, the authors gained valuable insights.
Additionally, their comprehensive measurement analysis identified four key issues with the
Kankan system: distribution, delivery, CDN-P2P design, and deployment, shedding light on the
intricacies of hybrid systems.
This article is well-suited for both students and researchers, employing various
visualization tools, such as graphs, to present data effectively. These visuals enhance
comprehension, and the article maintains a logical flow of information. It commences with
foundational knowledge about hybrid systems before delving into more complex aspects,
including the CDN-P2P architecture implemented in Xunlei Kankan.
However, the article raises questions regarding the loose coupling between the CDN and
P2P networks within the Kankan hybrid structure. The rationale behind choosing Kankan,
despite this loose coupling, remains unexplained. Was Kankan the sole streaming platform
utilizing the hybrid CDN-P2P system at that time, or were there specific reasons for its selection?
Further clarification on these points would enhance the reader's understanding of the research
context.

Word Count- 514

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