Stream control system for use in a network

Abstract

Stream control methods and devices are provided for use in a network () for transferring a video stream from a video server () to a video client () via a distribution chain of network resources (). A streaming controller () controls streaming settings at the client node. A bridge () controls the video stream by obtaining a bandwidth requirement of the video stream, and network resource data including bandwidths available on network resources. The bridge determines a resource allocation including an allocated bandwidth, based on the network resource data and the bandwidth requirement so that the video stream complies with the network resource data. The allocated bandwidth enables the streaming controller to control, in accordance with the allocated bandwidth, the streaming settings for the client. A network controller () receives network control data from the bridge to control, in accordance with the allocated bandwidth, the respective distribution chain associated to the respective video stream.