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Throughput Manager

This page provides an overview of Throughput Manager, a software solution for enterprises looking to control network bandwidth during live video streaming events. It is intended for network administrators, IT teams, and event organizers working with Hive’s enterprise video solutions in environments with limited or unstable network capacity.

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What it does

Throughput Manager is a software-only tool that enables organizations to manage and limit the bandwidth consumed by live video events on specific sites. This helps ensure a stable viewing experience for live events, especially in locations with challenging or restricted network connections, while reserving bandwidth for other business-critical network operations.

Unlike traditional edge cache solutions that require on-premises hardware, Throughput Manager operates without the need for any additional hardware. The required logic is included in a plugin loaded within the user’s page.

When to use it

Throughput Manager is best suited for:

  • Office sites or regions with bandwidth limitations or recurrent network instability

  • Scenarios where live video experiences are impacted by poor network conditions

  • Enterprises wanting to avoid hardware installation or maintenance

It is not recommended for sites that already have sufficient network capacity to handle regular live video traffic using the standard Hive eCDN solution.

Key concepts

  • Bandwidth Limiting: Throughput Manager restricts the total bandwidth consumed by all live event viewers at a specific location. This ensures that network resources are preserved for other operations.

  • Software-only Solution: Does not require any additional hardware or on-premises deployment; all logic is managed within the user’s browser via a plugin.

  • Leader Streams and Redundancy: Multiple “site leaders” are designated to fetch live stream data, which is distributed to other viewers. This approach supports network changes and user fluctuations.

  • Live/Near-Live Playback: Viewers can watch the stream in real-time or slightly behind live (up to 30 seconds), as needed to optimize caching and sharing among users.

  • No VOD Bandwidth Limiting: Throughput Manager only controls bandwidth for live events. Video-on-demand (VOD) content is not bandwidth-restricted by Throughput Manager.

  • Compatibility: Throughput Manager is supported only on WebRTC and WebRTC + Booster sites. Sites using the Hive Agent will need to migrate to WebRTC-based optimization.

Updated