Using Intel Xeon Scalable Processors and DPDK (Data Plane Development Kit), as well as Intel Network Builders’ Secure DevCloud environment, Broadpeak’s CDN benchmarking tool simulates realistic video player behaviors. It supports the latest streaming protocols, allowing content providers and Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to improve video quality.

The tool provides users with information about performance of their CDN in realistic conditions, enabling them to make adjustments as needed to optimize performance. Broadpeak claims this to be one of the first such tools to support low-latency video streaming protocols, including Low Latency HLS and Low Latency DASH. Running on Intel-based servers that can temporarily be turned into test platforms to run the CDN benchmarking software, the tool is portable, and designed for easy installation on-premises, as well as straightforward updating, according to the company.

Being software-based, the tool can run on many available servers, avoiding need to invest in dedicated hardware. “CDN is a fast-changing technology with rapidly evolving streaming protocols. To keep pace, content providers and ISPs need an efficient benchmarking tool that can emulate a real-life video delivery workload,” said Lynn Comp, Vice President, Data Platforms Group, General Manager, Visual Infrastructure Division & NPG Strategy at Intel.