Security in peer-to-peer based IPTV systems

Abstract

This proposal describes the research project Security in Peer-to-Peer based IPTV Systems, which will be conducted at EPUSP with support from Auxílio à Pesquisa Regular da FAPESP. High-speed networks are increasingly used by IPTV (TV over IP) systems, enabling the transmission of multimedia content in a more personalized and interactive way than achieved with traditional television. In this context, aiming to create more scalable systems making a more rational use of network resources, it is common to adopt peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies, in which customers act as both consumers and providers of resources. The great potential of the P2P approach comes, however, with a price: the absence of a central trusted entity gives rise to several security vulnerabilities. The focus of this project is on developing security mechanisms for IPTV systems based on the P2P approach, providing services such as privacy, detection of abusive behavior (e.g., dissemination of bogus content or generation of attacks such as denial of service), availability guarantee, among others. The main objective of this research is thus the creation and evaluation of an architecture combining advanced IPTV services (e.g., time-shifted media transmission) with such security services in an efficient and effective manner. (AU)