Leveraging Application Layer Path-Awareness with SCION

Abstract

Path-awareness in the next-generation Internet architecture SCION can be used to increase the reliability and performance of networking operations. It enables the unique opportunity to select inter-AS paths according to properties like latency or bandwidth, which is not possible with the current Internet Protocol. This thesis focuses on how path-awareness in SCION can be leveraged in consumer applications, in particular, video calls. The novel concept of path processor is introduced and explored as a means to break down the logic behind complex path selection strategies in the application layer. A SCION application library incorporating the path processor abstraction is presented and used to implement a path-aware video calling app. This iOS/macOS app uses call-specific metrics in its path processors and redundant transmission over disjoint paths to improve call reliability. Various experiments confirm positive impacts on call Quality of Experience in the presence of adverse network conditions. The use of path processors in the application layer could produce similar benefits in other use-cases like live streaming or online gaming.