Contribution to improvement of distance learning based on zeroconf protocol and an interactive IPTV

Abstract

In the context of widespread practice of distance education to solve problems of standardization of learners, multimedia flows are increasingly being used in teaching-learning situations. However, this use is often made with difficulties related to the scalability of platforms due to the unicast transmission mode of the exchanged data and especially to the many configurations on the terminals on the users’ side. In this article we propose an interactive IPTV multicast platform for distance learning using a VPN in bridge mode, Zeroconf, SAP protocols to facilitate automatic discovery and access to multimedia flows and WebRTC technology to enable interactivity between actors. This multicast IPTV solution is deployed on a public network, unlike the multicast IPTV solutions of telecommunications operators on their dedicated networks. Our solution contributes to the improvement of distance learning by helping universities to provide their students with quality interactive education and thus helps to reduce the feeling of isolation that is a factor among distance learning students who drop out of the instruction.