What is the purpose of Akamai's adaptive bitrate streaming?

The purpose of Akamai's adaptive bitrate streaming is primarily to reduce buffering during video playback. This technology dynamically adjusts the quality of the video stream in real-time based on the user's available bandwidth and device capabilities. By providing video at various bitrates, adaptive streaming ensures a smoother viewing experience. If the network condition changes, such as a reduction in available bandwidth, the streaming quality can be automatically lowered to maintain continuous playback without interruptions. Conversely, if the bandwidth increases, higher-quality video can be delivered.

This approach enhances the user experience by minimizing disruptions caused by buffering or loading times, which are often prevalent in traditional streaming methods, where the content is delivered at a fixed bitrate regardless of the user's connection. Thus, adaptive bitrate streaming plays a crucial role in optimizing video delivery, allowing audiences to enjoy content seamlessly across different environments.