DASH Streaming Protocol

DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) is a protocol for streaming video to users at variable quality based on their network speed. Video is encoded at multiple bitrates (500 Kbps, 2 Mbps, 5 Mbps), divided into 10-second segments, and stored on a CDN. A player downloads a metadata file (MPD), measures its network bandwidth, and requests segments at the appropriate quality. If bandwidth drops, player requests lower quality (buffering avoided). If bandwidth improves, player upgrades quality (better experience).