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Understanding the differences between a Windows Media server and a Web server

You can stream Windows Media-based content either from a server running Windows Media Services or from a Web server to a player, such as Windows Media Player. The server and player can be used either on the Internet or an intranet, and they can be separated by a firewall. Although a Windows Media server is designed specifically for streaming Windows Media-based content, a standard Web server is not. If you decide to use a Web server, you need to be aware of the differences in the way the content is delivered, which can affect the quality of the playback.

The method of sending data differs between a Web server and Windows Media server. A Web server is designed to send as much data as it can, as quickly as possible. This is the preferred method for sending packets containing static images, text, and Web page script, but it is not the best method for sending packets containing streaming media. Streaming media should be delivered in real time, not in large bursts, and the player should receive packets just ahead of rendering them.

The Windows Media server meters the delivery of packets according to feedback information it receives while sending a stream to a player. When a player receives packets in this way, the presentation is much more likely to be smooth. Because bandwidth use is controlled, more users can connect concurrently to your site and receive streams that are free of interruptions.

Web servers do not support multiple bit rate video. When a file streams from a Web server, the quality of the delivery is not monitored, and no adjustment to the bit rate can be made. Web servers cannot use the preferred delivery protocol, User Datagram Protocol (UDP), so delivery of a stream is more likely to be interrupted by periods of silence while the player buffers data. Live streaming and multicasting are also not possible with a Web server.

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