Peak traffic events are the stress test of the streaming world. Millions of viewers often tune in to the same in-demand event at the same time, which can overwhelm networks and highlight the limitations of traditional delivery methods. As a result, viewers are at greater risk of experiencing buffering, latency, dropped streams, and, ultimately, frustration, which can unfortunately lead to churn. As such, for broadcasters and streaming platforms, the stakes are high. These are the moments when quality of experience matters most, but they’re also the hardest to get right. To survive in an increasingly competitive marketplace, platforms must find a way to scale live streaming efficiently to ensure smooth live video delivery and confidently handle peak traffic streaming without costs and complexity spiraling out of control. 

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In this article, we take a closer look at why peak traffic events overwhelm traditional delivery models, how System73 makes it possible to scale live streaming with ease, and real-world examples of our technology powering seamless live video delivery during the world’s biggest events.

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Why peak traffic events break traditional delivery models

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Audience size is rarely predictable for live events, even when demand is known to be high. The situation can quickly change mid-stream with a match-winning goal or an esports play that goes viral. This level of unpredictability makes it extremely difficult for traditional CDNs to handle peak traffic streaming without performance issues. The challenge often lies in infrastructure limits. CDNs rely on physical edge servers with finite capacity, which means that when too many viewers connect at once, the network becomes congested, much like in a physical traffic jam when too many cars demand use of the road.

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The result can be higher latency, buffering, or even dropped streams, all of which damage QoE for viewers. Adding more CDN capacity to scale live streaming is not only expensive, but often inefficient, as providers must over-provision for traffic peaks that may only last a few hours. The environmental impact of new data centers must also be considered, as every new server not only takes up geographical space, it also adds to the already spiralling consumption of energy dedicated to streaming. Geography adds another layer of complexity. In regions with sparse CDN coverage, such as parts of Latin America, Africa or the Middle East, viewers are even more likely to encounter delays and subpar service. 

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How System73 scales live video delivery effortlessly

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System73 was built precisely to solve the challenges that peak traffic creates. Instead of relying solely on limited CDN infrastructure, our Data Logistics Platform and Edge Intelligence use a unique combination of AI and centralized peer-to-peer technology to scale live streaming without adding unnecessary cost or complexity. At the core are our centrally orchestrated broadcast trees, which transform viewers’ devices into part of the delivery network. This allows up to 80% of traffic to be offloaded away from CDNs, instantly relieving pressure on edge servers. The result is an infinitely scalable system that can handle peak traffic streaming seamlessly and autonomously. 

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By constantly scanning the open internet, our platform detects congestion and automatically reroutes content along the fastest, least crowded paths. This ensures that up to 94% to 95% of viewers receive the highest possible bitrate for their device, minimizing buffering and maintaining flawless playback. Crucially, this scalability never comes at the expense of security or reliability. Connections are fully encrypted using the WebRTC protocol, and our complementary Edge Analytics solution provides customers with complete visibility and control over their live video delivery.

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Proven results from peak events

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System73 has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to handle peak traffic streaming during some of the world’s most-watched events, maintaining exceptional quality while delivering significant cost savings for broadcasters. During the UEFA Champions League Final in 2024, watched by more than 400 million fans worldwide, Edge Intelligence kept 90% of our customer’s viewers on the highest bitrate for their device, even in regions like Peru where CDN infrastructure is sparse. By reducing reliance on traditional CDNs, System73 saved the broadcaster an estimated 65% in delivery costs while ensuring flawless live video delivery.

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For the 2024 Copa América Final, millions of soccer fans tuned in simultaneously. Our Data Logistics Platform successfully offloaded 70% of viewers onto our centrally orchestrated broadcast trees, maintaining 95% of audiences at the highest resolution and saving the customer 50% on operational costs. And in Jordan, when Amman TV faced one of the most challenging environments for streaming due to poor CDN infrastructure and high latency, they onboarded Edge Intelligence. The broadcaster achieved smooth 1080p delivery nationwide, cut CDN load by up to 90%, and lowered production costs.

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For more insights into trends in live streaming and live video delivery, or to find out more about System73’s Data Logistics Platform, visit www.system73.com.

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