The Application Quadrant presented by Mu Dynamics is based on research into the runtime aspects of the most popular desktop video applications (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Video on Demand). It compares them against each other in both Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) formats across two dimensions:

1. REPORT
Mu Application Quadrant:
Understanding the Impact of Video Applications on Consumers & Network Operators
Introduction
Over the last 12 months, video consumption has skyrocketed. According to Nielsen, Netflix alone now accounts for 20% of
downstream traffic during peak times in the United States.Video has become the killer app for consumers and businesses alike.
The Application Quadrant presented by Mu
Dynamics is based on research into the run-
time aspects of the most popular desktop Video Applications – High Definition
video applications (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu,
Amazon Video on Demand). It compares them
against each other in both Standard Definition More Consumer-Friendly -
(SD) and High Definition (HD) formats across (Less Verbose)
two dimensions:
• Consumer-friendliness: The less
bandwidth an application consumes, the
more Consumer-friendly it is, especially
as new usage-based pricing models are
introduced. More Operator-Friendly -
(Less Chatty)
• Operator-friendliness: The fewer
connections established by an
application within a given session, the
more Operator-friendly it is as less
resources are consumed across the
network.
Key Findings
The following findings were observed:
1. Relative to the other video Video Applications – Standard Definition
applications:
a. Netflix is less friendly to Consumers
More Consumer-Friendly -
in both SD and HD.
(Less Verbose)
b. YouTube is a friendly application for
Operators and Consumers in both
SD and HD.
c. Hulu is the least Operator-friendly in
both SD and HD.
d. Amazon HD is more Operator-
friendly than SD.
2. SD video is 30% more Consumer-
friendly than HD but actually slightly
less Operator-friendly.
More Operator-Friendly -
(Less Chatty)
* Graph axes show % from mean on each dimension

2. The Real Breakthrough in Testing
Methodology
Bandwidth Consumed
All comparisons were based on multiple
measurements. We took several samples of
each application for significant durations from
the same client, and in similar local network
conditions. For these samples we ran queries
to extract data regarding flows and connections
per second as well as data transfer rates (bytes
per second). Finally we normalized the data in
each group (SD and HD) to establish a common bytes/sec
scale. For example, all the HD data points for the
x-axis (connection rate) and the y-axis (bytes/
second) were averaged to yield the x-avg and
y-avg for that group. Then for each application
the percentage difference from the average was
plotted on a scale that had x-avg and y-avg as
(0,0).
What’s Next?
The next Mu Application Quadrant Report will Connection Rate
show the impact of different mobile devices
(iPhone, Android phone, etc.) on the network.
connections/sec
About Mu Dynamics
Mu Dynamics is the leader and pioneer in
testing and validating application-aware
networks. Our innovative solutions enable
customers to rapidly recreate applications
and determine the impact to their network.
Hundreds of service providers, enterprises,
government agencies and network equipment
manufacturers use Mu to ensure that their
networks are functional, scalable and secure.
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, more information
on Mu Dynamics can be found at
http://www.mudynamics.com.
Web: www.mudynamics.com
Address: 686 W. Maude Avenue, Suite 104, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA
Phone: 866-276-4640 or 408-329-6330
Fax: 408-329-6317
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