Last month, we released the pricing notice for the MINE Series Equipment Aggregation Server for the first time. In order to help both new and existing customers better understand the MINE server bonding and pay-per-view streaming pricing rules, we will focus on explaining the MINE equipment bonding principle, the composition of pay-per-view streaming flow, as well as the details of our data package plans. Additionally, we have a surprise in store for you at the end.

1. MINE Encoder Series Bonding Principle

(1) Parallel Transmission of Multiple Network Links
After audio and video compression and encoding, the data packets are divided into groups by splitting units and sent to the aggregation server through multiple network channels to reduce the transmission pressure on a single network. The transmission rate is adjusted in real-time according to the transmission capacity of each network to ensure the stability of video streaming. (Currently, our overseas server is deployed on the Amazon platform.)

(2) Allocation Decision of Network Links

Because 4G and WiFi are often affected by the environment, they are prone to network jitter, high latency, and high packet loss rate, commonly known as unreliable networks. If the data transmission of a certain link cannot be delivered to the server in time, the image cannot be restored, and problems such as screen freeze and stuttering will occur. To solve these problems, after receiving the data packets, the receiving end feeds back an information table on the reception quality to the sending end, and the sending end device makes a weight decision based on multiple parameters such as packet loss rate, delay, and signal quality to ensure the stability of transmission and maximize bandwidth utilization for each link.

(3) FEC Forward Error Correction

At the sending end, the transmitted data packets are divided into groups of n, and the appropriate number m of redundant packets are generated according to the quality evaluation of the link, which generates m corresponding redundant packets. After n+m network packets arrive at the receiving end through multiple different links, if any n packets are received, the original data packets can be recovered based on the received data packets, thereby resisting interference from the network environment and improving transmission reliability. By using redundant data and recovery technology to reduce the number of retransmissions, it can also effectively reduce the average transmission delay.

(4) Bitrate Adaptation and Real-time Judgment of Network Bandwidth

When the network bandwidth is insufficient, the resolution, frame rate, bitrate, GOP value, etc. of audio and video data are adjusted to ensure the smoothness of the live streaming.

2. Composition of Live Streaming Data Traffic Paid.

During live streaming, various network connection methods can be used, including SIM cards, Wi-Fi, wired networks, and USB dongles. The Mine Q8, R8, Q9, and A5 devices can all support multiple SIM cards and network bonding.

(1) There are two types of data usage fees that need to be paid:
① SIM card data traffic fees (need to be purchased separately)
② Bonding data traffic fees when the bonding function is turned on
• When the bonding function is turned off, only a single network is used, and there is no need to pay for bonding data traffic fees.
• When using a self-built server (U737 bonding streaming media distribution system) with the bonding function, the data traffic to the self-built server, and no bonding data traffic fees are incurred.

(2) The main cost components are charged by the device manufacturer and paid to the cloud platform:
① The manufacturer pays rental fees to Amazon for using their servers.
② Amazon charges for data traffic.
③ There are ongoing costs for server maintenance and continuous optimization of bonding technology.

3. How To Calculate Live Streaming Data Traffic

(1) User-Purchased SIM Data Traffic

To calculate the amount of data traffic consumed per hour for live streaming, use the following formula:
If the live streaming bit rate is set to 1Mbps: 1Mbps x 3600 seconds (1 hour) ÷ 8 bits = 450MB
If the live streaming bit rate is set to 2Mbps: 2Mbps x 3600 seconds (1 hour) ÷ 8 bits = 900MB

(2) Bonding Server Data Traffic

The formula for calculating bonding server data traffic is the same as for user-purchased SIM data traffic. The push streaming device sends out the amount of data traffic that is set, and the bonding server receives and sorts the data traffic after error correction before sending it to the live streaming platform. For our overseas market, the bonding server is deployed on Amazon, so the data traffic fee for this portion will be charged by Amazon.

Note: MINEMedia only charges for the bonding server data traffic fee.

4. When is Bonding Data Traffic Fee Charged?

The 4G card, network cable, and Wi-Fi of the device belong to the local access network. When bonding is enabled, each local link first sends the data packets to the bonding server, and after the video stream is restored on the bonding server, it is then sent to the live streaming platform. At this point, the traffic leaving the bonding server needs to be charged by the cloud server provider. If bonding is turned off, the single-link push stream directly goes from the local network to the live streaming platform without passing through the bonding server, and there will be no bonding traffic fee. However, single-link network streaming is susceptible to network fluctuations, which may cause stuttering and disconnection.

Single-Network Streaming:

When bonding is turned off, the video stream is sent directly to the live streaming platform server via the local access network (4G, 5G sim card traffic purchased by user), and there is no bonding traffic fee.

Bonding Network Streaming:

In multi-link bonding mode, the complete video stream is split into multiple network packets, and each link jointly transmits the data packets to the bonding server. The bonding server arranges and combines the received data packets to restore the video stream, which is then sent to the live streaming platform server. At this point, bonding traffic is generated and needs to be charged.

5. MINEMedia Bonding Server Data Traffic Package Plans

To meet the various needs of our users, we have set up six different data traffic package plans. Users can choose the package that best suits their actual needs.

If you are located in our distributor’s coverage area, please consult with your local distributor. [Poland/Spain/Germany/Israel/India/HongKong/Indonesia/Canada/USA/Chile] Other area user, please leave a message on our official website www.minemedia.tv for inquiries.

6. Surprise for New Encoder Devices

After multiple discussions within the company, in order to thank new and old customers for their trust and support in MINEMedia.

As a special gift, new bonding series devices will now come with a 500GB traffic card that is valid for one year.

How many live streaming sessions can be done with a 500GB traffic card? This depends on the bit rate and duration of the live streaming. The following data is for your reference.