File vs. Packet Computer systems use the concept of granularity to describe the size of information unit that must be available in RAM before the CPU can begin processing. This method is used when quality is required. When granularity is packet sized, the application may begin using data when an internet packet is received. The audio stream player may therefore play an audio packet as soon as it is received, and data is being received continuously. Audio or video play occurs after a short buffering period, and continues to play until the message is finished.
Some applications provide fast-forward, rewind, and seek features.
Using a 28.8 modem, quality suffers. Streaming products use lossy techniques for compression, which means that the original file is not reproduced exactly during playback. Products using existing web servers may be used in applications where expected simultaneous client connections will be five or less. Server software, if required, will be a significant expense. IP Multicast TCP is an error-correcting protocol that requires additional server overhead and bandwidth to handle packet delivery sequencing and quality.