Abstract: Data distribution is one of the key technologies in P2P live streaming system. Considering the driving element in data distribution, the data distribution mechanizms for P2Plive streaming system can be classified into three categries, namely; path-driven, data-driven and hybrid-element driven. This paper thoroughly investigated the classical technologies of the above data distribution mechanisms. Finally, some issues to be further studied were discussed.

Key words: Peer to peer network, Live streaming, Data distribution mechanism, Application layer multicast