Token-based Authentication and Authorization Information Signaling and Exchange for Adaptive Streaming

A network element (NE) configured to implement a streaming client, the NE comprising:

• a processor configured to:
• obtain a first authorization token for accessing a first media segment located on a content server;
• and
• embed the first authorization token in a first content request message for accessing the first media segment located on the content server;
• a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to send, to the content server, the first content request message comprising the first authorization token to request the first media segment;
• and
• a receiver coupled to the processor and configured to receive, from the content server, the first media segment when the first authorization token is valid for accessing the first media segment on the content server.

A network element (NE) configured to implement a content server, the NE comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive a first content request message from a streaming client requesting access to a first media segment, wherein the first content request message comprises a first authorization token;
• a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to obtain a first verification indicating that the first authorization token is valid;
• and
• a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to send the first media segment to the streaming client when the first authorization token is valid.