SMPTE EG 2032-4-2007

The Media Dispatch Protocol (MDP) is a means of orchestrating the delivery of media files over IP networks. It defines a standard mechanism for implementations to initiate a delivery, to negotiate the details of the delivery, to provide information about the progress of the delivery, and to provide a confirmation of the outcome of the delivery.

It is important to note that MDP is not a transfer protocol. Instead it allows organizations to transfer files at agreed times, using agreed transfer protocols, and using an agreed set of secure technologies (where appropriate). Furthermore, MDP is not overly prescriptive in regards to which protocols or technologies shall be used; rather it provides a framework which allows organizations to choose those that best suit their own needs.

This document is the MDP Engineering Guideline. It provides an introduction to the protocol, explains what problem it is intended to solve, and outlines how it works. It also provides information what is contained in the normative MDP specification documents.