Systems, devices, and methods for streaming media content over a network are provided. One exemplary method of assisted streaming of media content over a network involves detecting, by a media player at a client device coupled to the network, a first condition with respect to streaming the media content, and in response to the first condition, requesting, by the media player, a first portion of the media content from a first content delivery source on the network. After requesting the first portion of the media content, the method further comprises detecting, by the media player, a second condition with respect to streaming the media content, and in response to detecting the second condition, requesting, by the media player, a subsequent portion of the media content from a second content delivery source on the network. The first content delivery source transmits the media content using a modified transport layer protocol.