Rate-distortion optimized product code forward error correction for video transmission over IP-based wireless networks

The problem of encoding and transmitting a video sequence over an IP-based wireless network, consisting of both wired and wireless links, is addressed. To combat the different types of packet loss in the heterogeneous network, the use of a product code forward error correction (FEC) scheme capable of providing unequal error protection is considered. At the transport layer, Reed-Solomon (RS) coding is used to provide inter-packet protection. In addition, rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) coding is used at the link layer to provide unequal intra-packet protection. Optimal bit allocation is performed in a rate-distortion optimized joint source-channel coding and power allocation framework to achieve the best video quality. Simulation results illustrate the advantage of the proposed product code FEC scheme over previously studied approaches.