A Cross-Layer Approach for Dynamic Rate Allocation in H.264 Multi-User Video Streaming

In this paper, we propose a cross-layer approach for the dynamic allocation of unequal transmission rates between several users requesting video from a streaming server. Our allocation technique takes into account distortions caused by source coding, channel impairments and error concealment in order to assign users different priority levels. These priorities are then used to serve users in such a way that the highest levels correspond to the worst performing users. Variable bitrates are achieved by unequal error protection of the different video streams using rate-compatible punctured turbo-codes. Simulation results show a significant improvement in the overall system performance compared to a traditional system where all users are allocated equal channel resources.