Energy-Efficient and QoE-Aware TV Broadcast in Next-Generation Heterogeneous Networks

Future networks will comprise a large number of inter-connected heterogeneous devices that will receive ubiquitous multimedia services over integrated but diverse wireless network technologies. In this context, optimization of multimedia broadcast transmissions based on network resources and user-end constraints (price sensitivity, device display, and limited battery) is essential to ensure high QoE. This article discusses underlying challenges, and suggests hybrid system architecture and potential cross-layer adaptive unified solutions for energy-efficient and QoE-aware digital television broadcast services in future heterogeneous network environments. Experimental and architecture-level simulation studies of the cross-layer adaptive strategies demonstrate an increase in user equipment energy saving, QoE, and number of multimedia broadcast/multicast users being served.