Framework for delivering IPTV services over WiMAX wireless networks

The Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service is becoming more and more popular among telecommunications companies because it can deliver TV programs anytime anywhere. Based on IP protocol, IPTV features advantages like bandwidth efficiency and ease of management. IPTV supports both broadcast and unicast services like LiveTV and VideoOnDemand. WiMAX wireless system, capable of ensuring high bandwidths and low latencies, is suitable for delivering multimedia services. In addition, it also provides wide area coverage, mobility support, and non-line-of-sight operation. Therefore, WiMAX is a promising solution for delivering IPTV services anytime anywhere, especially to rural areas or remote locations. This paper identifies the challenges in delivering IPTV over WiMAX wireless system and proposes a framework to provide some solutions to those challenges, at MAC and Physical layers. Taking advantage of the WiMAX features, IPTV services can be delivered at low costs and with high audio/video service quality.