Improving video quality using packet interleaving, randomisation and redundancy

Careful examination of packet traces taken from the MBone reveals a significant number of multiple successive packet losses, even though losses are predominantly isolated. This paper presents a method for reducing the number of burst losses by transforming them into single isolated losses. In this method, the first step is to separate critical video information from noncritical video signals, assuming the availability of an efficient layered coder. Secondly, by, exploiting the unordered delivery, feature of UDP, packets are interleaved and randomized so as to spread out the loss of critical video information. Finally, in order to reduce the number of random losses, redundant packets of essential video data are included in the interleaved/randomized packet sequence. To prove the effectiveness of this method, experiments were conducted on packet traces collected from the MBone. Results indicate that interleaving/randomization alone, significantly reduces consecutive packet burst losses. Furthermore, results are even better with the inclusion of essential redundant video data, which dramatically reduces the number of disjoint losses.