Towards robust video streaming for unicast and multicast: Modeling and implementation

Video streaming over wireless networks is subjected to instability of channel quality, which results in packet loss and reduced video quality at the user side. To mitigate the effect of packet loss, we proposed a framework using scalable video and unequal error protection for multicast and unicast streaming. A fast algorithm in the framework determines the optimal error protection for each NAL unit according to its real utility and the instantaneous channel quality. This framework adapts the error protection strength very well to the change of the channel quality and achieves the optimal system-level utility for multicast streaming. The framework is first verified with simulation tools. Then, a demo of video streaming is implemented for this framework within the 802.11n networks to test the suitability of this concept for realtime streaming.