Scalable and efficient multirate data distribution

In this paper, we address the rate assignment issue by introducing rate-controlled streams (RCS). A RCS is a data stream encoded from an original source data, with a specific sending rate. We propose a mathematical framework in which multiple RCSs can be combined to form a new RCS with higher rate, deriving conditions for achieving optimal stream-combining in terms of the aggregate rate. We then study how to optimally assign rates to multiple streams which are sent over different channels with possible packet loss to meet rate constraints imposed by receivers.