QoE-Aware Fusion Technique of Multi-Path Video Transmission and Multi-Connection for Software-Defined 5G/6G Networks

In today's fast-paced world, where the need for mobility and high throughput is growing, the integration of software-defined networking (SDN) into 5G and future 6G networks is a crucial step in the development of telecommunications infrastructure. However, along with these advantages comes the challenge of ensuring the highest level of video transmission quality in conditions of high data volume and mobility. This paper is dedicated to the development and implementation of an innovative method to enhance video transmission quality in Software-Defined 5G and beyond 6G networks. Our approach is based on the utilization of the quality of experience (QoE)-aware fusion technique, allowing for the effective integration of multi-path video transmission control and multi-connection to ensure the best viewing experience. At the core of our approach is the use of the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) metric to assess video quality. We investigate the impact of communication channel parameters, such as packet loss, delay, and bandwidth, on the PSNR level, determining optimal adaptation strategies based on these parameters. We propose a conceptual architecture for implementing the developed technique in 5G and 6G mobile networks using SDN technology. We also implement and test our method in the Mininet environment, relying on the ONOS controller for SDN management. Research results confirm that the proposed method exhibits flexibility and adaptability to changes in both wired and wireless channel parameters. The controller, equipped with relevant data, makes decisions to choose between multi-connection and dynamically altering the path in wired networks for optimal video stream transmission. The main advantage of our proposed approach is the efficient use of network resources, which leads to a significant improvement in the quality of the video experienced by the user without the need for additional network resources. This solution is a significant move towards enhancing the transmission of 8K/16K videos in the evolving context of 6G mobile networks.