Video Streaming QoE Meets Programmable Data Planes: The Case of In-Network QoE for 360°VR

Recent advancements in video streaming technologies have brought about a new era of user experiences, including gaming and online events. However, ensuring a good user experience remains a significant challenge. The pursuit of self-driving networks has increased the demand for intelligent, edge-based networking solutions. Delivering high-quality video streaming experiences faces hurdles such as varying network conditions, device diversity, and content complexity, along with the inter-twinned adaptivity of over-the-top services and modern network management systems. In this work, we elaborate on video streaming quality of experience (QoE) improvements based on recent advances in programmable networks. We explore the concept of in-network QoE (INQoE) by discussing benefits, challenges, and opportunities. Furthermore, we present a pure data plane strategy to estimate and improve the QoE of 360-degree virtual reality video streaming. Our results show an INQoE management strategy can effectively keep the QoE close to optimal (4.8 on a scale of 5) under a congestion scenario. Finally, we conclude with a roadmap of research challenges and opportunities around INQoE.