A Fast Rate-Adaptation Algorithm for Robust Wireless Scalable Streaming Applications

In this paper we consider a server sending a scalable video stream over a wireless channel to an end-user. We design a fast rate adaptation algorithm which chooses the right transmission policy (video data and associated unequal error protection) based on channel feedback. Our algorithm can be easily implemented as a smart scheduling module at the server side, which adapts its packet selection rules based on the total available channel rate and losses experienced by the end-user. Our simulation results show the good performance of our algorithm compared to the optimal transmission policy, for a wide range of channel conditions. We also identify scenarios that fully benefit from scalable encoding augmented by unequal error protection, compared to traditional bitstream-switching methods based on single stream transmission protected by FEC.