Impact of the IEEE 802.11n frame aggregation mechanisms on video streaming quality

The massive acceptance of the high data rate IEEE 802.11n standard enables the adoption of demanding audiovisual services, such as high definition TV over wireless local area networks. In this context, one of the key features of the IEEE 802.11n is the frame aggregation mechanism, which can improve the channel efficiency and data throughput. In this work, the efficiency of video transmissions schemes over 802.11n wireless networks is studied. The focus is centered on the new features introduced at the MAC layer of IEEE 802.11n such as frame aggregation, still considering the advances made in physical layer such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO). In addition, the H.264/AVC video coding standard is exploited to maximize the overall coding efficiency in such wireless network scenario. This study will show that careful parameterization at the MAC and application layers can provide an improve quality of service for many video streaming applications when deployed over an 802.11n network.