BT-MANET: A Novel BitTorrent-Like Algorithm for Video On-Demand Streaming over MANETs

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel BitTorrent-like algorithm for video-on-demand streaming over mobile ad hoc networks: the BT-MANET algorithm. Its conceptual innovations mainly lie on (i) a flexible data-transmission scheme between direct neighbors and on (ii) a sliding window to prioritize data request, settling a compromise between data diversity and playing continuity. Through a number of simulations and assessing four different competitive metrics, we are able to validate our proposal and confirm its attractive performance for on-demand streaming. For instance, it is shown that BT-MANET may support twice the bit rate of a nominal theoretical scheme, besides being reasonably competitive when compared to an alternative wired implementation. Within this context, the key contribution of this paper is to provide valuable insights for real protocol designs targeted at multimedia on-demand streaming over mobile ad hoc networks. General conclusions and avenues for further research are included at the end of this paper.