Improving channel availability of tree-topology-based IPTV networks with users zapping channels sequentially

Abstract

In service provider-based internet protocol television IPTV systems, users' sequential zapping behaviour can introduce extra traffic load in transmission networks, which may greatly degrade user quality of experience QoE. In this paper, we focus on improving TV channel availability one most crucial QoE metric in tree-topology-based IPTV networks with users zapping channels sequentially. Firstly, the impact of the sequential zapping behaviour on channel availability is illustrated by a comparative study. Subsequently, aiming to alleviate this impact, we propose an extended intentional switching delay iSD admission control method with a two-layered base/enhancement layer scalable video coding SVC profile for tree-topology-based IPTV networks. Comprehensive simulation experiments are carried out and show that, in both peak-hour and stationary scenarios, the iSD method can significantly improve the channel availability and hence can enhance user QoE in bandwidth restricted IPTV delivery networks, with only slightly increasing the average service delay of channel enhancement layers.