Robust source-adaptive real-time video transport over wireless multihop networks

Abstract

Packet video transport, including streaming, over wireless networks is expected to experience substantial performance variations. But, in wireless networks, channel state information is hard to be obtained reliably/timely. However, the source information is always available and can be obtained accurately. In this paper, we propose, instead, the use of source information alone to implement an Unequal Error Protection (UEP) approach based on adaptation to inter-frame motion. To implement our Forward Error Correction (FEC)/UEP approach, a novel cross-layer packetisation scheme is proposed. Based on Exponential Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) estimation for the motion-level information associated with video frames, a source-adaptive intra-updating rate selection is described to provide error-resilience. To combat severe bursty losses, a novel intraframe packet interleaving scheme is implemented at the applicationlayer. Our objective and subjective results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in dealing with the bursty packet losses occurring on wireless networks.