Effect of the multiple description coding over a hybrid fixed-AdHoc video distribution network

Abstract

Offering a real time video transmission service, using mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and granting a specific Quality of Service (QoS) is a hard challenge. In fact, the network topology is extremely unstable and its variability causes the loss of transmitted information. However, powerful mechanisms against channel failures can be incorporated to avoid the system breakdown. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of Multiple Description Coding (MDC) technique for improving video quality in a multimedia content distribution system. The architecture proposed is a hybrid fixed and wireless ad hoc network where nodes can move freely. Due to multipoint to point nature of this system, multidescription can be combined with multipath transmission to increase its efficiency and, at last, the Quality of Experience (QoE) of the final receiver. The simulation lets us compare the quality of the video streaming paying attention to quality parameters (PSNR, packet delivery ratio, decodable frame rate and interruptions). Results show that MDC improves video quality in high mobility scenarios. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.