Cross-layer optimization for video-streaming transmission with QoS over Ad Hoc networks: A holistic approach

Abstract

In this paper we present ViStA-XL, a Cross-Layer (XL) design aiming to optimize the overall performance of video-streaming services over Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). The idea relies on applying optimization strategies to different network layers in a holistic way. In ViStA-XL, a real-time Optimizer (XLO) periodically gathers information of the state of node and network from different layers of the stack of protocols, takes optimization decisions, and then modifies some parameters of the protocols accordingly. In addition, our proposal exploits path diversity through MM-DSR (Multipath Multimedia Dynamic Source Routing) protocol as a means to reinforce the Quality of Service (QoS) provision to multi-layer encoded video-streaming applications, by protecting the most important video information packets, balancing the load and decreasing the end-to-end delay. To show the advantages of our approach, we have developed and tested an algorithm based on ViStA-XL. Simulation results show that our proposed network design can improve the performance of video-streaming transmissions over MANETs in spite of frequent changes in network and node operating conditions.