Cross-layer perceptual ARQ for H.264 video streaming over 802.11 wireless networks

Abstract

We present a new cross-layer ARQ algorithm for video streaming over 802.11 wireless networks. The algorithm combines application-level information about the perceptual and temporal importance of each packet into a single priority value, which drives packet selection at each retransmission opportunity. Hence, only the most most perceptually important packets are retransmitted, delivering higher perceptual quality and less bandwidth usage compared to the standard 802.11 MAC-layer ARQ scheme. H.264 video streaming based on the proposed technique has been simulated using ns in a realistic home network scenario, using the standard ARQ technique for all interfering traffic. Results show that the proposed method consistently outperforms the standard MAC-layer 802.11 retransmission scheme, delivering more than 1.5 dB PSNR gains using approximately half of the retransmission bandwidth.

On the benefits of Cross Layer Feedback in Multi-hop Wireless Networks

“…In [3] application level ARQ is implemented, where based on the temporal and perceptual importance of each packet, a priority of the packet is determined. A packet retransmission is scheduled based on this priority.…”

Distortion Optimized Packet Scheduling and Prioritization of Multiple Video Streams over 802.11e Networks

“…Scalable video coding [16] provides an inherent prioritization of the encoded video packets, thus it allows the sender to quickly select which packets to drop, however scalable coding has not been yet widely accepted. An extended work has been made on the video rate-distortion optimized transmission over wireless networks [17] and has proposed a cross-layer ARQ for H.264 over 802.11 networks which gives priority to important packets during retransmission while [18] describes an adaptive quality-of-service strategy for 802.11 networks that is applied to a single stream and without considering R-D optimization. Finally, [19] studies an R-D optimized bandwidth adaptation of multiple video streams that is performed by a network node that drops packets from all incoming streams.…”

Coded wireless video broadcast/ multicast

“…[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]. Emerging attentions for IPTV services using cross-layer designs are also recently witnessed in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).…”