Effective video content distribution by combining TCP with adaptive FEC coding

Timothy Porter*, Xiao-Hong Peng

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

This paper will look at the benefits and limitations of content distribution using Forward Error Correction (FEC) in conjunction with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). FEC can be used to reduce the number of retransmissions which would usually result from a lost packet. The requirement for TCP to deal with any losses is then greatly reduced. There are however side-effects to using FEC as a countermeasure to packet loss: an additional requirement for bandwidth. When applications such as real-time video conferencing are needed, delay must be kept to a minimum, and retransmissions are certainly not desirable. A balance, therefore, between additional bandwidth and delay due to retransmissions must be struck. Our results show that the throughput of data can be significantly improved when packet loss occurs using a combination of FEC and TCP, compared to relying solely on TCP for retransmissions. Furthermore, a case study applies the result to demonstrate the achievable improvements in the quality of streaming video perceived by end users.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIEEE International Symposium on Broadband Multimedia Systems and Broadcasting 2010, BMSB 2010 - Final Programme
Place of PublicationPiscataway, NJ (US)
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-4244-4462-5
ISBN (Print)978-1-4244-4461-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Event2010 IEEE International Symposium on Broadband Multimedia Systems and Broadcasting - Shanghai, China
Duration: 24 Mar 201026 Mar 2010

Conference

Conference2010 IEEE International Symposium on Broadband Multimedia Systems and Broadcasting
Abbreviated titleBMSB 2010
Country/TerritoryChina
CityShanghai
Period24/03/1026/03/10

Keywords

  • adaptive FEC
  • ARQ
  • bandwidth
  • TCP
  • throughput
  • video

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