Forward Error Correction for File Delivery in DVB-H

Abstract

Reliable filecasting to vehicular users in wireless broadcast networks is a very challenging task, as an error-free transmission of the files is required. Reliability can be achieved by means of forward error correction (FEC) and post-delivery file repair mechanisms. In this paper, we describe and compare the standardized FEC schemes in DVB-H (digital video broadcast-handheld) at the link and application layer, and evaluate their performance for file delivery to vehicular users. We show that by using application layer FEC it is possible to efficiently correct the errors appeared due to temporarily shadowing and fast fading, by taking advantage of the time and space diversity introduced by the bursty character of DVB-H transmissions and terminal mobility. Our results may constitute a valuable guide for operators when dimensioning their network capacity and service bandwidths, especially in the situations when vehicular users represent a large part of the customer base.