xAn Enhanced Adaptive FEC Mechanism for Video Delivery over Wireless Networks

Abstract

This paper proposes an Enhanced Adaptive FEC (EAFEC) algorithm implemented in the Access Point (AP) to improve video delivery over wireless networks. Unlike traditional static FEC mechanisms, which add redundant data to transmission data in a fixed number, the number of redundant FEC data for the EAFEC mechanism is determined by the AP, which is based on both network traffic load and wireless channel state. The algorithm is based on two factors. One of them is the queue length in the access point, indicating network traffic load; the second factor is packet retransmission times, indicating wireless channel state. EAFEC usage would tune FEC data number generated in such a way that it wouldn’t unnecessarily add more traffic to network in already congested scenario. Our work shows that the EAFEC algorithm improves system performance by dynamically tuning FEC strength to the current loss in wireless channel. We use NS-2 simulation experiments to prove our algorithm.