New hybrid rate adaptation algorithm (HR2A) for video streaming over WLAN

Abstract

IEEE 802.11e Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) provide multiple and high transmission rates to improve the system throughput by adapting its transmission rate. Since the IEEE 802.11standard did not specify a precise rate controlling algorithm, we propose a new Hybrid Rate Adaptation Algorithm (denoted as HR2A) for video transmission over 802.11e networks. The HR2A scheme adjusts the data transmission rate based on two metrics: the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) and the packets loss rate. Through simulations; we investigate the feasibility and the performance of HR2A. The metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of HR2A are: Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), average End-to-end Delay, effective throughput and packets loss rate. Our simulation results show that the applying of HR2A improves the quality of transmitted video streams H.264/SVC.