A packet discard scheme for loss control in IP networks with MPEG video traffic

Abstract

An important issue for video transmission over IP networks is preservation of perceived video quality despite packet loss. Packet loss can be detrimental to compressed video. However, reducing packet loss to a very low level is difficult with current loss control techniques. Furthermore, even a very low objective loss probability can still seriously distort perceived video quality. This paper proposes a loss control scheme using video characteristics. It increases maximum loss tolerance for a desired level of video quality, providing better quality at equal loss ratios, as compared to a conventional packet discard scheme. Meanwhile, network efficiency is also improved.