Link aware HTTP Adaptive Streaming for enhanced quality of experience

Abstract

We propose a physical link-aware video rate adaptation approach for HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) systems. This approach is especially suited for wireless links, whose characteristics fluctuate with time depending on the physical environment as well as load on the system. Our novel strategy relies on estimating the available link bandwidth from physical layer goodput information and using it as a complement to higher layer estimates. We develop simple novel video rate-adaptation enhancements that use physical layer goodput information to - i) improve startup video quality under tolerable startup delay and ii) reduce re-buffering during video playback. Simulation results on an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system level simulator indicate improved video quality and lower re-buffering percentage using our approach.