Performance evaluation of scalable video streaming in multihomed mobile networks

In this paper, we empirically investigate the performance of path selection and packet scheduling algorithms for the delivery of H.264/SVC scalable video streams to users in multihomed mobile networks. These algorithms use the aggregated bandwidth of multiple concurrent paths to deliver media streams in environments where no single, sufficiently high bandwidth path is available. The problems associated with delivering video streams in this challenging environment are examined and the performance of our multihomed mobile networks specific scheme is compared to that of an ideal single high bandwidth path. We further extend previously proposed algorithms by the inclusion of an H.264/SVC-specific packet priority weighting scheme. We highlight the improvements offered by our optimized algorithm over representative algorithms and identify the remaining challenges that must be overcome if such algorithms are to offer performance close to that of the ideal single high bandwidth pat.