Understanding the effect of network-coding and video- encoding on multimedia streaming for peer-to-peer (P2P) systems in wireless networks

Although great advances have been realized in wireless networking over the last ten (10) years, the wireless transport medium is not ideal for multimedia video applications. This paper proposes the basis for a study in quantitatively understanding the effect in deploying various combinations of video encoding and network coding approaches on peer-to-peer streaming systems in a wireless environment. A simulation model will be implemented and used for analyzing the video traffic and its flow through the network. The PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio) will be used in understanding the quality of video for the various cases. The PSNR is a common quality metric used that is based on the MSE (mean-squared-error) of two images. The study will also use the coding-bit-rate, packet-loss-ratio and videocharacteristics as key factors in quantitatively comparing various coding schemes [19]. In all cases, the video packets will be multicasted and a retransmission-based error-control method will be used.