Network - Embedded Channel Coding for Optimum Throughput of Multicast Packet Video

the sender and the clients. However, the reliability and efficiency of end-to-end FEC-based packet video could suffer significantly over large video distribution networks. In this paper, we explore a new alternative for improving the reliability and efficiency (in terms of throughput) of packet video applications by optimum placement of few FEC codecs within large packet video distribution networks. We develop an optimization algorithm for the placement of FEC codecs within selected nodes of random packet-video networks. Based on extensive H.264 video simulations, we show that this approach provides significant improvements in video quality, both visually and in terms of PSNR values. These significant improvements are achieved while (a) maintaining a desired minimum source-video coding rate to all receiver nodes, and (b) avoiding any source-video rate shaping or complex transcoding within the network.