Packet video and its integration into the network architecture

Packet video is investigated from a systems point of view. The most important issues relating to its transmission are identified and studied in the context of a layered network architecture model, leading to a better understanding of the interactions between network and signal handling. The functions at a particular layer can thereby be made less dependent on network implementation and signal format. In the layered network model, the higher layers provide format conversion, hierarchical source coding, error recovery, resynchronization, cost/quality arbitration, session setup and tear-down, packetization, and multiplexing. Provisions from the network layers pertain mainly to real-time transmission. Special consideration is given to hierarchical source coding, error recovery, statistical behavior, and timing aspects. Simulation results indicating practical solutions to some of the issues raised are presented for a hierarchical packet-video subband coding system