An experimental platform for video traffic analysis over lossy IP networks

Multimedia traffic is expected to represent a substantial volume of the information carried on future mobile broadband communications systems. Quality of service on lossy IP networks is therefore an area of interest for future network providers. This paper describes a platform for the simulated interference of video traffic as it is streamed across an Ethernet LAN, representing a noisy IP network. A tool has been developed to capture and to selectively damage or discard video packet payloads, allowing the simulation of various network BER levels. A methodology is presented that allows real-time video to be encoded, transmitted and disrupted - with the results of this disruption displayed live by a multimedia player. The design of the platform is discussed, with performance of the tool demonstrated, and a methodology for the recording of disrupted packets is also presented. The results of subjective testing of video produced by the platform are presented, with future applications of the tool proposed.