Contents distribution to android clients using wireless LAN multicast for a large fireworks festival

In recent years, with the spread of high performance mobile terminals, an information distribution system for them has been attracting attention in various situations. However, it is difficult to use the existing TV-based broadcasting systems for a mobile phone because a license and large-scale facilities are necessary. In this paper, we propose a new information distribution system. The proposed system broadcasts contents towards a wireless LAN interface of the mobile phone (e.g., Android terminal) by using IP multicasting. However, IP multicast packets are not retransmitted at MAC, which may result in degradation of communication quality. Therefore, we have evaluated the communication characteristics of IP multicast, and have clarified that the continuous packet loss rarely occurs, hence, the packet loss can be complemented by redundantly sending the same data several times. Based on this result, a new redundant data transmission method is proposed. We have developed the proposed system and performed the experimental evaluation in Nagaoka Fireworks Festival where about 400,000 people participate. From this experiment, it has been concluded that the proposed system has satisfactory worked for contents distribution.