Cross-layer feedback control for video communications via mobile ad-hoc networks

This paper presents a cross-layer feedback control scheme for video communications over unstructured mobile networks for tactical operations. A peer-to-peer mobile ad-hoc network has been considered for the experimental testbed. Since ad-hoc networks can suffer greatly from heavy packet loss, in a multihop transmission we have considered a number of protection schemes to maximize the perceived quality of the video signal. In particular, we developed a rate control as well as a packet recovery scheme based on the network characteristics derived from the underlying ad-hoc routing protocol. In addition, to further enhance the quality of service, a redundant packet transmission scheme is presented for lossy recovery of the missing packets.