CROSS-layer QoS-optimized EDCA adaptation for wireless video streaming

In this paper, we propose an adaptive cross layer technique that optimally enhance the QoS of wireless video transmission in an IEEE 802.11e WLAN. The optimization takes into account the unequal error protection characteristics of video streaming, the IEEE 802.11e EDCA parameters and the lossy nature of wireless channel. Our proposed technique makes use of two analytical models: a video distortion model and a channel throughput estimation model. The first model predicts the video quality in term of average PSNR of all decoded video frames. The second model estimates the channel throughput and packet loss rates of each MAC layers queue, which are then fed into the first model as inputs. The optimal EDCA parameters are selected by an optimization module based on the information from the analytical models. The accuracy of our optimized EDCA parameters is verified through the extensive simulation.