Network-wide MD and network coding for heterogeneous video multicast

Multiple Description coding (MD) has been proved to be very efficient for video multicast over random networks when combined with network coding. However, in the case where heterogeneous receivers are present in the network, the impact of the method is bounded by the fact that the solution to the inherent rate allocation problem is based on a compromise between low and high bandwidth receivers. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel video multicast scheme that enhances the combination of MD and network coding with a mechanism that allows all intermediate nodes to actively participate in MD coding by adjusting the size of the video descriptions. In this way, it is possible to tune the rate of the transmitted video stream in order to meet the needs of each receiver. The proposed method significantly improves the quality of the video delivered to all the receivers in the network, regardless of their heterogeneity.