LMTM: Multi-tree multicast with inter-layer network coding for layered multimedia streaming

Multi-rate multicast like layered multicast based on multi-resolution codes (MRC) can well satisfy the diverse needs of each receiver in heterogeneous network. With network coding (NC) performed across data layers (inter-layer), the layered multicast achieves higher performance than traditional routing-based multicast. This paper proposes a novel multimedia streaming multicast transmission model LMTM which represents the layered multi-tree multicast for multimedia streaming with inter-layer NC. LMTM is a non-distributed receiver-driven service model in which a powerful center is introduced to collect information of the heterogeneous network and to formulate the NC scheme. LMTM also takes NC on different multicast layers into consideration. NS-3 simulation shows that a) LMTM can effectively improve the transmission quality and efficiency; b) LMTM is an optimal solution to the problem of heterogeneity network to an extent.