Cross-layer Video Streaming Over 802.11e-Enabled Wireless Mesh Networks

We propose an integrated cross-layer optimization algorithm for maximizing the decoded video quality of delay-constrained streaming in a quality-of-service (QoS) enabled multi-hop wireless mesh network. The key to our algorithm is the synergistic optimization of control parameters at each node of the multi-hop network, across the protocol layers - application, network, medium access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) layers, as well as end-to-end, i.e. across the various network nodes. To drive this optimization, we assume an overlay network infrastructure, which conveys information on the conditions of each link. Quantitative results are presented that demonstrate the merits and the need for cross-layer optimization in an efficient solution for real-time video transmission using existing protocols and infrastructures.