Scalable vs. multiple-description video coding for adaptive streaming over peer-to-peer networks

Both scalable video coding (SVC) and multiple description coding (MDC) have been evaluated in the literature for adaptive streaming over peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. However, these evaluations have used either unrealistic or too specific P2P topologies or omitted considering key video coding parameters such as compression efficiency and redundancy. In this study, we evaluate the performances of SVC, MDC and scalable multiple description coding (SMDC) with network-level adaptation schemes under varying peer bandwidth, average end-to-end delay, and peer exit ratio, as well as MDC redundancy levels. Extensive test results help us to reach conclusions regarding under which conditions SVC, MDC or SMDC should be preferred to achieve a reliable video service over mesh P2P overlays.