A real-time cross-layer design of the multimedia application layer with a MIMO based wireless physical layer

To provide reliable real-time video services in a wireless multipath-fading system, large modifications in transmitting power would be necessary to counteract the extreme variations in channel quality. However, with the availability of diversity such as receiver diversity or multiple channels as in MIMO systems, one can ldquosmooth outrdquo these channel fluctuations, making it possible to support a reliable bit rate channel with efficient power control. Our goals in this work are the following. First to demonstrate a real-time implementable physical layer solution. Second to utilize this physical layer solution along with a practical video encoder to demonstrate the feasibility of a robust real-time cross-layer solution which allows seamless interaction between the application layer and the physical layer to provide a reliable video service. The solution we propose not only makes maximum use of available channel capacity but also makes the best possible use, in real-time, of the compressed video information.