Source coding optimization for heterogeneous access networks

In this work we propose an adaptive source coding addressing the need of scalability for video streaming over wireless networks. Due to the coexistence of multiple access technologies, the future fourth-generation wireless networks will be characterized by an increasing heterogeneity. In this scenario, the “always best connected” (ABC) service is a challenging research topic, where the access network selection is a key issue. When a multimedia transmission is considered, the ABC can be improved by the optimization of the source coding. In this paper we propose a multiple description based source coding method, able to meet the need of a heterogenous network and to be robust to packet loss at the same time. From a single coding process, obeying on the user requirements and constraints, the algorithm is able to optimize the quality vs. compression efficiency tradeoff, thanks to its scalability and flexibility.