Cross-layer cognitive CMT for efficient multimedia distribution over multi-homed wireless networks

With feature of flows across multiple interfaces based on the multi-homing feature of Stream Control Transport Protocol (SCTP), Concurrent Multipath Transfer (CMT) has been regarded as a promising protocol for content-rich multimedia data delivery under stringent bandwidth, delay, and loss wireless environment. However, current CMT researches mostly pay attention to improve CMT protocol itself depended solely upon the information provided by transport layer. In this paper, we propose a novel MAC-SCTP based Cross-layer Cognitive CMT (CMT-CC) for efficient multimedia distribution in varying wireless transmission. A Cross-layer Quality Sense Model (CQSM) is designed in the CMT-CC to cognize the paths´ quality and select candidate paths for multimedia content delivery. By condition-aware cognitive ability to distinguish the causes of transmission condition change, a further proposed Intelligent Multimedia Content Distributor (IMCD) makes adaptive multimedia delivery behaviors in compliance with realtime wireless condition. Results obtained by a close realistic simulation topology show how the CMT-CC outperforms existing CMT approach in terms of users´ of quality of experience for multimedia streaming services.