QoE-Aware Video Streaming over Integrated Space and Terrestrial 5G Networks

The integration of the space information network (SIN) with terrestrial infrastructures has been attracting significant attention in the context of 5G, where satellite communications can be leveraged as additional capabilities such as backhauling between the core network and remote mobile edge sites. However, simple addition of SIN capabilities to terrestrial 5G does not automatically lead to enhanced service performance without systematic scheduling of coexisting resources. In this article, we focus on the scenario of multi-link video streaming over both parallel geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite and terrestrial 5G backhaul links for enhancing user quality of experience and network efficiency. The distinct challenge is the complex optimization of scheduling video segment delivery via two parallel channels with very different characteristics while striving to enhance the video quality and resource optimality. We carried out systematic experiments based on a real-life 5G testing framework with integrated GEO satellite and terrestrial backhaul links. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed 5G edge-computing-based solution for holistically achieving assured user experiences and optimized network resource efficiency in terms of video traffic offloading.