Periodic Feedback Control for Streaming 3D Videos in Last-Generation Cellular Networks

Abstract Transmitting stereoscopic 3D videos on cellular networks is a challenging issue because effective scheduling is necessary for reproducing frames continuously, without wasting bandwidth in frame retransmissions. We propose a scheduling algorithm that allows the user of interactive videos to perform VCR-like actions other than the usual playback (e.g., pause or fast forward at different speeds) with less problems. The algorithm exploits periodic feedback packets coming from the client to the server through the Real-time Transport Control Protocol and communicating the client buffer fill level. A P-controller uses this information to dynamically regulate the scheduled bitrate. The approach is compared with classical scheduling algorithms. Different 3D video formats and quality degrees are considered. Results show that the simple controller is very effective and outperforms the other schedulers in all the analyzed scenarios.