EPIQ video streaming: Packet design and performance analysis
In this paper, we introduce a new video-streaming framework that is based on a novel packet design in conjunction with low-complexity active queue management within the network. Our proposed framework, which we call Erasable Packets within Internet Queues (EPIQ), exploits the inherent multi-priority nature of video to deliver optimal quality-of-experience to users, yet without requiring any additional overhead in terms of redundant packets or network resources such as multiple queues or maintaining state information about flows. The novelty of EPIQ is rooted at its packetization. Each EPIQ packet consists of multiple segments and where each segment carries different priority video content. Under congestion, a network node (ideally a router) can simply partially erase only small portions of the EPIQ packets instead of dropping complete packets. We show through an analytical model and extensive simulations that this new paradigm in video streaming provides improvements over multi-queue systems. These improvements are achieved while maintaining low-complexity within the network.