This paper presents how to characterize the quality of multimedia which consists of audio and video that are transmitted in real-time communication through the Internet with limited bandwidth. We developed a methodology of characterizing the multimedia Quality-of-Service (QoS)
IntroductionMultimedia communication over the Internet has been the subject of many research works over the last few years [1] - [3] . Multimedia communication technology has been available to the transmission of a variety types of media such as text, graphics, animation, audio, and video over the Internet that are carried out continuously into data stream. Basically, multimedia streaming applications are divided into 3 categories [4] : (i) streaming of stored audio/video, (ii) streaming of live audio/video, and (iii) conversational of voice/video-over-IP. These categories are also known as (i) video on demand, (ii) live streaming, and (iii) real time streaming. First, video on demand allows users to perform playback control such as pause, rewind, or fast forward. Second, live streaming allows users to receive live broadcasts such as broadcast television or radio. Third, real time streaming allows users to communicate with audio or video in real-time.One application of multimedia communication technology for education is distance learning through virtual classroom technology. This technology allows a learning process facilitated by a teacher in a real classroom can be virtually shared into other classrooms at different locations [5] . With virtual classroom technology, learning process between two or more classrooms can be conducted through a real-time multimedia communication over the Internet. Learning process in each classroom is recorded into audio and video and transmitted between those classrooms. Moreover, data also can be communicated between classrooms for example in remote presentation or desktop sharing.Quality of audio and video during the learning process through a virtual classroom technology becomes a significant factor for the successful delivery of learning materials. This is because students in virtual classroom participate virtually in a learning process with a teacher in the real classroom. Thus, the comfort of learning materials delivery depends on the quality of audio-video transmitted through the Internet. Low quality of audio-video can make the learning proccess being interrupted or even cannot be held. Our study revealed that the quality of