Options for WiMAX Uplink Media Streaming

Abstract

IEEE 802.16e (mobile WiMAX) uplink behavior is a relatively neglected area of investigation, but emerging interactive media services have highlighted the need for closer investigation of uplink issues. In this simulation study of uplink queue management, media streaming by TCP-Friendly Rate Control (TFRC) was found to offer advantages. However, temporal behavior of the queuing disciplines exhibits oscillations in buffer occupancy with build-up of delay during video streaming. The paper suggests a possible remedy lies in the choice of the more complex H.264/AVC Main profile, though this will impact upon mobile devices. It was also found that WiMAX video delivery is sensitive to choice of transmission frame size.