A1 Journal article (refereed)
Network Capacity Estimators Predicting QoE in HTTP Adaptive Streaming (2022)
Laine, S., & Hakala, I. (2022). Network Capacity Estimators Predicting QoE in HTTP Adaptive Streaming. IEEE Access, 10, 9817-9829. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3145185
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Laine, Sanna; Hakala, Ismo
Journal or series: IEEE Access
eISSN: 2169-3536
Publication year: 2022
Volume: 10
Pages range: 9817-9829
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Publication country: United States
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3145185
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79569
Abstract
The aim of adaptive HTTP streaming technology is preserving the best possible video streaming quality for viewers in heterogeneous network conditions. This can be achieved by making multiple quality versions of the video available. Switching between versions during playback should be imperceptible and fluent. The decision about quality-level switching is typically based on network capacity estimation and buffer occupancy, which predict the risk of stalling. Since quality-level switching and stalling are directly evident to the user, they are often classified as influence factors of quality of experience (QoE). In this paper, we observe different network capacity estimators and buffer behavior in limited network conditions and study how the estimators predict QoE. The challenges of variable bitrate (VBR)-encoded video are considered. We also propose two new estimators to predict QoE. One compares segment fetch time to segment playback time, while the other explores the difference of throughput and average download rate. As segment duration may influence HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS) playback in unstable conditions, the findings are tested with four segment lengths. Moreover, streaming quality is analyzed in a testbed using two popular web players to reveal possible effects of the players’ features.
Keywords: streaming; video; algorithms; performance (capacity); user experience; alternatives; quality
Free keywords: streaming media; HTTP adaptive streaming; bit rate; quality of experience; player performance; quality of service; throughput; switches; estimation; bandwidth; adaptive algorithm; network capacity estimators
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2