DVB-NGH: the Next Generation of Digital Broadcast Services to Handheld Devices

This paper reviews the main technical solutions adopted by the next-generation mobile broadcasting standard DVB-NGH, the handheld evolution of the second-generation digital terrestrial TV standard DVB-T2. The main new technical elements introduced with respect to DVB-T2 are: layered video coding with multiple physical layer pipes, time-frequency slicing, full support of an IP transport layer with a dedicated protocol stack, header compression mechanisms for both IP and MPEG-2 TS packets, new low-density parity check coding rates for the data path (down to 1/5), nonuniform constellations for 64 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and 256QAM, 4-D rotated constellations for Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), improved time interleaving in terms of zapping time, end-to-end latency and memory consumption, improved physical layer signaling in terms of robustness, capacity and overhead, a novel distributed multiple input single output transmit diversity scheme for single-frequency networks (SFNs), and efficient provisioning of local content in SFNs. All these technological solutions, together with the high performance of DVB-T2, make DVB-NGH a real next-generation mobile multimedia broadcasting technology. In fact, DVB-NGH can be regarded the first third-generation broadcasting system because it allows for the possibility of using multiple input multiple output antenna schemes to overcome the Shannon limit of single antenna wireless communications. Furthermore, DVB-NGH also allows the deployment of an optional satellite component forming a hybrid terrestrial-satellite network topology to improve the coverage in rural areas where the installation of terrestrial networks could be uneconomical.Gómez Barquero, D.; Douillard, C.; Moss, P.; Mignone, V. (2014). DVB-NGH: the Next Generation of Digital Broadcast Services to Handheld Devices. IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting. 60(2):246-257. doi:10.1109/TBC.2014.2313073S24625760

A reduced reference video quality assessment method for provision as a service over SDN/NFV-enabled networks

139 p.The proliferation of multimedia applications and services has generarted a noteworthy upsurge in network traffic regarding video content and has created the need for trustworthy service quality assessment methods. Currently, predominent position among the technological trends in telecommunication networkds are Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Software Defined Networking (SDN) and 5G mobile networks equipped with small cells. Additionally Video Quality Assessment (VQA) methods are a very useful tool for both content providers and network operators, to understand of how users perceive quality and this study the feasibility of potential services and adapt the network available resources to satisfy the user requirements

A reduced reference video quality assessment method for provision as a service over SDN/NFV-enabled networks

139 p.The proliferation of multimedia applications and services has generarted a noteworthy upsurge in network traffic regarding video content and has created the need for trustworthy service quality assessment methods. Currently, predominent position among the technological trends in telecommunication networkds are Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Software Defined Networking (SDN) and 5G mobile networks equipped with small cells. Additionally Video Quality Assessment (VQA) methods are a very useful tool for both content providers and network operators, to understand of how users perceive quality and this study the feasibility of potential services and adapt the network available resources to satisfy the user requirements

Wireless audio networking modifying the IEEE 802.11 standard to handle multi-channel real-time wireless audio networks

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel UniversityAudio networking is a rapidly increasing field which introduces new exiting possibilities for the professional audio industry. When well established, it will drastically change the way live sound systems will be designed, built and used. Today's networks have enough bandwidth that enables them to transfer hundreds of high quality audio channels, replacing analogue cables and intricate installations of conventional analogue audio systems. Currently there are many systems in the market that distribute audio over networks for live music and studio applications, but this technology is not yet widespread. The reasons that audio networks are not as popular as it was expected are mainly the lack of interoperability between different vendors and still, the need of a wired network infrastructure. Therefore, the development of a wireless digital audio networking system based on the existing widespread wireless technology is a major research challenge. However, the ΙΕΕΕ 802.11 standard, which is the primary wireless networking technology today, appears to be unable to handle this type of application despite the large bandwidth available. Apart from the well-known drawbacks of interference and security, encountered in all wireless data transmission systems, the way that ΙΕΕΕ 802.11 arbitrates the wireless channel access causes significantly high collision rate, low throughput and long overall delay. The aim of this research was to identify the causes that impede this technology to support real time wireless audio networks and to propose possible solutions. Initially the standard was tested thoroughly using a data traffic model which emulates a multi-channel real time audio environment. Broadcasting was found to be the optimal communication method, in order to satisfy the intolerance of live audio, when it comes to delay. The results were analysed and the drawback was identified in the hereditary weakness of the IEEE 802.11 standard to manage broadcasting, from multiple sources in the same network. To resolve this, a series of modifications was proposed for the Medium Access Control algorithm of the standard. First, the extended use of the "CTS-to-Self" control message was introduced in order to act as a protection mechanism in broadcasting, similar to the RTC/CTS protection mechanism, already used in unicast transmission. Then, an alternative "random backoff" method was proposed taking into account the characteristics of live audio wireless networks. For this method a novel "Exclusive Backoff Number Allocation" (EBNA) algorithm was designed aiming to minimize collisions. The results showed that significant improvement in throughput can be achieved using the above modifications but further improvement was needed, when it comes to delay, in order to reach the internationally accepted standards for real time audio delivery. Thus, a traffic adaptive version of the EBNA algorithm was designed. This algorithm monitors the traffic in the network, calculates the probability of collision and accordingly switches between classic IEEE 802.11 MAC and EBNA which is applied only between active stations, rather than to all stations in the network. All amendments were designed to operate as an alternative mode of the existing technology rather as an independent proprietary system. For this reason interoperability with classic IEEE 802.11 was also tested and analysed at the last part of this research. The results showed that the IEEE 802.11 standard, suitably modified, is able to support multiple broadcasting transmission and therefore it can be the platform upon which, the future wireless audio networks will be developed

A training effectiveness evaluation of LeatherNet

The author evaluates a Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) system known as LeatherNet to determine its abilities in fulfilling the long term Modeling and Simulation (M&S) goals of the United States Marine Corps. LeatherNet is a DIS compatible, virtual simulation system that is being developed to demonstrate the capabilities of today's simulation technology for military applications. The author developed an evaluation methodolgy that evaluates LeatherNet's ability to enhance traditional Marine Corps training. An evaluation was conducted by subject matter experts at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, Ca. Analysis of results show that LeatherNet is effective in enhancing traditional live fire training methods despite its limited development. The author presents lessons learned related to this type of evaluation, and provides recommendations for further research. Additionally, the author recommends actions to be taken by the Marine Corps to optimize the benefits of LeatherNet and similar simulation products. (AN)http://archive.org/details/atrainingeffecti1094535153NANAU.S. Marine Corps (U.S.M.C.) author

Dynamic Optical Networks for Data Centres and Media Production

This thesis explores all-optical networks for data centres, with a particular focus on network designs for live media production. A design for an all-optical data centre network is presented, with experimental verification of the feasibility of the network data plane. The design uses fast tunable (< 200 ns) lasers and coherent receivers across a passive optical star coupler core, forming a network capable of reaching over 1000 nodes. Experimental transmission of 25 Gb/s data across the network core, with combined wavelength switching and time division multiplexing (WS-TDM), is demonstrated. Enhancements to laser tuning time via current pre-emphasis are discussed, including experimental demonstration of fast wavelength switching (< 35 ns) of a single laser between all combinations of 96 wavelengths spaced at 50 GHz over a range wider than the optical C-band. Methods of increasing the overall network throughput by using a higher complexity modulation format are also described, along with designs for line codes to enable pulse amplitude modulation across the WS-TDM network core. The construction of an optical star coupler network core is investigated, by evaluating methods of constructing large star couplers from smaller optical coupler components. By using optical circuit switches to rearrange star coupler connectivity, the network can be partitioned, creating independent reserves of bandwidth and resulting in increased overall network throughput. Several topologies for constructing a star from optical couplers are compared, and algorithms for optimum construction methods are presented. All of the designs target strict criteria for the flexible and dynamic creation of multicast groups, which will enable future live media production workflows in data centres. The data throughput performance of the network designs is simulated under synthetic and practical media production traffic scenarios, showing improved throughput when reconfigurable star couplers are used compared to a single large star. An energy consumption evaluation shows reduced network power consumption compared to incumbent and other proposed data centre network technologies

MediaSync: Handbook on Multimedia Synchronization

This book provides an approachable overview of the most recent advances in the fascinating field of media synchronization (mediasync), gathering contributions from the most representative and influential experts. Understanding the challenges of this field in the current multi-sensory, multi-device, and multi-protocol world is not an easy task. The book revisits the foundations of mediasync, including theoretical frameworks and models, highlights ongoing research efforts, like hybrid broadband broadcast (HBB) delivery and users' perception modeling (i.e., Quality of Experience or QoE), and paves the way for the future (e.g., towards the deployment of multi-sensory and ultra-realistic experiences). Although many advances around mediasync have been devised and deployed, this area of research is getting renewed attention to overcome remaining challenges in the next-generation (heterogeneous and ubiquitous) media ecosystem. Given the significant advances in this research area, its current relevance and the multiple disciplines it involves, the availability of a reference book on mediasync becomes necessary. This book fills the gap in this context. In particular, it addresses key aspects and reviews the most relevant contributions within the mediasync research space, from different perspectives. Mediasync: Handbook on Multimedia Synchronization is the perfect companion for scholars and practitioners that want to acquire strong knowledge about this research area, and also approach the challenges behind ensuring the best mediated experiences, by providing the adequate synchronization between the media elements that constitute these experiences