An adaptive and reliable forward error correction mechanism for real-time video delivery from UAVs

This thesis introduces the Adaptive and Reliable Forward Error Correction (AR-FEC) mechanism, an advanced protocol designed to enhance real-time video transmission in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) communications. Addressing the challenge of unreliable wireless channels, AR-FEC leverages edge computing principles at the application layer to incorporate adaptive FEC, dynamic video quality, and Unequal Error Protection (UEP). By dynamically adjusting redundancy frames within each video Group of Pictures (GoP) based on packet loss, round-trip times, and cross-layer network information, AR-FEC optimizes the balance between video quality and transmission reliability. A significant portion of this work is dedicated to rigorous simulation-based validation using the NS3 network simulator. The simulation environment is carefully crafted to replicate a range of UAV operational conditions, including varying distances and network loads, to assess the AR-FEC protocol's performance under realistic scenarios. Key performance indicators such as deliverable frame count, latency, throughput, and real-time streaming constraints are meticulously evaluated, demonstrating AR-FEC's capacity to outperform existing error correction methods significantly. The simulations also explore the protocol's behavior with multiple UAVs as senders, highlighting its robustness in complex network settings. The results indicate a marked improvement in video delivery quality, showcasing AR-FEC's potential for broad application across different UAV uses, from surveillance to disaster management. In summary, the thesis articulates the development and validation of AR-FEC, illustrating its superior performance and adaptability. The proposed mechanism not only advances the field of UAV communication but also establishes a comprehensive simulation framework for future research, potentially guiding the development of more reliable and efficient UAV multimedia communication systems.

Grantor dc:publisher

University College Cork

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Sarvi, Batoul

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Sreenan, Cormac J.
• Zahran, Ahmed

• UAV
• Error correction
• Multimedia communication
• FEC
• Video streaming

Statement dc:rights

• © 2023, Batoul Sarvi Ghamsari.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/15942

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cora.ucc.ie:10468/15942