Low-Latency Live Video Streaming over Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Networks
Date
2023-12-21
Authors
Zhao, Jinwei
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Abstract
Video streaming currently dominates Internet traffic with an estimated share of 71% of all mobile data traffic, and it is forecast to increase to 80% in 2028. While 5G services are expanding beyond mobile devices to enterprises and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the demand for service continuity and the surge in mobile data traffic is expected to further drive the evolution and expansion of network architectures into non-traditional areas. Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks (SAGINs) are promising to transform future Internet connectivity by merging the capabilities of space, aerial, and terrestrial networks. Notably, Starlink's deployment of thousands of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites provides global Internet coverage with significantly lower latency and higher bandwidth than conventional geostationary-equatorial-orbit (GEO)-based or medium-Earth-orbit (MEO)-based satellite networks, particularly enhancing connectivity in remote and rural areas. Yet, while the performance of video-on-demand (VoD) services over Starlink is on par with terrestrial networks, challenges remain in low-latency live video streaming, especially given the dynamic and fluctuating network latency in Starlink networks. In this thesis, we first conduct a comprehensive measurement study of Starlink's performance across different protocol layers, from access networks to live video streaming, at multiple geographical Starlink installations, including one where inter-satellite links (ISLs) are utilized in practice. Then, we present a novel adaptive video bitrate algorithm that utilizes the unique characteristics of Starlink networks to improve the quality of experience (QoE) of live video streaming. Finally, we discuss a joint decision-making solution with multipath QUIC protocol to address the multipath video streaming problem, which can further improve the video streaming experience.
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Keywords
Starlink, Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Networks, Contextual Multi-Armed Bandit, DASH, Adaptive Video Streaming