Cross-Layer Optimization for Video Transport in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

这项研究的目的是为动态自组织网络上的视频通信提供基础研究。该方法是利用在多描述编码、多路径路由、分组调度和跨协议栈层的每节点功率控制方面的最新进展。具体来说，研究活动有三个主要推动力：(1)跨层建模和理论研究；(2)分布式算法和协议的设计；(3)试验台原型和验证。这个项目的智力价值包括以下几个部分。首先，对多个较低层影响下的视频传输进行整体考虑的研究有限。然而，这些努力对于优化视频性能是必要的。本研究将提供新的跨层视频优化模型和理论结果。其次，分布式算法和协议的开发不仅将提供实用的可操作算法，而且将提供能够接近理论极限的算法。最后，在试验台原型的努力将提供更深入的洞察与视频通信相关的挑战，以及对理论和算法研究的宝贵反馈。该项目的更广泛的影响包括：(1)开发新的教育材料，以弥合软件应用程序、网络和无线通信之间的差距，(2)本科生的研究经验和未被充分代表的少数族裔学生的特殊机会。

The objective of this research is to offer a fundamental study of video communications over dynamic ad hoc networks. The approach is to exploit recent advances in multiple description coding, multi-path routing, packet scheduling, and per-node power control across the layers of the protocol stack. Specifically, there are three main thrusts in the research activities: (1) cross-layer modeling and theoretical study; (2) design of distributed algorithms and protocols; and (3) testbed prototyping and validation. The intellectual merit of this project includes the following components. First, there is limited research pursuing a holistic consideration of video transport under the impact of multiple lower layers. Such efforts, however, are necessary to optimize video performance. This research will thus offer new cross-layer video optimization models and theoretical results. Second, the efforts on the development of distributed algorithms and protocols will offer not only practical operational algorithms, but algorithms that can approach the theoretical limits. Finally, the efforts on testbed prototyping will offer deeper insights into the challenges associated with video communications over ad hoc networks as well as valuable feedback to the theoretical and algorithmic research.The broader impacts of this project include: (1) the development of new educational materials to bridge the gap between software applications, networking, and wireless communication, and (2) research experience for undergraduates and special opportunities for underrepresented minority students.