Perceptual Quality-Driven Resource Allocation in Energy-Aware Wireless Video Multicasting

In conjunction with the rising trend towards consumption of resource-hungry multimedia content over wireless medium, efficient radio resource allocation (eRRA) represents an ongoing challenge to network operators. This paper explores the application of multicasting in light of an eRRA that considers the perceptual quality aspect of wireless video transmission such that transmission energy is minimized. A multiuser orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) environment is considered. The resource allocation scheme presented is based on the genetic algorithm (GA) and offers fairness through the balance of average perceptual quality and minimal total energy among all subscribers in multicasting groups. In order to assist with this balance, a utility function is introduced as a fitness function for the GA. The allocation scheme relies on a well-established video quality model (VQM) for assessment of user-perceived quality. Simulation results show that the allocation scheme helps to preserve the energy requirement at low levels despite the proportionate rise in the number of subscribers. Moreover, perceived quality is well-secured and maintained at high levels, with a consistent increase of the utility value. Reflecting on today’s consumption patterns of popular video content, adoption of the presented scheme in multicasting would help lessen the carbon footprint emitted by wireless communications, while consumers’ quality of experience (QoE) is maintained.