Quality Probe for Testing Multimedia Content in 5G Networks

Resumen

With the growth of Internet traffic and the deployment of 5G networks, the evaluation of technology for video streaming over the Internet needs to be assessed. Users demand more efficient algorithms that taking into account the state of the network assure the requirements in terms of quality and allow them to enjoy the contents, which have gradually more resolution and definition than years ago. For this purpose, it is important to create a “probe” for video quality analysis, which checks the correct video transmission through the network avoiding undesirable effects in the multimedia content. In absence of a reference to compare the video transmitted with the original video, an algorithm based on video quality metrics is able to assess the transmission and, consequently, to improve the Quality of Experience of the users, needs to be implemented. The metrics are based in the detection of freezing frames, artefacts, colour errors and packet losses through the analysis of the video sequence. 5G network architecture, based on novel virtualization architectures, such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) allows the nodes in the network to improve the distribution capabilities of the multimedia network in case of transmission errors. The algorithm of the Quality Probe is designed to assess the quality and, in case of finding a descent on it, trigger an alarm to the broadcaster. The probe has been tested with a database that considers this type of errors, with successful results.