Multipoint communication by hierarchically encoded data

Abstract

A novel multipoint communication paradigm, in which each destination receives a subset of the source's signal that corresponds to that destination's terminal and access bandwidth constraints, is presented. The approach to realizing this paradigm is based on integration of layered coding of the source's signal, routing based on bandwidth demand, optimization of signal parameters, and layered error control. The author gives an overview of several hierarchical signal coding techniques; presents methods for finding maximum bandwidth available to destination, establishing maximum-bandwidth routes; and optimally assigns bandwidth to the signal layers to maximize overall reception quality. Error control procedures whereby the network, source, and destinations cooperate to maintain layered-based data integrity, using erasure recovery coding and prioritized packet detection are also presented.