Evaluation of Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service for More Efficient Mobile Video Streaming

This paper presents the ongoing development and evaluation work with the preliminary measured results in conjunction towards more efficient mobile media delivery using evolved multimedia broadcast multicast service (eMBMS) integrated into live 5G test network Finland. First, the prevailing network capacity and efficiency with traditional video streaming is resolved by determining the maximum number of simultaneous unicast sessions in the 5G evaluation environment. Next, we introduce the eMBMS service running in the test network and measure its basic functionality and efficiency, and highlight some of the most important indicators affecting to the performance. After conducting live measurements and collecting the measurement data from several network nodes, it is confirmed that the usage of eMBMS can reduce the load compared to unicast streaming. In addition, the measured results show the use of eMBMS increasing the transmission capacity especially for live popular content within the same area offering therefore improved quality of experience for the end users. As the number of mobile video users with increased resolution and bitrate is growing, it is essential to explore new ways for delivering the content more efficiently, with higher quality, favoring also for green networking with less transmitted bits in the mobile network.