The next step in wireless video streaming An EU research team worked on ways to stream video over standard wireless networks. This was achieved through improved algorithms, coding and networking, leading to a mature software product. Digital Economy © scanrail, Thinkstock Continuous video monitoring places great demands on wireless computer networks. Wireless video streaming applications, such as traffic monitoring or fire detection, currently require special high-performance networks. The EU-funded CODELANCE (Advanced network coding for video surveillance) project devised efficiency improvements to video coding and networking to support conventional networks in carrying high-quality video signals. To achieve its aims, the team defined the necessary software architecture via a literature review and analysis of technical needs. Next, the researchers designed innovative methods and algorithms capable of meeting the requirements under various defined scenarios. The approach exploited certain benefits of network coding, such as robustness, adaptability and error resilience. It furthered the development of innovative network coding and security methods and algorithms that can perform reliably under different security constraints, access issues and network optimisation challenges. Subsequently, CODELANCE simulated and tested proposals developed in the two prior stages, shortlisting candidates for further testing and possible implementation. Step four involved building the protocol stack and optimised mechanisms for information transport, and then designing the software. Lastly, the project’s wireless framework was evaluated, providing a realistic development platform for video surveillance applications. Among its key achievements, the project successfully supported and advanced several wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX with features such as cameras and sensors. This facilitates the development of video surveillance systems that can extend different services to smart cities, such as enhanced fire detection and traffic monitoring. Formidable progress was also achieved in building the protocol stack for innovative, optimised and secure mechanisms for information transport, flow control and video distribution. This supported design of the embedded software, which involved integration of joined network coding and security solutions into the protocols. In summary, the CODELANCE project yielded a mature software product that can provide streaming video over standard wireless networks. The technology is applicable to everyday life situations. Safety and security emerge as winners from this endeavour. Keywords Wireless video streaming, wireless networks, CODELANCE, network coding, video surveillance
