Performance analysis of audio video codecs over Wi-Fi/WiMAX network

Abstract

Recently, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE networks are broadly used for various data communications. WiMAX is considered suitable as a backhaul service to connect with multiple dispersed Wi-Fi 'hotspots'. Wireless networks such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX focus on delivering Quality of Service (QoS) for audio and video communications. However, there are numerous aspects that affect the communications on the networks. In this paper, an integrated Wi-Fi/WiMAX network has been investigated by using three different audio codecs and two video codecs. A test-bed is designed to generate and evaluate performance metrics delay, jitter, packet loss and Mean Opinion Score (MOS). A softphone is used as an audio-video application. By comparing various audio video codecs and communication distances, some recommendations are made for choosing an appropriate codec for the integrated Wi-Fi/WiMAX networks.