Evaluation and optimisation of session setup delay for streaming services over 3G networks with quality of service support

Session setup delay in Packet Switched Streaming (PSS) services over Third Generation (3G) wireless networks is impacted by Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) and Session Description Protocol (SDP) signalling exchange and negotiation, as well as media buffering at the terminal before playback. The paper discusses PSS session setup delay over 3G, and proposes two RTSP and SDP protocol extensions to reduce this delay, namely: RTSP Early Setup and usage of SDP Templates. The rationale behind this proposal is presented, particularly when a Secondary Packed Data Protocol Context (PDP-Context) is used to support media delivery with Quality of Service (QoS) support. The RTSP Early Setup mechanism facilitates pipelining of RTSP messages and early trigger of Secondary PDP-Context setup. The SDP Template mechanism proposes using a generic procedure to avoid transmission of frequently used SDP fields. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.