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StatusCompleted
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Status date2023-08-10
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Activity Code7B.045
The objective of the project was to build upon a previous Sat>IP WiFi Hotspot project to sufficiently develop the system to the point that it was ready for commercial deployment.
The Bx-WiFi technology enables broadcasting of uninterrupted audio or video content from multiple sources to thousands of smartphone or tablet devices, all connected to Wi-Fi access points, while simultaneously providing general internet access.
The objectives were:
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Development of a software-based server platform so that it is installable on standard PC servers
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Improvement of the client application to enhance user experience and improve quality
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Thorough analysis of WiFi access points and common mobile phones. To ensure Bx-WiFi works across as many devices as possible
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Development of a novel dynamic FEC procedure using Software Defined Networks to enhance robustness of the system and to maximize efficiency
The key challenge faced in the project was to make the Bx-WiFi system operate with as many standard WiFi access points and mobile devices as possible. Analysis of several devices was carried out which was then feed into the development of the Bx-WiFi server and client applications.
Previously end users could potentially watch live TV in public spaces using internet-streaming applications, either over a mobile data connection or via a free WiFi access point. Both of these options have drawbacks:
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Users will be using the data allowance of their mobile subscription plane and potentially have costly bills.
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Use of free WiFi access points are popular but the user experience is poor due to limited available bandwidth making internet browsing slow and watching video impossible.
With Bx-WiFi however, it’s possible to distribute multiple live video streams to many users in high density public spaces. Bx-WiFi uses Forward Error Correction to maintain video quality, and multicast technology that minimises bandwidth usage when a large number of users are simultaneously streaming. Due to its transmission efficiency, access to the Internet can be offered at the same time while multicasting content. Use Cases for Bx-WiFi include provision of entertainment in large or small waiting areas, such as train stations or doctor’s offices, added value infotainment services during large-scale events, for example at sports or music venues, or behind the scenes broadcast of live camera feeds for staff.
The server platform features:
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Platform – Linux Ubuntu
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Content Sources – DVB, File, IP
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Video Input
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Codec – H.264 and HEVC
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Format & Resolution – Standard TV formats up to HD (1080p60)
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Bitrate – Up to 8 mbps
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Video Output
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Codec – H.264 and HEVC
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Format & Resolution – up to 720p60 (other resolutions possible)
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Bitrate – Up to 4 mbps
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FEC Error resilience – up to 99%
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Streaming Protocol – Transport Stream in RTP
WiFi Access points:
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Standard WiFi access points
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Tested with several Cisco, Aruba, Ruckus and Ubiquiti models
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Client devices:
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Android, iOS, Raspbian, Ubuntu devices
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Reference App based on open source libraries and frameworks
A block diagram of the Bx-WiFi system is shown in the diagram below. It consist of three main components:
Server platform
This is a suite of software applications that take in video content streams, process them and output them via multicast over an IP network
Content can come from multiple sources including DVB, IP and Files. The content is typically transcoded and FEC is applied.
WiFi network
The WiFi network consists of one or more WiFi access points.
Client Application
This application runs on the end user's mobile device. It supports Android, iOS, Raspbian and Ubuntu devices. Once the app is installed on the device and the end user runs the App while at an event using Bx-WiFi they are able to discover the live streams then play and view them.
The project consisted of three development phases each ending with a trial of the system. It was intended that these trials would be held at public events. Covid-19 meant this was not feasible for the last two trials, closed technical trials were held instead
All work has now been completed