Method and apparatus for distributing video packets over multiple bearers for providing unequal packet loss protection

A packet processing function for distributing video packets over multiple bearers for providing unequal packet loss protection, the packet processing function comprising:

• an interface that receives a plurality of packets that collectively includes video data from a group of pictures comprising a sequence of video frames, wherein the sequence includes one Intra frame at the beginning of the group of pictures followed by a plurality of Predictive frames;
• and
• a processing device that:
• for each packet in the plurality,
• determining the corresponding frame that includes the video data,
• applying a bearer selection process to select one of a plurality of bearers for transporting the packet over an access network, wherein each bearer has a different quality of service level which influences the probability of the transported packets being dropped, wherein the bearer selection process is based on the position of the frame within the sequence of frames, and
• providing, to an access network entity, an indication of the selected bearer;
• wherein applying the bearing selection process comprises:
• selecting a highest quality of service level bearer for all of the packets having video data corresponding to the Intra frame;
• and
• selecting the bearer for the packets having video data corresponding to the Predictive frames based on the location of the corresponding Predictive frame within the group of pictures relative to the Intra frame, wherein the quality of service level of the bearer selected decreases as the distance of the Predictive frame from the Intra frame increases.

A computer-readable storage element having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer to perform a method for distributing video packets over multiple bearers for providing unequal packet loss protection, the method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of packets that collectively includes video data from a group of pictures comprising a sequence of video frames, wherein the sequence includes one Intra frame at the beginning of the group of pictures followed by a plurality of Predictive frames;
• and
• for each packet in the plurality,
• determining the corresponding frame that includes the video data,
• applying a bearer selection process to select one of a plurality of bearers for transporting the packet over an access network, wherein each bearer has a different quality of service level which influences the probability of the transported packets being dropped, wherein the bearer selection process is based on the position of the frame within the sequence of frames, and
• providing, to an access network entity, an indication of the selected bearer
• wherein applying the bearing selection process comprises:
• selecting a highest quality of service level bearer for all of the packets having video data corresponding to the Intra frame;
• and
• selecting the bearer for the packets having video data corresponding to the Predictive frames based on the location of the corresponding Predictive frame within the group of pictures relative to the Intra frame, wherein the quality of service level of the bearer selected decreases as the distance of the Predictive frame from the Intra frame increases.