MIMO and 256-QAM improve 4K video quality over 5G fixed wireless networks
Objective Video Quality Assessment in FWA-Based Over-the-Top Content Delivery Across Open Source 5G Networks
Networking and Internet Architecture
Summary
Delivering ultra-high-definition videos over 5G wireless networks can be tricky because network conditions affect video quality. This paper shows that using a method called MIMO combined with advanced signal techniques helps keep video looking great even when many people use the network at once. The authors tested this on a real 5G network with 4K videos and found that these technologies ensure smoother and clearer streaming compared to simpler setups.
What this means in practice
- •For network operators: Choose network configurations that maintain high-quality 4K video streaming under heavy user loads in fixed wireless access deployments.
- •For video streaming engineers: Optimize encoding and transmission strategies based on modulation and antenna schemes to enhance UHD video delivery over 5G connections.
Authors
Nelson Ion, FlÁvio Silva, Paulo Silva, Ricardo Silva, Mathews Lima, Daniel Luna, Antonio Campos, Augusto Neto, Vicente Sousa
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive experimental video quality assessment in 5G-based Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks, leveraging a real open source 5G network testbed. Addressing the critical need for robust UHD video delivery, the study systematically investigates the impact of transmission modes (SISO and MIMO), modulation schemes (64-QAM and 256-QAM), and network load (one to five users) on both network throughput and perceived video quality. Unlike simulation-based approaches, our methodology integrates automated streaming campaigns with objective full-reference Quality of Experience (QoE) metrics (PSNR, ssim, and VMAF) computed from 4K video streams delivered via MPEG-DASH, enabling frame-level correlation between network performance and user experience. Key findings demonstrate that MIMO consistently outperforms SISO, sustaining higher throughput and superior visual quality even under increasing user demand. Specifically, MIMO with 256-QAM maintained VMAF scores above the visually lossless threshold with five concurrent users, while SISO configurations experienced significant degradation. These results provide empirical evidence for the critical role of spatial diversity and higher-order modulation in ensuring reliable UHD video delivery over FWA. The proposed reproducible framework for detailed quality assessment offers valuable insights for future optimization of 5G FWA deployments, contributing to the practical understanding and deployment strategies for high-quality video services in Open RAN environments.