Rate control for VBR video coders in broad-band networks

We present a rate control algorithm adapted to MPEG video coders ensuring that output conforms to the parameters of a leaky-bucket network access controller. The algorithm avoids unpredictable rate variations without the rigidity and systematic coding delay of constant bit-rate (CBR) coders, and makes possible resource provision for guaranteed quality of service. A relatively large burst tolerance parameter allows considerable scope for variation at GoP scale, and only restricts the natural rate when necessary to avoid long-term overloads. Possible multiplexing schemes are discussed distinguishing buffer provision for cell-scale and burst-scale congestion.