From 5G RAN Queue Dynamics to Playback: A Performance Analysis for QUIC Video Streaming

The rapid adoption of QUIC as a transport protocol has transformed content delivery by reducing latency, enhancing congestion control (CC), and enabling more efficient multiplexing. With the advent of 5G networks, which support ultra-low latency and high bandwidth, streaming high-resolution video at 4K and beyond has become increasingly viable. However, optimizing Quality of Experience (QoE) in mobile networks remains challenging due to the complex interactions among Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) schemes at the application layer, CC algorithms at the transport layer, and Radio Link Control (RLC) queuing at the link layer in the 5G network. While prior studies have largely examined these components in isolation, this work presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of modern active queue management (AQM) strategies, such as RED and L4S, on video streaming over diverse QUIC implementations--focusing particularly on their interaction with the RLC buffer in 5G environments and the interplay between CC algorithms and ABR schemes. Our findings demonstrate that the effectiveness of AQM strategies in improving video streaming QoE is intrinsically linked to their dynamic interaction with QUIC implementations, CC algorithms and ABR schemes-highlighting that isolated optimizations are insufficient. This intricate interdependence necessitates holistic, cross-layer adaptive mechanisms capable of real-time coordination between network, transport and application layers, which are crucial for fully leveraging the capabilities of 5G networks to deliver robust, adaptive, and high-quality video streaming.