In this article, the Knowledge Plane is presented as an autonomic layer that optimizes the QoE in multimedia access networks from the service originator to the user.
Among the many multimedia services that offer universal multimedia access on heterogeneous networks include videoconferencing, distance learning, and video on demand [1 4].
We analyze the capacity of ultra-wide band (UWB) wireless access networks supporting multimedia services by calculating the number of multimedia connections that can be supported in a UWB access network with IEEE 802.15.3 Medium Access Control MACC) protocol, considering the overheads from different layers.
The elements that transport the multimedia content to the end users (subscribers) form the access network (4) which may be DSL-based containing BRASes (broadband remote access servers) and DSL access multiplexers (DSLAMs).
Satellite is often used as an access network in the Next Generation Networks landscape, where multimedia and real-time services are supported by return channels.
Most prominently, the context of service creation could be different to that of service execution, especially in the mobile environment, where the diverse terminals, heterogonous networks as well as various user requirements constrain the multimedia access to low quality.
In the delivery of broadband multimedia services to end-users, it is necessary to build a high-speed backbone and access network.
Multimedia traffic has traditionally suited more centrally controlled MAC protocols such as TDMA, over a random access network [8].
Due to the difference of users' device, network conditions, and especially their personal preference on video content, adaptation systems need personalized multimedia access aiming at enhancing the multimedia retrieval process by complementing explicit user requests with various user's environments [32 35].
In the mobile multimedia applications, the handover schemes should consider the quality of the received video or perceived QoE after switching the access network.
