Abstract
We consider the optimization of multicast over packet-switched communication networks with a non-zero packet-loss probability. For the system setup consisting of a number of multiple-description coders, we jointly optimize these coders. We propose an analytic solution, asymptotically optimal in the number of multiple-description coders. The analytic solution allows for fast system adaptation to changing network conditions. A locally optimal optimization algorithm that is useful when the number of multicast groups is small is derived. Simulations show that the utilization of the analytic solution incurs a low overhead on the performance when compared to the locally optimal solution, even for a small number of multiple-description coders.