Video data usually comprises a high amount of data and is therefore compressed in order to save network and memory capacities. Video compression according to MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and H.263 standards is employed in several applications. These methods offer high compression ratios but lead to bursty and highly varying bitstreams.

Transmitting video streams via packet-switched networks demands a high quality of service (QoS). Considering not only the distribution of pre-recorded video data but also supporting live video and interactive sessions, a minimal end-to-end delay and jitter have to be realized. Thus, the efficient transmission of VBR video in real time or even for interactive services in packet-switched networks is one of the most challenging tasks in network design.

In this context, different methods to transmit VBR video in ATM networks and in the internet were evaluated with efficient resource utilization and with the meeting of QoS requirements in mind.