System and method for handling critical packets loss in multi-hop RTP streaming

The disclosure relates to a system and method for handling critical packets loss in multi-hop RTP streaming. Disclosed are example embodiments of a method and system to reduce re-transmission requirements of a compressed media transferring system implemented in a network where packet loss is possible. An extended header for each transmitted packet can indicate the priority of the packet and endpoints can determine if a re-transmission of a missing packet is desired. Buffering of packets at different hops in a multi-hop system allows for the retransmission request to be satisfied by a more recent hop than the original system transmitting the video packet. In one embodiment three levels of priority are established to achieve a reliable frame rate of 30 frames per second by compressing the first and second levels at 7.5 frames per second and a third level at 15 frames per second.