Access Point Selection via Performance Information Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony over packet networks faces challenges in managing call quality and congestion due to lack of connection path state awareness, leading to issues with voice quality, packet loss, and bandwidth management, especially in converged networks with varying traffic types.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Performance Information Packets (PIP packets) that communicate network performance information in-band, allowing call control managers to monitor real-time and non-real-time bandwidth usage, packet loss, and transmission quality, enabling intelligent call management and routing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet networks are used for telephony to enable converged networks with multiple traffic types, then network versatility and bandwidth utilization are improved, but call quality and connection reliability deteriorate due to lack of connection path state awareness and congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network devices monitor connection path state, bandwidth usage, and transmission quality, then use this information to dynamically adjust call routing and resource allocation decisions, ensuring call quality is maintained despite network congestion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary network elements that act as mediators between packet network traffic and telephony services, monitoring network conditions and making intelligent routing decisions to protect call quality while allowing network versatility
2Reliability
If intelligent call management is implemented to improve call quality, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for monitoring and processing network performance information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call management function into separate network elements dedicated to monitoring network performance and making routing decisions, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while improving overall connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where network devices automatically monitor their own performance and make routing decisions based on predefined criteria, reducing the need for complex centralized control while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for selecting an access point for a wireless device on a wireless network including a first wireless router in communication with the wireless device for transmitting and receiving RF signals between said first wireless router and the wireless device; a second wireless router in communication with the wireless device for transmitting and receiving RF signals between the first wireless router and the wireless device; a packet network switch in communication with the first and second wireless routers for routing the data packets between the first and second wireless routers and the packet network switch; and a network management device in communication with the packet network switch for instructing the packet network switch to route the data packets to one of the first and second wireless routers based on the network performance information to provide an access point for the wireless device.