Active Set Management Using Codec Quality Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face challenges in maintaining continuous coverage and optimizing codec quality during handoffs, as existing methods do not effectively consider signal strength and codec quality when managing a wireless communication device's active set, leading to potential degradation in communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A radio access network (RAN) method that determines comparative signal-strength and codec-quality measures between candidate and active sectors to decide whether to add or remove sectors from a wireless communication device's active set, ensuring higher-quality codecs are prioritized for seamless handoffs and improved communication quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing active set management methods are used, then handoff continuity is maintained, but codec quality is not optimized and communication quality may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters considered in active set management from only signal strength to include both signal strength and codec quality metrics. By modifying the handoff decision parameters to evaluate codec quality alongside signal strength, the system optimizes communication quality while maintaining handoff continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously evaluates codec quality metrics and signal strength measurements, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust active set management decisions. This closed-loop approach ensures both continuity and quality optimization.
2Ease of operation
If signal strength only is considered for active set management, then handoff decisions are simple, but codec quality is not prioritized leading to communication degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the parameter set for handoff decisions to include codec quality metrics alongside signal strength. This modification maintains operational simplicity by using standardized measurement and comparison processes while improving communication quality through multi-parameter evaluation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple codecs are supported with different characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but resource usage and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by evaluating codec characteristics specific to each candidate sector and making handoff decisions based on the local codec quality conditions. This approach enables adaptable codec selection while managing complexity through localized evaluation rather than global optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may be implemented to take codec quality into account when helping to manage the active set of a wireless communication device (WCD). An illustrative method may involves a radio access network (RAN) component determining a comparative signal-strength measure for a candidate sector as compared to at least one active sector in the active set of a WCD, determining a comparative codec-quality measure for the candidate sector as compared to the at least one active sector in the active set of a WCD, and based at least in part on both (a) the comparative signal-strength measure and (b) the comparative codec-quality measure, making a determination as to whether or not to add the candidate sector to the active set.