Adaptive FEC Activation Per Application Probe Class

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Forward Error Correction (FEC) systems in communication networks do not efficiently activate or deactivate FEC processing based on specific application probe classes, leading to sub-optimal bandwidth consumption and performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an adaptive FEC system that configures different application probe classes with specific DSCP values and loss thresholds, allowing for dynamic activation and deactivation of FEC processing based on real-time link loss metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If FEC processing is activated for all application probe classes, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases due to overhead from parity packets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket delivery reliabilityVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling FEC processing selectively for specific application probe classes rather than uniformly for all traffic. The system configures different FEC policies for different application types (e.g., real-time video conferencing vs. email), activating FEC only where packet loss would significantly impact quality of experience. This resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced reliability only where needed while conserving bandwidth for applications less sensitive to packet loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts FEC activation based on real-time network conditions and application requirements. The network node monitors packet loss metrics and application performance, continuously adapting which application probe classes receive FEC protection. This dynamic approach allows the system to activate FEC when reliability is needed and deactivate it when bandwidth conservation is prioritized, resolving the static contradiction between reliability and bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If FEC processing is deactivated to minimize bandwidth consumption, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but packet delivery reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth consumptionVSAvoidpacket delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying different FEC policies to different application probe classes based on their specific reliability requirements. Instead of a blanket approach, the system identifies which applications benefit most from FEC protection and applies it selectively. This ensures bandwidth efficiency is maintained overall while reliability is preserved for critical applications, resolving the contradiction between minimizing bandwidth consumption and maintaining packet delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If FEC is activated based on aggregate network loss metrics, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but precision in protecting specific application classes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFEC policy management complexityVSAvoidapplication-specific loss measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network traffic into distinct application probe classes and creating separate FEC policies for each class. Instead of treating all traffic uniformly, the system segments traffic by application type (e.g., video conferencing, voice, data transfer) and applies FEC selectively to each segment based on its specific requirements. This increases measurement precision for application-specific loss while managing complexity through structured policy configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional FEC policy framework that can handle multiple application types with different requirements through a single unified mechanism. The network node is designed to evaluate and apply appropriate FEC policies for various application probe classes using the same infrastructure, thereby increasing measurement precision without proportionally increasing implementation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12328246B2Systems and methods for activating FEC processing per application probe class

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes configuring a first application probe class and a second application probe class. The first application probe class may be associated with a first Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP), and the second application probe class may be associated with a second DSCP. The method also includes determining an adaptive Forward Error Correction (FEC) data policy for the first application probe class and the second application probe class, calculating a first loss value associated with the first application probe class for a link between a first network node and a second network node, and comparing the first loss value to a first loss threshold. The method further includes determining whether to activate FEC processing for the first application probe class in response to comparing the first loss value to the first loss threshold.