Call Control Node Harmonization Trigger for Codec Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing codec establishment procedures in communication networks, such as mobile networks, often result in locally optimal but not globally optimal codec selections, leading to suboptimal speech quality, bandwidth usage, and transcoding resource inefficiencies due to the interaction of different codec negotiation procedures along a call path.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a call control node determines if it is a transfer node in a harmonization path and checks if the selected codec meets predefined criteria; if not, a harmonization trigger is sent to edge nodes to initiate a harmonization process, ensuring a globally optimized codec selection based on speech quality and bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual codec establishment procedures (OoBTC, TFO) are performed locally along different call path sections, then codec negotiation can be completed for each section independently, but the interaction between these procedures may lead to codec information loss, incorrect transmission, or cyclic changes resulting in unstable codec selection
Solution Approach 1:
A harmonization trigger mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between local codec establishment procedures. When a transfer node detects codec incompatibility between adjacent sections, it generates a harmonization trigger that propagates through the call path, coordinating codec selection across multiple sections to ensure global compatibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring codec selection outcomes at each call path section. When incompatibility is detected (e.g., adjacent sections selecting different codecs), this information feeds back into the harmonization process, triggering re-negotiation or adjustment of codec selections to achieve consistent global codec usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transcoding steps are performed along a call path, then codec compatibility can be maintained between different network sections, but speech quality deteriorates and transcoding costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges adjacent call path sections that use different codec establishment procedures into a harmonized section using a unified codec. By coordinating codec selection across section boundaries and eliminating intermediate transcoding points, the system reduces the total number of transcoding steps while maintaining compatibility across diverse network sections.
3Productivity
If codec establishment procedures are performed without harmonization coordination, then each section can optimize its own codec selection, but the overall call path may experience bandwidth inefficiency due to suboptimal global codec choices
Solution Approach 1:
The harmonization trigger mechanism performs preliminary coordination before final codec selection is locked in. By detecting potential incompatibilities early in the codec establishment process and triggering harmonization procedures proactively, the system prevents suboptimal global codec selections and ensures efficient bandwidth utilization from the outset.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a technique of operating a call control node (MSC1, TSC2 - TSC4, MSC5) controlling at least one section of a call path. The call path includes between two opposite edge nodes (MSC1, MSC5) a multi-section harmonization path along which codec selection is to be harmonized. A method embodiment of the technique, wherein the call control node is a transfer node (TSC2 - TSC4) in the harmonization path between the edge nodes, comprises the steps of determining if the call control node is a transfer node of the harmonization path; determining if a codec used for the at least one section controlled by the call control node fulfils a predefined harmonization criterion; and providing, in case the used codec does not fulfil the harmonization criterion, a harmonization trigger indication to at least one of the edge nodes of the harmonization path for initiating harmonization.