Call Path Selection Using Performance Information Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet networks lack the ability to effectively manage and monitor real-time bandwidth usage and transmission quality across communication paths, leading to issues such as congestion, packet loss, and poor voice quality in VoIP and other real-time services due to the absence of in-band path signaling and connection state awareness.
Innovation Solution
The system collects network performance information from nodes to determine the operational status of potential communication paths, using Performance Information Packets (PIP packets) to assess transmission rates, quality, and connectivity, enabling informed call routing and management decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet networks are used for communication, then network flexibility and scalability are improved, but transmission quality monitoring and congestion management deteriorate due to lack of in-band path signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Performance Information Packets (PIP packets) as an intermediary mechanism that carries performance metrics (packet loss, jitter, delay, bandwidth utilization) along the communication path. These packets act as mediators between network nodes, enabling quality monitoring without requiring fundamental changes to the packet network architecture. The PIP packets traverse the same path as data packets, providing real-time feedback on transmission quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where PIP packets collect performance data from network nodes and return it to the call controller. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of call routing and resource allocation based on actual network conditions. The call controller uses this feedback to make informed decisions about call establishment, maintenance, and teardown.
2Speed
If traditional call routing is used without path performance data, then call setup speed is improved, but call quality and congestion management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary probing where PIP packets are sent before actual call establishment to assess path performance. This preliminary action provides advance information about network conditions, enabling the call controller to select optimal paths before committing call resources. The probing mechanism allows speeded-up call setup by pre-evaluating multiple potential paths and selecting the best one in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts call routing based on real-time performance data from PIP packets. Rather than using static routing tables, the call controller continuously monitors network conditions and adapts call paths dynamically. This dynamic approach maintains fast call setup while improving call quality through intelligent path selection based on current network state.
3Productivity
If bandwidth is not monitored in real-time, then network resource utilization is improved, but congestion and packet loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
PIP packets provide continuous feedback on bandwidth utilization, packet loss, and jitter metrics. This feedback enables the call controller to detect congestion conditions in real-time and take corrective actions such as rerouting calls or adjusting resource allocation. The feedback mechanism transforms passive resource utilization into active congestion management while maintaining high network productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network nodes automatically generate and process PIP packets to monitor their own performance without external intervention. Each node contributes to the overall performance monitoring by embedding performance data in PIP packets passing through it. This self-service approach distributes the monitoring burden across the network while maintaining comprehensive visibility into congestion conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for determining a communications path to assign a communications over a packet network. For example, in one embodiment, the method includes determining at least two potential communications paths over a packet network over which a received communications request may be established by accessing network performance information associated with each node segment on the respective at least two potential communications paths. In one embodiment, the network performance information associated with each node segment includes a first set of network performance information for communicating in a first direction on the node segment and a second set of network performance information for communicating in a second direction on the node segment. The method determines a value indicative of communications operations associated with each potential communications path. The method then assigns and establishes a communications path to the communications request based on the determined values.