Communications Network Capability List Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communications networks, coordinating signal processing functions among nodes is challenging, especially under static conditions and more so when the network dynamically changes, such as during node failures and rerouting, leading to potential degradation of information transfer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the exchange of capability lists in a predefined format among nodes along a communications path, allowing each node to identify and coordinate data processing functions like echo cancellation, noise reduction, and gain control, with the ability to update and manage these functions dynamically based on network changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If capability lists are exchanged in predefined format among nodes, then coordination of data processing functions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination of data processing functionsVSAvoidcapability list exchange mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capability list is segmented into a predefined format with structured entries for different data processing functions (echo cancellation, noise reduction, gain control). Each node only needs to handle standardized entries rather than parsing complex custom formats, reducing processing complexity while maintaining comprehensive coordination capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of capability list format from ad-hoc/custom to predefined/standardized. This format transformation enables nodes to use simple lookup tables or configuration files to understand capability entries, significantly reducing the complexity of capability negotiation while improving coordination reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes dynamically update capability lists during network changes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic network adaptationVSAvoidcapability list update time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The predefined capability list format is established in advance, allowing nodes to quickly recognize and process capability entries during network changes without performing time-consuming format parsing or negotiation. Nodes can immediately utilize standardized capability information when network topology changes, reducing adaptation delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Nodes exchange capability lists periodically or upon detection of network changes, creating a feedback mechanism that keeps all nodes informed of current capabilities. This enables rapid detection and response to network changes while the predefined format ensures the feedback is processed efficiently without time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8027265B2Providing a capability list of a predefined format in a communications network

Publication Date: 2011.09.27 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

In a communications network having plural nodes, a first node receives a capability list that has a predefined format and includes plural entries identifying corresponding data processing functions supported by one or more nodes along a communications path of a communications session involving the first node. The first node adds at least one additional entry into the capability list in response to determining that the first node supports a data processing function that is not identified in the capability list.