Dynamic Buffer Period for Wireless Data Stream Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless telecommunications networks, the lack of a reliable end marker during inter-base station handovers leads to challenges in synchronizing the transmission of data streams, resulting in potential delays and interruptions, especially due to variable delays and congestion in IP data transport.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically adjusts the waiting period for transmitting the second data stream based on flow characteristics, including Quality of Service Class Index (QCI), and iteratively recalculates this period using a scaling factor to ensure accurate synchronization and minimize handover interruptions, even in the absence of an end marker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a predetermined timer is used to wait for forwarded data stream completion, then data packet transmission order is maintained, but handover interruption time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata packet transmission orderVSAvoidhandover interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static predetermined timer with a dynamic buffer period that adapts based on actual network conditions and flow characteristics. The buffer period is calculated considering the QCI value and current network state, allowing it to extend or shrink as needed to maintain data order while minimizing handover interruption time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of waiting time from a fixed predetermined timer to a variable buffer period that depends on flow characteristics and network conditions. By adjusting the buffer period based on QCI values and actual data stream behavior, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining transmission order and reducing interruption time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If forwarded data packets are buffered until handover completion, then data stream synchronization is achieved, but transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata stream synchronizationVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by starting the buffer period calculation from the moment the first packet of the second data stream is received, rather than waiting for handover completion. This allows the system to prepare for data stream transition in advance, reducing overall delay while maintaining synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms by monitoring the actual arrival of data packets and adjusting the buffer period accordingly. The system observes the timing of first packets from the second data stream and uses this information to calculate appropriate buffer periods, creating a feedback loop that optimizes synchronization timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a fixed waiting period is used for data stream transmission, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different flow characteristics is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to flow characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter from a fixed waiting period to a variable buffer period that adapts to different QCI values and network conditions. The buffer period is calculated based on flow characteristics, allowing the same implementation to handle diverse data streams (voice, video, data) with appropriate timing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by creating a single adaptive mechanism that works for multiple data stream types. The buffer period calculation considers QCI values and network conditions, making the system capable of handling various flow characteristics (real-time voice, video streaming, data transfer) with one unified approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2355421B1Data processing
Publication Date: 2012.08.22 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2355421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2355421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2355421B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of processing a flow of data packets in a wireless telecommunications network and a base station operable to carry out that method. The flow of data comprises a first stream of data packets to be transmitted to user equipment and a second stream of data packets to be transmitted to user equipment after said first stream of data packets. The method comprises the steps of: (i) receiving data packets belonging to the first stream; (ii) transmitting the received data packets belonging to the first stream to user equipment; (iii) receiving data packets belonging to the second stream; (iv) waiting for a predetermined buffer period from receipt of a first data packet in the second stream, before transmitting the received data packets belonging to the second stream to user equipment. The predetermined buffer period is selected on the basis of flow characteristics of the flow of data packets.