Dynamic VoIP Stream Calculation for UMA Network QoS

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

UMA network architectures face challenges in maintaining a constant quality of service (QoS) due to the difficulty in evaluating the impact of new VoIP flows on both the WAN and WLAN parts of the network, leading to degradation in communication quality, especially in enterprise settings with multiple access points and a large number of mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically calculating and controlling the maximum number of VoIP streams that can transit through both the WLAN and WAN parts of a UMA network, taking into account bit rates and codec characteristics, to ensure resource availability and maintain QoS by switching new communications to the operator's mobile network if necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the maximum number of VoIP streams is increased to handle more communications, then the communication capacity is improved, but the quality of service deteriorates due to network overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capacityVSAvoidquality of service
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic calculation of maximum VoIP stream capacity based on real-time network conditions. The system continuously monitors bit rates and codec characteristics to adjust the maximum number of allowable streams, transitioning from static to dynamic resource management. This enables the network to adapt its capacity to current load conditions, maintaining QoS while maximizing throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes key parameters including bit rate observations, codec characteristics, and maximum stream calculations. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on real-time network state, the system optimizes the balance between communication capacity and service quality, allowing more streams when conditions permit while preventing overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a static maximum value for VoIP streams is configured, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and adjusting the maximum VoIP stream capacity based on observed network conditions and codec characteristics. Rather than requiring manual configuration or complex external control, the gateway autonomously monitors bit rates, identifies codec parameters, and determines appropriate stream limits, eliminating the need for static pre-configuration while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously observes network bit rates and communication patterns, then uses this information to adjust the maximum stream capacity. This closed-loop approach allows the system to adapt to varying network conditions automatically, balancing simplicity with responsiveness to changing environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the maximum bit rate is calculated without considering codec characteristics, then the calculation speed is improved, but the measurement precision of available capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation speedVSAvoidprecision of available capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and cataloging of codec characteristics used by terminals in the network. By pre-establishing a database of codec parameters and their associated bit rate requirements, the gateway can quickly match observed communications to known codec profiles, enabling fast yet accurate capacity calculations without analyzing each stream from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2127271B1Method for the dynamic calculation of a maximum flow value of a data stream
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 ORANGE SA
  • EP2127271B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2127271B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2127271B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the dynamic calculation of a maximum flow value of a data stream that has to travel between a first communication terminal (13) and a second communication terminal (14). According to the invention, the method includes a step that takes account of at least one parameter representative of an encoding/decoding operation applied to the data stream, said operation being executed by an encoder/decoder associated with the first terminal (13).