Gateway Gating Control for Seamless Media Path Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunications networks, especially during access transfer, the mechanism for updating media paths between user terminals can cause significant voice path breaks due to asynchronous gating functions, leading to audible disruptions and impacted service quality when IP addresses change.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlled gating changes in gateway nodes, allowing a new media path to be opened while keeping the old path open until media is confirmed to have switched, and then closing the old path, with options for immediate or delayed updates based on indications and pre-determined settings to minimize service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the gating function is updated immediately when a media path change is indicated, then the update speed is improved, but voice breaks and service disruptions occur due to asynchronous gating between old and new paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by opening the new gating function before closing the old one. When a media path change is indicated, the system activates the new gating function in advance while maintaining the old gating function operational, ensuring continuous media flow during the transition. This prevents voice breaks by preparing the new path before the old path is deactivated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining both old and new gating functions simultaneously during a transition period. The system monitors media flow and keeps the old gating function open until it confirms that media has successfully switched to the new path, thereby eliminating gaps in media transmission and ensuring uninterrupted service.
2Reliability
If the old gating is kept open longer to prevent voice breaks, then service quality is improved, but the time required for complete path switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a monitoring mechanism that tracks whether media has successfully switched to the new path. The system continuously checks for media flow on the new gating function and uses this feedback to determine when it is safe to close the old gating function. This feedback-driven approach ensures the old path remains open only as long as necessary, balancing service quality with efficient switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when media switching is complete through its monitoring mechanism. Once the system confirms that media flow has successfully transitioned to the new path, it autonomously closes the old gating function without requiring external intervention or prolonged manual configuration, thereby minimizing unnecessary delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for updating or handling the update of a media path between a first user terminal and a second user terminal in a telecommunications network. The media path includes one or more gateway nodes. Each gateway node includes a gating function for gating media packets. Each gating function has an associated controlling function for controlling the gating function. A message is received (S5) at a gating function from its associated controlling function indicating that an update of the gating at the gating function is required. The gating function arranges (S6) for a new gating, appropriate for the new or updated media path, to be opened while keeping the old gating, appropriate for the old or previous or existing media path, open (S8). The gating function determines (S7) when the media has been switched, or at least is likely to have been switched, to the new path. When it is so determined, the gating function arranges for the old gating to be closed (S9).