Group Control Server Assignment for Communication Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing group communication systems are inefficient when users are distributed or moving, as they often route signals through longer paths, leading to increased latency and network resource usage due to static assignment of users to a 'home' server, which can result in circular routing and excessive resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an adaptive homing tool as a virtual network function that communicates with a centralized database to dynamically assign a group control application server based on factors like priority data, location, network resource usage, best path performance, and quality of service, especially when group members move outside their initial home server's connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If users are statically assigned to a home server, then service control and group call services are simplified, but signaling and media take longer paths causing increased latency and network resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic home server assignment where the home server is selected based on real-time user location and service requirements. Instead of static assignment, the system continuously monitors user position and reassigns home servers to optimize routing paths, thereby reducing latency while maintaining service control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location management function and routing optimization mechanism that acts as an intermediary between users and home servers. This intermediary component analyzes user location data and network conditions to determine optimal home server assignments, separating the complexity of routing optimization from the core service control logic.
2Device complexity
If users are statically assigned to a home server, then group call service management is simplified, but signaling may be routed circularly causing excessive network resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the location management function continuously receives user location information and network status data, then adjusts home server assignments accordingly. This closed-loop system prevents circular routing by constantly monitoring routing paths and reassigning home servers when suboptimal routing is detected, thereby reducing network resource consumption while maintaining manageable service control.
3Extent of automation
If all group user media connections are connected to the group home server, then centralized control is achieved, but network resources are used inefficiently when users are distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized group call control into distributed control nodes. Instead of all media connections routing through a single group home server, the system creates multiple regional control points that can independently manage local group calls. This segmentation maintains automated control while significantly improving network resource efficiency for distributed users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different parts of the network to have different control characteristics. Local regions with distributed users can operate with decentralized control through local application servers, while maintaining the ability to switch to centralized control when needed. This local quality approach optimizes network resource usage by allowing media connections to route locally rather than through a distant centralized home server.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing group communication services, the method including determining a current location and an assigned home server for one or more devices associated with each of a plurality of group members, determining whether the one or more devices of the plurality of group members has moved to a visiting location, wherein the visiting location is a location outside of locations associated with the assigned home server based on the current location and assigned home server for the one or more devices, and assigning a group control application server associated with the visiting location to the to the one or more devices to serve as the assigned home server.