Group Server Resource Indicators for Multimedia Session Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing group communication systems face high messaging overhead and increased call setup times due to resource negotiation, particularly in large groups, and fail to identify subscriber units with insufficient resources until late in the process, which is problematic for sensitive communications like public safety.
Innovation Solution
A server-centric call control architecture that includes a group server communicatively coupled to subscriber units, where the group page provides resource and capability indicators for each application stream, allowing subscriber units to assess and choose participation based on their capabilities, and enabling partial or degraded stream reception to reduce messaging overhead and support units with limited resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If session and resource negotiation is performed with each subscriber unit before joining a group call, then the subscriber unit can be properly integrated into the session, but messaging overhead increases and call setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary resource negotiation by broadcasting resource requirements to all subscriber units before the actual session establishment. Subscriber units can pre-assess their capability to participate, and the system can pre-identify unsuitable units, avoiding lengthy negotiation processes during actual session setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The session establishment process is segmented into two phases: (1) broadcasting session information and resource requirements to all potential participants, and (2) establishing individual session connections only with capable units. This segmentation eliminates the need for sequential negotiation with each unit.
2Reliability
If session and resource negotiation is performed with each subscriber unit before joining a group call, then the subscriber unit can be properly integrated into the session, but messaging overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual negotiation messages into a single broadcast message containing session information and resource requirements. All subscriber units receive the same information simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate messaging exchanges with each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Resource requirements and session information are broadcast in advance to all subscriber units, allowing them to self-assess their capability. This preliminary information distribution eliminates the need for back-and-forth negotiation messaging, significantly reducing overall messaging overhead.
3Reliability
If full resource negotiation is required for group session participation, then complete session capability is achieved, but subscriber units with limited resources cannot participate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows different subscriber units to participate with different levels of session capability based on their individual resources. Each unit can join the session with the specific streams and flows it is capable of handling, rather than requiring all units to meet a uniform capability threshold. This enables both high-capability and resource-constrained units to participate appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
Subscriber units are allowed to participate in the group session with partial capability rather than requiring full capability. Units can join with only those application streams and flows they are able to handle, enabling broader participation while maintaining overall session functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for establishing a session in a communication network supporting multimedia group calls. A first step (202) includes determining streams for a multimedia group call by the service entity. A next step (204) includes providing an indicator of the resources required for at least one stream of the group call by the service entity. A next step (206) includes paging the subscriber unit with the indicator for the at least one stream of the group call by the service entity. A next step (208) includes ascertaining the capabilities and resources of the subscriber unit. A next step (210) includes establishing a channel for only those streams of the group call for which the capabilities and resources of the subscriber unit are sufficient with respect to the indicator for those streams.