ICE Protocol Media Stream QoS Switching via Periodic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ICE protocol for IP telephony does not effectively detect Quality of Service (QoS) issues such as low bandwidth or network instability during media stream transmission, leading to poor audio quality, as it only checks for connectivity and not the actual transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize the ICE protocol to select a communication connection candidate based on both connectivity and Quality of Service (QoS) checks, periodically testing available candidates to ensure the best QoS is maintained during transmission, and switch to a better candidate if the selected one degrades, by adding a QUALITY-PROC attribute to STUN messages for quality verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ICE protocol is used for selecting communication connection candidates, then connectivity between peers is ensured, but Quality of Service (QoS) degradation is not detected during media stream transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by periodically testing remaining communication connection candidates during media stream transmission. The system measures QoS parameters (bandwidth, jitter, packet loss) of alternative candidates and compares them with the currently active connection. This feedback loop enables detection of QoS degradation and triggers switching to better alternatives, resolving the contradiction between ensuring connectivity and detecting QoS issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary QoS testing on standby communication connection candidates before they are needed. By proactively evaluating the quality of alternative connections while the current connection is active, the system prepares backup options with known QoS characteristics. This preliminary action enables rapid switching when QoS degradation is detected, without waiting for connectivity failure.
2Reliability
If multiple communication connection candidates are maintained for switching, then QoS can be improved during transmission, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining different numbers of standby candidates for different communication directions. Instead of symmetrically maintaining multiple candidates in both directions, the system identifies which direction benefits more from QoS monitoring and prioritizes testing in that direction. This asymmetric approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining QoS improvements where most needed.
3Reliability
If periodic QoS testing of remaining candidates is performed, then optimal connection can be selected, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic QoS testing at optimized intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The testing frequency is adjusted based on network conditions and application requirements - during stable conditions, testing occurs less frequently to conserve bandwidth, while during unstable conditions or critical applications, testing frequency increases. This periodic action balances connection quality optimization with bandwidth consumption reduction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting a communication connection candidate for transmission of a media stream via a media connection over a communications network, the method comprising the steps of using the ICE protocol for selecting, based on a connectivity check, from a predetermined number of communication connection candidates, a transmission communication connection candidate for transmitting the media stream from a local peer to a remote peer; during transmission of the media stream from the local peer to the remote peer via the selected transmission communication connection candidate, testing the communication connection candidates with respect to Quality of Service, QoS, in both communication directions, comparing the QoS of at least one tested communication connection candidate to the QoS of the selected communication connection candidate transmitting the media stream, and, if the comparison of the QoS of the selected communication connection candidate transmitting the media stream results in the at least one tested communication connection candidate providing a better QoS, then switching the transmission of the media stream to the communication connection candidate providing the better QoS.