Multimedia Communication Problem Detection via ICMP Rule Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multimedia communication networks, particularly those using VoLTE or VoWiFi technology, lack effective mechanisms to detect communication problems promptly due to the unauthorized use of ICMP protocols during the communication phase, leading to delayed call releases and inefficient resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where an execution entity analyzes received messages, specifically ICMP messages, against predefined rules to detect communication issues, allowing for immediate error detection and notification to a control entity, enabling quick action without relying on media inactivity timers or signaling plane audits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If ICMP protocol is used for error detection in VoLTE/VoWiFi networks, then communication problem detection speed is improved, but ICMP protocol is not permitted on the network during communication phase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication problem detection timeVSAvoidprotocol authorization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by authorizing ICMP flows during the pre-establishment phase (SDP negotiation) before the communication actually starts. This allows the network to prepare error detection mechanisms in advance, so that when communication begins, ICMP messages are already permitted and can immediately detect communication problems without waiting for timer expirations or next signaling audits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If media inactivity timer is used for call release, then communication problem detection is delayed, but network resources are protected from being used during problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource protectionVSAvoidcall release delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing a continuous monitoring mechanism where ICMP error messages provide real-time information about communication status. When an ICMP error message is received indicating a communication problem, the system immediately feeds this information back to trigger call release, eliminating the need to wait for media inactivity timer expiration while still protecting network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If signaling plane audit is used for communication release, then detection accuracy is improved, but release timing is delayed until next audit cycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication problem detection accuracyVSAvoidrelease timing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-authorizing ICMP flows during SDP negotiation before communication begins. This setup enables continuous monitoring throughout the communication phase, allowing immediate detection and release when problems occur, rather than waiting for periodic signaling plane audits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using ICMP error messages as real-time indicators of communication problems. When such messages are received, the system immediately responds by releasing the call, providing continuous feedback-based monitoring instead of relying on periodic auditing cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3718271B1Methods for detecting, managing and relaying a multimedia communication problem, corresponding execution, checking and rule management entities and computer program
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 ORANGE SA
  • EP3718271B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718271B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3718271B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for detecting a multimedia communication problem, implemented by an execution entity, comprising a processing phase implementing the steps of: - receiving (11E) at least one message, referred to as received message, belonging to at least one stream to be monitored relating to at least one media stream; - verifying (113E) a correspondence between said at least one received message and at least one rule associated with said at least one stream to be monitored, and - when said at least one received message corresponds to said rule, sending (114E) an error detection message to a checking entity separate from said execution entity, via a rule management entity.