IMS Multiparty Call Media Forwarding With Unified Media Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IMS networks face inefficiencies in multiparty communication due to multi-hop media forwarding and high resource consumption, particularly in supporting multiparty video calls and future media services, as existing MRFPs cannot handle audio mixing efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a unified media function (UMF) network element to replace traditional media processing elements, enabling direct media stream forwarding and eliminating audio mixing, thus reducing media roundabout and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional MRFP and MCU architecture is used for multiparty communication, then audio mixing function is provided, but resource consumption is large and performance is consumed heavily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiparty call system into multiple IMS-AGW instances, each handling specific media forwarding tasks independently. Instead of one MRFP performing all audio mixing, multiple AGWs distribute the forwarding workload, reducing the resource burden on any single node while maintaining the audio mixing capability through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The IMS-AGW is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an access media gateway for single-party calls and as a media forwarding node for multiparty calls. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated MRFP resources for simple forwarding tasks, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining audio mixing capabilities when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MRFP on center side provides multiparty voice call, then voice service is supported, but multiparty video call and future multiparty media service cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The IMS-AGW is designed as a universal media handling node that can process multiple media types (voice, video, and future media formats) and support various call configurations (single-party, multiparty, video, audio). This multi-functional design enables the system to adapt to evolving media services without requiring separate specialized equipment for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns roles to IMS-AGW instances based on call requirements. An AGW can function as an access gateway, a media forwarder, or participate in audio mixing, depending on the specific call scenario. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to support diverse media services including multiparty video calls and future services without compromising service reliability.
3Ease of operation
If each participant needs independent IMS-AGW logically, then call setup is simplified, but media roundabout increases and delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the media forwarding function into the existing IMS-AGW instances that are already part of the call setup path. Instead of adding separate MRFP nodes that would increase media hops, the AGWs themselves perform forwarding, combining access and forwarding functions in a single logical node. This maintains ease of call setup while reducing media roundabout and delay.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a call processing method and apparatus, and a system. In the method, a unified media function network element newly introduced in an IMS network replaces an original multiparty conference media function network element, and a multiparty call media service is provided on an access side, to reduce media roundabout, reduce a delay, and support a requirement of a delay-sensitive service such as extended reality XR on an IMS architecture. In addition, the unified media function network element directly forwards audio-video streams of a multiparty call, and does not perform audio mixing processing on the audio-video streams, which helps reduce performance consumption of the unified media function network element.