IMS QoS Reservation via Combined Upstream Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IMS/IPTV environments, establishing a second media access channel for remote content streaming results in double encryption and increased computational complexity, and existing QoS reservation methods lead to errors due to identical IP addresses for multiple channels, causing mishandling at intermediate network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that create an upstream connection with a combined QoS value for two IMS channels, using different ports to accommodate two streams to the same IP address, allowing separate QoS reservations on the terminating side while avoiding double encryption by establishing a first IMS channel for control signaling and a second IMS channel with a QoS reservation value of zero for content streaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second IMS channel is established for content streaming, then content delivery capability is improved, but QoS reservation accuracy deteriorates due to identical IP addresses causing errors at intermediate network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the GGSN aggregates QoS reservations for multiple IMS channels sharing the same IP address. Instead of treating each channel separately (which causes errors at intermediate nodes), the GGSN acts as a mediator that combines their QoS requirements into a single aggregated reservation, resolving the conflict between enabling multiple channels and maintaining QoS accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the QoS reservations of multiple IMS channels that share the same IP address at the GGSN level. By combining the bandwidth and other QoS parameters of the first control channel and second content channel into a single aggregated reservation, the system enables content delivery through multiple channels while maintaining accurate QoS tracking despite identical IP addresses.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate QoS reservations are made for two IMS channels, then QoS enforcement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to double encryption and computational overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS enforcement function into two distinct levels: aggregation at the GGSN level and separate enforcement at the SBG/edge router level. This segmentation allows the system to maintain separate QoS reservations for precise enforcement while avoiding the computational overhead of double encryption by having the GGSN handle the aggregation of identical IP address channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change in QoS management by adding a port number dimension to differentiate channels that share the same IP address. Instead of treating channels as identical (same IP), the system uses the port number as an additional dimension to create distinct QoS reservations, enabling separate QoS enforcement without requiring complex computational overhead for differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If QoS reservations are aggregated at GGSN level, then QoS reservation accuracy is improved, but latency increases due to additional processing at intermediate nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary QoS aggregation at the GGSN level during channel establishment, before data transmission begins. By pre-combining the QoS reservations for channels with identical IP addresses, the system eliminates the need for real-time QoS calculation and processing during data flow, thereby reducing latency while maintaining QoS accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two IMS channels use the same IP address, then device compatibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mishandling at intermediate network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses port numbers as copies or identifiers to differentiate between multiple IMS channels that share the same IP address. Instead of creating entirely separate IP addresses (which would reduce compatibility), the system copies the IP address for both channels but uses distinct port numbers to identify and manage each channel separately, maintaining device compatibility while preventing mishandling at intermediate nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
Remote access of content in an IMS system is described. A first IMS channel is established between, for example, a user terminal and an IMS Gateway (IG) for control signaling. A second IMS channel is established between, for example, the user terminal and the IG for conveying the content being remotely accessed. Due to limitations in the network, Quality of Service (QoS, or bandwidth) reservations are handled differently on the originating and terminating sides. For example, on the originating side, a single QoS reservation is used for both the first and second IMS channels, whereas on the terminating side separate QoS reservations can be used for the first and second IMS channels.