Jitter Buffer Resynchronization Detection in Packet Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks face challenges in reliably detecting resynchronization of data packets subject to variable delays, leading to misalignment and excessive delays, as prior art techniques struggle to distinguish between resynchronization and sporadic delay peaks caused by high jitter or noise.

Innovation Solution

A method and network entity that determine arrival time jitter values, calculate a peak-to-peak value, and compare it with the jitter protection time to accurately detect resynchronization, avoiding misdetections and optimizing play-out time based on network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If prior art techniques detect resynchronization based on simple threshold comparisons, then detection speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to distinguish resynchronization from sporadic jitter peaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection process into multiple independent analysis components: calculating peak-to-peak jitter values, determining arrival time deviations, comparing with jitter protection time, and evaluating statistical significance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while collectively achieving reliable resynchronization detection that distinguishes true resynchronization events from sporadic jitter peaks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If jitter protection time is increased to avoid late losses, then reliability is improved, but overall delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelate loss protectionVSAvoidoverall delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of jitter protection time based on real-time network conditions and detected resynchronization events. When resynchronization is detected, the system adapts the protection time to match current jitter characteristics rather than using a fixed conservative value. This dynamic approach maintains reliable late loss protection while minimizing unnecessary delay during normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If static jitter buffering is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when network conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffering mechanism simplicityVSAvoidnetwork condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors packet arrival patterns, calculates jitter statistics, and uses this information to detect resynchronization events. This feedback loop enables the static jitter buffer to adapt its behavior based on network conditions without requiring complex dynamic buffer structures. The feedback-driven detection and adaptation maintain simplicity while improving responsiveness to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2446586B1Detection of jitter in a communication network
Publication Date: 2014.01.15 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2446586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2446586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2446586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is concerned with a method, a network entity and computer program for detecting occurrence of transmission resynchronizations in a network carrying packets subject to variable delays. The present invention is further concerned with adaptively varying the play out time of data packets. According to a method embodying the invention, the packets are received at a network entity and forwarded by the network entity by delaying them of a jitter protection time. The method comprises determining (S110) for a predetermined time period a set of arrival time jitter values comprising values corresponding to jitters of data packet arrival time for at least a plurality of the received data packets. The method further comprises determining (S120) a peak to peak value indicating the largest difference among the values comprised in the determined set of arrival time jitter values and detecting (S130) an out of range condition when it is verified that at least one arrival time jitter value is larger than an upper threshold or at least one arrival time jitter value is smaller than a lower threshold. Moreover, the method comprises comparing (S140) the peak to peak value with the jitter protection time, when the out of range condition is detected and detecting (S150) that a resynchronization occurred on the basis of the comparing.