Jitter Buffer Adaptation for LTE Handover Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handovers in LTE networks cause significant radio quality degradation due to packet delays and buffer under-run, especially during the handover outage period, which affects real-time services like VoIP, as existing prediction methods are insufficient to pre-buffer data within the limited time frame.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize historical and current handover information to generate messages for an adaptation control module, which adjusts the play out of data packets to minimize radio quality degradation by predicting handovers and adapting jitter buffer sizes, thereby reducing buffer under-run and maintaining service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the jitter buffer size is increased to prevent buffer under-run during handover, then the reliability of real-time service is improved, but the delay in packet playout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting handover events using historical data and triggering buffer size adjustments before the actual handover occurs. The adaptation control module receives prediction information and proactively modifies jitter buffer parameters, allowing packets to be buffered in advance during the handover preparation phase rather than reacting after buffer under-run occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The jitter buffer size is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors network conditions, handover predictions, and packet arrival patterns to dynamically adjust the jitter buffer size in real-time. During predicted handovers, the buffer size is temporarily increased, then reduced to normal levels when handover completes, optimizing the balance between reliability and delay.
2Reliability
If the jitter buffer size is continuously increased to ensure sufficient buffering capacity, then the buffer under-run is reduced, but the average buffer size under normal conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic buffer size adjustment based on actual network conditions and handover predictions. Rather than maintaining a constantly large buffer, the system only expands the buffer when handover is predicted or detected, then quickly returns to normal size. This dynamic behavior ensures sufficient buffering capacity when needed while minimizing average buffer occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptation control module uses feedback from handover prediction information, packet arrival patterns, and buffer status to continuously optimize buffer size. The system monitors whether the predicted buffer size is sufficient and adjusts accordingly, avoiding unnecessary buffer expansion during normal operation while ensuring adequate capacity during handover events.
3Reliability
If handover prediction accuracy is improved to enable better buffer management, then the service quality during handover is improved, but the complexity of prediction algorithms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses historical handover data and network conditions to perform preliminary predictions about future handover events. By analyzing patterns from past handovers and current network state, the system can anticipate upcoming handovers and trigger buffer adjustments in advance, improving service quality without requiring complex real-time decision algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction mechanism leverages the network's own historical operational data to generate predictions. The system uses internally stored handover information and network conditions to predict future events, eliminating the need for external complex prediction models or additional sophisticated algorithmic components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in an apparatus 301 for adapting play out of data packets during a handover of a user equipment (UE) 302 between a first radio network node (RNN) 304 and a second RNN 306. The packets relate to a real-time service application. The UE, first and second RNNs are comprised in a communications system 300. The method comprises generating at least one message to an adaptation control module. The at least one message is generated based on collected historical handover information and on current handover information. The method comprises further, by means of the adaptation control module, adapting the adapting the play out of the packets in dependence of the at least one message such that radio quality degradation in the real-time service application is controlled.