Selective Media over Data Disallowance for VoLTE Voice Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoLTE deployments face challenges such as link budget shortfall, leading to poor voice quality and increased risk of dropped calls due to high Packet Error Rate and frequent voice call continuity handovers, especially in LTE networks with limited RF spectrum and inadequate implementation of enablers like TTI bundling or antenna tilting.
Innovation Solution
The system selectively disallows Media over Data services at call initiation in network segments with unfavorable characteristics, forcing calls to fallback to legacy CS networks to maintain quality, using a policy database to assess segment and subscriber profiles for decision-making based on metrics like packet-error rates, bandwidth, and signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Media over Data services are deployed in LTE networks, then data traffic capacity and QoS are improved, but voice quality deteriorates due to link budget shortfall and high Packet Error Rate
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into Media over Data capable segments and non-Media over Data segments. The system identifies specific geographic or logical segments where Media over Data services should be disallowed based on segment characteristics such as Packet Error Rate, bandwidth availability, and signal quality. This segmentation allows Media over Data services to operate in suitable segments while forcing fallback to legacy CS networks in unsuitable segments, thereby resolving the contradiction between data capacity and voice quality.
2Reliability
If VoLTE is implemented to provide high QoS voice services, then voice service quality is improved, but the number of VCC handovers increases leading to more dropped calls
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of segment characteristics before allowing Media over Data call initiation. By evaluating Packet Error Rate, bandwidth, and signal quality metrics in advance, the system proactively identifies segments where Media over Data should be disallowed. This preliminary action prevents calls from being established in segments that would require handovers, thereby reducing the number of VCC handovers and dropped calls while maintaining high voice service quality in suitable segments.
3Productivity
If Media over Data is allowed in all segments, then network utilization is maximized, but call quality deteriorates in segments with unfavorable characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality requirements to different network segments. Instead of uniformly allowing or disallowing Media over Data across the entire network, it evaluates each segment's characteristics (Packet Error Rate, bandwidth, signal quality) and makes localized decisions. Media over Data is allowed in segments with favorable characteristics where it can maintain high call quality, while it is disallowed in segments with unfavorable characteristics. This local quality approach maximizes overall network utilization while ensuring call quality is maintained in each specific segment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selectively disallowing use of Media over Data in a network segment within a cellular network or a mobile communication network, at call initiation, in order to ensure a consummate user experience, are disclosed. An embodiment of the invention identifies a segment associated with a Media over Data call, at initiation, and utilizes a policy database to obtain a segment designation specific to the segment previously identified. Based on the segment designation, the Media over Data call is then either allowed or disallowed. The segment designation is based on segment conditions and/or subscriber policy characteristics.