Media Packet Distribution for Wireless Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks face inefficiencies in transmitting multimedia streaming data due to high protocol overheads, especially when handling multiple clients simultaneously, which reduces capacity and throughput, particularly for HD or 4K video streaming, and existing solutions like TCP-IP enhancements and traffic prioritization do not significantly improve performance for multiple users accessing IPTV services.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for media packet distribution that identifies streaming packets by analyzing packet size and interarrival times, stores them in buffer memories based on destination addresses, and sends them in groups once a predefined number is reached, with the option to add a common header for processing, allowing for efficient transmission without modifying the wireless interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unicast transmission is used for each client, then protocol overhead is reduced and performance is improved, but network capacity is reduced when serving multiple clients simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput per clientVSAvoidnumber of simultaneous clients
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple unicast packet flows destined for different clients into a single aggregated transmission stream. The Access Point groups packets from multiple clients that share common characteristics (such as destination network segment or service type) and transmits them together, reducing the number of separate protocol handshakes and overhead transmissions while maintaining individual client performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the packet flow aggregation process by creating separate virtual queues and buffering mechanisms for different client groups. This allows the system to maintain distinct transmission schedules and priority levels for different client segments while utilizing a shared transmission medium, thereby scaling to support more simultaneous clients without degrading individual service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multicast is used for group communication, then network capacity is improved, but compatibility with adaptive wireless interfaces is reduced and performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidinterface compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary aggregation layer at the Access Point that receives multicast packets, processes them through virtual queuing and buffering mechanisms, and converts them into compatible unicast transmissions. This intermediary process maintains network capacity benefits while ensuring compatibility with adaptive wireless interfaces that may not natively support multicast, effectively bridging the gap between multicast efficiency and unicast compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traffic prioritization is implemented, then quality of service is improved, but device complexity increases and mandatory standard support is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidstandard support requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements traffic prioritization by dynamically changing queue parameters such as buffer size, transmission timing, and priority levels based on packet type and destination. Instead of requiring complex mandatory standard support, the system uses configurable virtual queue parameters that can be adjusted to provide quality of service differentiation for various traffic types, achieving reliability improvement through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3293923B1Method and device for media packet distribution over multiple access wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ALCATEL LUCENT ESPANA
  • EP3293923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3293923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3293923B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments relate to a method for media packet distribution over a multiple access wireless communication network, performed by a distributing electronic device (1), comprising: - receiving a data packets flow (2) addressed to two or more different destination addresses (34-36); - determining whether each packet of the received data packet flow is a media streaming packet (11-16); - storing each media streaming packet in buffer memories (23) based on the destination address of each media streaming packet; - sending all the media streaming packets stored in a buffer memory to a given destination address, when said buffer memory reaches a predefined maximum number of packets.