Media Session Handover via Identifier Binding in IP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in seamlessly handover active media sessions, such as voice calls, when mobile devices move between heterogeneous IP networks, leading to potential gaps or distortion in audio and increased complexity in managing IP addresses and network connections.
Innovation Solution
The system enables seamless handover of media sessions by allowing mobile devices to acquire a new IP address while maintaining communication with a corresponding node, using a media control channel for feedback and managing NAT routers to minimize disruptions, and employing a software program to predict and execute handovers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices move between heterogeneous IP networks, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but media session continuity deteriorates due to IP address changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a binding between the media session and the mobile device's identifier (such as telephone number or email) rather than just the IP address. This binding is set up in advance so that when the device moves to a new network and obtains a new IP address, the media session can be quickly re-routed to the new IP address through the identifier-based lookup, maintaining session continuity without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If traditional handover methods are used, then IP address changes are handled, but media sessions experience gaps or distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by implementing a handover mechanism where the media session binding to the mobile device identifier remains active throughout the transition. When the device moves to a new network, the system continuously updates the IP address association in the binding without terminating the media session, thereby eliminating gaps or distortion in audio transmission and ensuring uninterrupted service.
3Reliability
If seamless handover is implemented, then media session continuity is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional servers or processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by designing a binding mechanism that serves multiple functions: it identifies the mobile device, tracks its IP address, and routes media sessions. This multi-functional binding approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated servers for each function, as the binding mechanism itself handles identification, tracking, and routing, thereby achieving seamless handover without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method may involve transmitting a first media stream associated with a media session using a first IP:port number as a source IP address and source port, and using a second IP:port number as a destination IP address and port; receiving a second media stream from the second IP:port number; acquiring a third IP:port number; determining a network quality associated with the first IP:port number and a network quality associated with the third IP:port number; making a determination to handover the media session from the first IP:port number to the third IP:port number; in response to making the determination, transmitting a third media stream using the third IP:port number as a source IP address and source port, and (ii) using the second IP:port number as a destination IP address and destination port; and receiving a fourth media stream from the second IP:port number.