Selective Steering of Media Data Streams in Network Gateways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures face congestion issues at media gateways due to high-capacity interfaces, leading to increased call setup times and packet loss, as existing congestion control mechanisms fail to identify the source of congestion accurately, resulting in reduced network capacity and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control node receives load messages from media forwarding elements, identifies the area causing congestion, and excludes the affected element from selecting new media data streams, transmitting reject messages to flow control entities to throttle traffic from the congested area, thereby redirecting traffic to other nodes and reducing load on congested nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high-capacity interfaces (1 GE, 10 GE, 40 GE, 100 GE) are introduced to increase network capacity, then the transport link capacity is improved, but the media gateway node becomes the bottleneck and congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the congestion control problem by identifying and isolating the congested media gateway node from the overall network. The control node divides the media data streams into different groups based on their destination areas and selectively redirects only the traffic causing congestion to alternative paths, while allowing other traffic to continue through the congested node. This segmentation allows the network to maintain high capacity while managing congestion locally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different media data streams differently based on their specific characteristics and destination areas. Instead of applying uniform congestion control to all traffic, the system identifies which specific streams are causing congestion and applies selective redirection only to those, while other streams continue normally. This localized approach preserves network capacity for non-congested traffic.
2Reliability
If existing congestion control mechanisms are used to protect media gateways, then ongoing calls are protected, but the source of congestion cannot be identified and all traffic is treated equally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where media gateways send load messages to control nodes, providing real-time information about their current load levels and congestion status. The control node uses this feedback information to identify which specific media gateways are congested and which areas are generating the most traffic. This feedback loop enables precise identification of congestion sources and allows for targeted control actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively identifying congested media gateways and preemptively redirecting traffic before complete congestion occurs. The control node continuously monitors load messages and takes preventive action by redirecting media data streams to alternative paths when congestion is detected, rather than reacting after congestion has fully developed. This prevents the need for restrictive measures and maintains better service quality.
3Reliability
If media gateway reports congestion using error messages (ITU-T H.248), then lack of resources is indicated, but the controlled gateway and controller cannot discern the reason and equal traffic is distributed to all gateways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts useful information from the congestion reporting mechanism by implementing load messages that carry detailed information about media data stream characteristics, destination areas, and contribution to congestion. Instead of relying on generic error messages, the system extracts specific data elements that identify which areas and streams are causing congestion, enabling the control node to make informed decisions about traffic redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces load messages as an intermediary information carrier between media gateways and control nodes. These load messages serve as a dedicated communication channel that provides detailed congestion information without interfering with normal call control procedures. The load messages act as a mediator that translates raw congestion data into actionable information for the control node's decision-making process.
4Productivity
If media gateway processes peak traffic volume, then network utilization is maximized, but call setup time increases to unacceptable levels and packets are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the traffic routing decisions adaptive and flexible rather than static. The control node dynamically adjusts the distribution of media data streams based on real-time congestion conditions, load messages, and current network state. When congestion is detected, the system dynamically redirects traffic to alternative paths, and when congestion resolves, it re-balances the traffic distribution. This dynamic approach ensures optimal call setup times under varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by redirecting only the portion of traffic that is causing congestion rather than blocking all traffic. The control node calculates which specific media data streams should be redirected based on their contribution to congestion and applies redirection only to those streams, while allowing other streams to proceed normally. This partial redirection approach maintains network productivity while preventing congestion-related delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, by a control node (100, 150), for selecting one of a plurality of media forwarding elements (200, 250) in a network for forwarding an additional media data stream by the selected media forwarding element, the method comprising the steps of receiving (S21, S31, S100) a load message from one of the media forwarding elements, the load message containing information about a load level of said one media forwarding element and about how media data streams from a first area (300) of the network from which said one media forwarding element receives the media data streams contribute to the load level of said one media forwarding element. The received information is stored in a storage unit (130) of the control node. When a setup request for an additional media data stream is received, the setup request requesting a selection of one of the media forwarding elements for the second media data stream by the control node (100, 150). One of the media forwarding elements is selected for the additional media data stream taking into account the stored information, wherein, for the selection, it is checked based on the stored information whether the set up request for the additional media data stream is relating to a media data stream from the first area (300), wherein, if the second media data stream is relating to a media data stream from the first area (300), said one media forwarding element is excluded (S23, S105) from the selection of the media forwarding element for the additional media data stream.