Multi-Access Path Scheduling for Consistent Multimedia Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia streaming technologies struggle with managing multiple access paths in multi-access networks, leading to inconsistent quality of service and suboptimal throughput due to inadequate path management and scheduling, especially in devices with multiple connectivity technologies like Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G NR.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing and delivering multimedia streaming over multiple access paths by receiving QoS parameters, determining optimal path combinations, and performing scheduling decisions to transmit data effectively across these paths, utilizing network entities and user equipment with transceivers and processors to facilitate multi-access path management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple access paths are used for multimedia streaming, then throughput is increased, but quality of service consistency deteriorates due to inadequate path management
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors QoS parameters (jitter, packet loss, latency) for each access path and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust path selection and data distribution. The receiver provides feedback about path performance, enabling the system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain consistent QoS while utilizing multiple paths for increased throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The path management system dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time QoS conditions. Instead of static path selection, the system adapts path combinations and data distribution strategies according to changing network performance, allowing optimal throughput utilization while maintaining QoS consistency through flexible, dynamic path management.
2Device complexity
If path management and scheduling are simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The path management function is segmented into distinct modules: path monitoring, QoS measurement, path selection, and data distribution. Each module handles specific tasks independently, making the overall system more manageable despite the complexity of optimizing multiple paths. This segmentation allows throughput optimization through coordinated module operation without requiring monolithic complex management.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated path management entity acts as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver, handling the complexity of path monitoring, QoS measurement, and scheduling decisions. This intermediary component abstracts the complexity from the end devices, enabling throughput optimization through centralized coordination while keeping device complexity manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access networks are integrated, then service accessibility is improved, but scheduling decision accuracy deteriorates due to heterogeneous network characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality adjustment for each access path by measuring QoS parameters specific to that path's characteristics (Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G NR). Each path is evaluated and managed according to its unique performance characteristics, enabling accurate scheduling decisions that account for heterogeneous network properties while maintaining broad service accessibility across multiple access types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts scheduling parameters (priority, bandwidth allocation, timing) based on measured QoS values for each access path. By changing scheduling decisions in response to actual path performance parameters, the system achieves accurate scheduling despite the heterogeneity of different access networks, while maintaining the ability to serve multiple network types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a communication network with multiple access networks includes receiving, from a network entity, an indication of quality of service (QOS) parameters for each path combination available via the multiple access networks. The method also includes determining, based on the QoS parameters, a path combination for data transmission. The method also includes performing scheduling decisions for transmitting data based on the path combination. The method also includes transmitting the data over the path combination.