Network Device Codec Translation for Heterogeneous Audio Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in maintaining high audio quality and robustness across user terminals with heterogeneous codec capabilities, as not all terminals support Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) mode, leading to suboptimal performance in mixed mode environments.
Innovation Solution
A network device that checks and repacks audio data between user terminals to adapt coding modes, intercepting and modifying call offers and answers to ensure EVS capabilities are utilized optimally, even in environments with both EVS and AMR-WB terminals, by using SDP modifications in IMS network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network device uses EVS coding mode for all calls, then audio quality and robustness are improved, but compatibility with terminals that do not support EVS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary by introducing a codec translation function that converts between EVS and AMR-WB coding modes. When an EVS-capable terminal communicates with a non-EVS terminal, the network device translates the EVS encoded audio data into AMR-WB format, enabling interoperability while preserving the ability to use EVS where available. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain high audio quality through EVS when possible while ensuring compatibility with legacy terminals through translation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network device performs codec translation between EVS and AMR-WB, then compatibility with heterogeneous terminals is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device applies local quality by performing codec translation only where necessary - specifically when an EVS-capable terminal communicates with a non-EVS terminal. The system identifies the capability of each terminal and selectively applies translation only in the specific location where compatibility is needed, rather than applying translation universally. This localized approach reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining compatibility where required.
3Reliability
If the network device selectively applies EVS coding based on terminal capabilities, then audio quality is optimized, but control and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary action by determining the coding capabilities of terminals during the call setup phase, before actual audio transmission begins. The system checks whether terminals support EVS coding and pre-configures the appropriate coding mode or translation function. This advance preparation simplifies subsequent audio processing by establishing the coding strategy upfront, reducing the complexity of real-time control and management during the call.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device for managing a call between user terminals checks whether a first user terminal supports usage of a first audio coding mode for the call, and a second user terminal intends to use a second audio coding mode for the call, and, if the first user terminal supports the usage of the first audio coding mode, and the second user terminal intends to use the second audio coding mode, repacks first data of the call sent from the first user terminal to the second user terminal and packetized into first packets referring to the second audio coding mode, into second packets referring to the first audio coding mode; and repacks second data of the call sent from the second user terminal to the first user terminal and packetized into third packets referring to the second audio coding mode, into fourth packets referring to the first audio coding mode.