Network Element QoE Measurement via Self-Service EMS Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring and managing user Quality of Experience (QoE) in mobile communication networks require additional equipment, leading to inefficiencies in installation and maintenance costs, and struggle to provide accurate measurements directly from network elements, especially when issues arise within those elements.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where network elements within the mobile communication network measure and manage QoE end-to-end without additional equipment, using an Element Management System (EMS) to set and control QoE measurement criteria, allowing each network element to measure its quality with counterparts and report results to the EMS, independent of specific measurement protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional equipment (external testers and tester manager) is installed to measure and manage QoE, then measurement capability is provided, but installation cost and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoE measurement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of additional equipments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Network elements perform QoE measurement functions themselves without requiring external tester equipment. Each network element includes a QoE measurement unit that autonomously measures QoE for packets transmitted through it, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Network elements serve dual purposes: they perform both their primary network functions and QoE measurement functions. The QoE measurement unit is integrated into existing network elements, allowing them to universally handle both data transmission and quality measurement without requiring dedicated measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If external testers are used to measure QoE, then measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy decreases because it measures from nearby installed external tester instead of directly from network element

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoE measurement accuracyVSAvoidexact measurement result about network element

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Network elements autonomously perform QoE measurements on packets they transmit, ensuring direct and accurate measurement of their own performance characteristics. This self-measurement approach eliminates information loss that occurs when external testers measure from a distance, as the network element directly observes its own packet transmission quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional QoE measurement scheme is used with external testers, then measurement can be performed, but it is difficult to measure when problem occurs in network element itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement availabilityVSAvoidmeasurement difficulty when network element problem occurs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Since network elements measure their own QoE internally, they can continue to perform measurements even when external testing infrastructure is unavailable or when problems occur in other parts of the network. The measurement capability is embedded within each network element, ensuring continuous monitoring regardless of external conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If additional equipment is installed for QoE measurement, then measurement function is provided, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoE measurement functionVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The QoE measurement function is merged with existing network elements rather than being implemented as separate equipment. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional hardware installations and reduces maintenance requirements, as the measurement capability utilizes the same infrastructure already present in the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing network elements are designed to perform multiple functions: their primary network operation and QoE measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement equipment, reducing both installation and maintenance costs while providing comprehensive QoE monitoring across the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10523534B2Method and apparatus for managing user quality of experience in network

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring and managing user quality of experience in a network, and a system for measuring user quality of experience in a network may comprise: a system controller for configuring measurement criteria for user quality of experience between network elements and controlling so that the network elements measure the user quality of experience according to the set criteria; a network element for transmitting a packet to a counterpart network element in order to measure, according to the control of the system controller, the user quality of experience for at least one counterpart network element; and a counterpart network element for receiving the packet from the network element and transmitting a response packet.