Network Entity Time Alignment via Distributed Phase Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time alignment methods in multi-node communication systems often lead to unintended interference and increased buffering requirements, affecting the efficient processing of speech packets across nodes, which can offset the benefits of phase adjustments requested by the radio network node.
Innovation Solution
A network entity and method that receive media data streams, process them, and adjust processing intervals based on arrival characteristics to accommodate phase adjustments, determining secondary adjustments to optimize processing and reduce delays, thereby improving time alignment across multiple nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If phase adjustment is applied at a speech processing unit to satisfy downstream timing requirements, then time alignment at the radio network node is improved, but speech packet arrival from upstream media gateway clashes with the new schedule and processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase adjustment mechanism is segmented and distributed across multiple network entities rather than being concentrated at a single speech processing unit. Each entity (media gateway, intermediate gateway, radio network node) independently determines and applies its own phase adjustment based on local timing observations, allowing downstream timing requirements to be met without disrupting upstream processing schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network entity applies local phase adjustment based on its specific timing characteristics and observations. The media gateway adjusts based on when it sends packets, the intermediate gateway adjusts based on when it receives and re-sends packets, and the radio network node adjusts based on when it receives packets. This localized approach allows each entity to optimize its own timing without negatively impacting others.
2Manufacturing precision
If phase adjustment is applied to align speech packets, then time alignment is improved, but buffering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Phase adjustments are determined and applied in advance based on observed arrival characteristics before timing conflicts occur. Each network entity monitors the arrival patterns of speech packets and proactively adjusts its processing schedule to prevent future misalignment, rather than reacting to timing conflicts after they occur. This prevents the need for large buffers to absorb timing variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If processing intervals are modified to accommodate phase adjustment, then time alignment is improved, but arrival characteristics of speech packets from upstream interfere with the new schedule
Solution Approach 1:
The phase adjustment mechanism is dynamic and adaptive, with each network entity continuously monitoring arrival characteristics and adjusting its processing intervals in real-time. Rather than establishing a fixed processing schedule that must accommodate all upstream variations, each entity dynamically adapts its timing based on observed packet arrival patterns, allowing the system to flexibly respond to varying upstream conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A network entity, which comprises an input configured to receive from an upstream network entity a stream of first media data elements; an output configured to release towards a downstream network entity a stream of second media data elements; a processing engine configured to effect processing tasks on the first media data elements, thereby to generate the second media data elements, the processing tasks being effected in a set of processing intervals; and a control entity. The control entity is configured for receiving a request for a first phase adjustment from the downstream network entity; modifying the set of processing intervals in which are effected the processing tasks in an attempt to accommodate the first phase adjustment; determining a second phase adjustment based on arrival characteristics of the first media data elements and the modified set of processing intervals; and releasing towards the upstream network entity a request for the second phase adjustment.