Network Node RTP Gap Detection for VoLTE Call Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

VoLTE calls frequently drop due to RTP timeouts caused by gaps in the uplink or downlink RTP flow, leading to poor user experience and increased call drops in live networks.

Innovation Solution

A network node method that detects packet flow gaps and sends a message to the UE to initiate a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Reestablishment procedure, preventing premature call release and allowing reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE monitors RTP packet flow and releases connection upon detecting gaps, then connection reliability is improved by releasing stalled connections, but call drop rate increases due to premature release before reconnection opportunity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcall drop rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary actions by detecting RTP packet flow gaps and proactively initiating RRC connection reestablishment procedures before the UE releases the connection. This advance intervention prevents the connection from being dropped entirely, allowing the UE to maintain service continuity through pre-triggered reconnection attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network node acts as an intermediary between the RTP packet flow monitoring and the RRC connection management. It receives RTP packets, detects gaps in the flow, and mediates by triggering connection reestablishment procedures, thereby bridging the gap between packet-level monitoring and connection-level control to prevent premature UE-initiated releases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the UE initiates connection release upon RTP timeout, then resource utilization is improved by freeing stalled connections, but user experience deteriorates due to call drops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling the network node to autonomously monitor RTP packet flows, detect gaps, and trigger appropriate connection management procedures without requiring higher-layer intervention. This automatic detection and response mechanism maintains both efficient resource utilization and continuous service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network node implements feedback by continuously monitoring RTP packet flow and using this information to trigger connection reestablishment procedures. The monitoring of packet arrival patterns provides feedback about connection health, enabling the system to respond dynamically to flow interruptions and maintain service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10440770B2Network node and method for avoiding drop of a connection due to RTP timeout
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US10440770B2 patent drawing
  • US10440770B2 patent drawing
  • US10440770B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method performed by a network node for preventing a release of a connection from a User Equipment (UE) to the network node, which connection uses a Real Time Protocol (RTP) for media transfer. The network node operates in a wireless communication network and serves the UE. The network node detects a gap in a packet flow of the connection. When the network node has detected the gap in the packet flow, the network node prevents the UE from initiating a release of the connection caused by the gap in the packet flow, by sending a message to the UE, which message forces the UE into a failure. The failure triggers the UE to initiate a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection Reestablishment procedure.