Network Monitor Controller Dynamic Codec Selection Overload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next Generation Networks (NGNs) face overload conditions due to sudden increases in call volumes, such as during natural disasters or access office failovers, which can exceed available transport resources, leading to compromised service capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Network Monitor and Controller (NMC) system that deploys Network Watch Points (NWPs) to detect bandwidth thresholds and dynamically adjust codec types for calls, using lower bandwidth codecs to manage traffic load, with different threshold-based strategies to address varying severity levels of overload conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network capacity is sized based on forecast subscriber numbers and historical parameters, then network resources are optimized for normal conditions, but the network becomes overloaded during sudden traffic increases such as natural disasters or failover events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth preservation schemes that automatically adjust codec selection based on real-time network conditions. The system transitions from static capacity planning to dynamic resource allocation, where the NMC continuously monitors network state and adjusts codec types (e.g., switching between G.711 and G.729) to preserve bandwidth during overload conditions while maintaining service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (codec type selection) in response to network conditions. By monitoring bandwidth utilization and call volume, the NMC dynamically selects appropriate codec parameters - using higher compression ratios (lower bandwidth) when overload is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining service capability and handling increased call volumes.
2Productivity
If additional transport resources are deployed to handle massive calling events, then network capacity increases, but deployment time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network system performs self-regulation through automated codec selection and bandwidth management. The NMC agent autonomously monitors network conditions and adjusts resource allocation without requiring manual intervention or physical deployment of additional transport resources, thereby rapidly responding to massive calling events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple bandwidth preservation schemes with different codec options before overload occurs. When traffic increases are detected, the appropriate pre-planned scheme is activated immediately, avoiding the time delay associated with deploying new transport resources during critical events.
3Reliability
If geographical redundancy is implemented with re-homing capability, then network reliability improves during access office failures, but the protection site experiences dramatic workload increase causing overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different bandwidth preservation strategies to different traffic flows based on local conditions. The NMC identifies re-homed calls specifically and applies appropriate codec selection to these flows, allowing the protection site to handle increased workload from geographical redundancy without becoming overloaded.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing an overload condition in a network are disclosed. For example, the method monitors the network for a traffic overload condition, and determines whether a more severe traffic overload condition or a less severe traffic overload condition is detected by using a network monitor and controller. The method then selects using a network monitor and controller agent in response to a command from the network monitor and controller, a different bandwidth preservation scheme if the more severe traffic overload condition or the less severe traffic overload condition is detected, wherein the different bandwidth preservation scheme is based on a selection of a codec type and is applied to a portion of the traffic.