Packet Network Call Volume Control via Dynamic Codec Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
VOIP networks face performance degradation due to high-bandwidth codecs consuming excessive bandwidth and network resources, leading to a need for effective call volume control.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring concurrent calls per codec and enforcing concurrent call limits, with indications to block calls or select alternative codecs when limits are exceeded, to manage bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple codecs are supported in a VOIP network to accommodate diverse customer needs, then adaptability and customer satisfaction are improved, but network resource consumption and performance degradation worsen due to high-bandwidth codecs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic call admission control that monitors network conditions and adjusts codec selection parameters in real-time. When network resources are abundant, higher bandwidth codecs are permitted; when resources are constrained, the system transitions to lower bandwidth codecs or rejects calls, thereby adapting resource consumption to current network capacity while maintaining codec compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic call admission control that continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts codec allocation dynamically. Rather than static codec support, the system adapts codec permissions based on real-time bandwidth availability, transforming the network from a static multi-codec environment to a dynamic one that optimizes resource usage while preserving adaptability
2Reliability
If concurrent call limits are enforced per codec to prevent network overload, then network performance and stability are improved, but call setup complexity and signaling overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call admission control mechanism into distinct components: separate concurrent call limit counters for each codec type, independent monitoring functions for each codec, and modular limit enforcement logic. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple codecs with individual limits without creating a monolithic complex control structure, thereby maintaining reliability while controlling complexity through modular design
3Manufacturing precision
If high-bandwidth codecs are allowed during periods of low network utilization, then call quality and customer satisfaction are improved, but network congestion and performance degradation occur when call volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based call admission control system that continuously monitors network utilization metrics and adjusts codec permissions accordingly. When network utilization is low, the system permits high-bandwidth codecs to maintain call quality; when utilization approaches capacity, the system receives feedback and automatically restricts high-bandwidth codec usage or rejects new calls, thereby dynamically balancing call quality against network throughput capacity
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for controlling call volume in a packet-switched network is described. In one example, a number of concurrent calls per codec of a plurality of codecs is monitored. A concurrent call limit for each of the plurality of codecs is obtained. For each codec of the plurality of codecs, an indication is generated for each call causing the number of concurrent calls for the codec to exceed the concurrent call limit for the codec. In response to the indication, the call may be blocked or an alternative codec may be selected for the call.