Transmission Quality Testing in Packet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In packet-oriented communication networks, such as IP-based networks, synchronous clock synchronization is not possible, leading to transmission errors due to unsynchronized clock frequencies in end devices, which affects transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing transmission quality by providing a test audio signal and a reference audio signal, mixing them to generate a mixed signal, and evaluating amplitude changes, phase jumps, or packet loss to detect impairments, specifically designed for packet-oriented networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous clock supply is used in communication networks, then transmission quality is improved and end devices can derive clock from received signal, but this approach cannot be implemented in packet-oriented networks where clocks are not synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test signal as an intermediary carrier that transports timing information through the packet-oriented network. The test signal is sent from a first test device to a second test device, and its received signal characteristics are analyzed to detect clock frequency differences and transmission impairments without requiring synchronous clock supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/synchronous clock synchronization system with an analytical approach. Instead of relying on synchronized clocks, the system transmits test signals and analyzes the received signals to detect impairments, substituting the physical clock synchronization mechanism with signal analysis methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If clock frequencies in end devices are not synchronized in packet-oriented networks, then network adaptability is improved, but transmission errors occur due to frequency differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second test device analyzes the received test signal, detects impairments such as clock frequency differences and packet loss, and generates evaluation results that provide feedback about transmission quality. This feedback enables identification and correction of transmission errors without requiring clock synchronization
3Measurement precision
If test signals are transmitted through packet-oriented networks, then transmission quality can be measured, but packet loss and jitter affect measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses predetermined test signals with known characteristics as a preliminary reference. By comparing the received test signal against the known original signal, the system can detect impairments introduced during transmission through packet-oriented networks, compensating for packet loss and jitter effects
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively identifies transmission quality impairments and their causes, including clock frequency differences and packet loss, enabling precise detection and analysis of transmission errors in packet-oriented networks.
Implementation Method 1
the received test audio signal and the reference audio signal being mixed to generate a mixed signal
Data Source
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AI summary
To detect impairments in transmission quality or transmission errors in a communication network and to derive indications of the cause of detected impairments in transmission quality or transmission errors, the invention provides a method for testing the transmission quality of a transmission from a first network element to a second network element of a communication network. This method comprises providing a predetermined test audio signal in the first network element, transmitting the test audio signal from the first network element to the second network element, providing a reference audio signal in the second network element, and determining impairments in the transmission quality of the test audio signal as a function of the received test audio signal and the reference audio signal. Furthermore, the invention provides a network element and a communication network configured for carrying out the method.