Partial Codec-Bypass Gateway Negotiation for Bandwidth Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing codec-bypass solutions in telecommunications networks are either complex and costly or limited in bandwidth savings, and they fail to effectively handle scenarios where one party is not suitably enabled or when backhaul gateways are used, leading to service quality degradation and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing a codec-bypass connection along only a portion of the path between two endpoints in a communications network, where gateways assess compatibility and self-identify as either terminally or non-terminally supporting codec-bypass negotiations, allowing for bandwidth savings and quality enhancement by identifying the furthest compatible gateway for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Tandem-Free Operation (TFO) is used to bypass tandem codecs, then service quality is improved, but bandwidth is fully consumed with no bandwidth advantage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the codec-bypass connection into multiple parts by introducing the concept of partial codec-bypass connections. Instead of requiring end-to-end codec-bypass, the system establishes codec-bypass connections between compatible gateways along the path, dividing the overall connection into segments where some portions use codec-bypass and others use traditional tandem codecs. This allows bandwidth savings to be achieved in the segments where codec-bypass is established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing codec-bypass only for the portion of the connection where compatible gateways are found, rather than requiring complete end-to-end codec-bypass. The system establishes codec-bypass connections between the first gateway and target in-path gateways where compatibility exists, accepting that not the entire path will benefit from codec-bypass, thus achieving partial bandwidth savings while maintaining service quality where possible.
2Quantity of substance
If Transcoder-Free Operation (TrFO) is used with out-of-band signaling, then bandwidth is saved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling gateways to autonomously assess their own codec compatibility with neighboring gateways and self-identify as candidates for codec-bypass connections. Each gateway independently determines whether it can participate in codec-bypass mode with its neighbors, eliminating the need for complex centralized control or out-of-band signaling mechanisms. This self-identification process reduces system complexity while still achieving bandwidth savings.
3Quantity of substance
If end-to-end codec-bypass connection is established, then maximum bandwidth savings are achieved, but compatibility requirements are too strict and prevent connection in many scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the codec-bypass connection into segments between compatible gateways rather than requiring end-to-end compatibility. The system identifies target in-path gateways that are compatible with the first gateway and establishes codec-bypass connections to these intermediate points, allowing the connection to be segmented into multiple portions with different characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses in-path gateways as intermediaries to facilitate codec-bypass connections. These intermediate gateways act as mediators that can bridge compatibility gaps between endpoints, allowing codec-bypass connections to be established through multiple hops rather than requiring direct end-to-end compatibility. This intermediary approach increases adaptability to different network configurations and gateway capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If partial codec-bypass connections are established, then adaptability to incompatible endpoints is improved, but maximum bandwidth savings cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts partial bandwidth savings as a reasonable compromise to achieve adaptability. By establishing codec-bypass connections only for the portions of the path where compatible gateways exist, the system achieves partial bandwidth savings while maintaining the ability to adapt to various network configurations and gateway compatibility scenarios. This partial action approach prioritizes adaptability over maximum bandwidth efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication apparatus having interfaces for exchanging data with first and second neighbors, a memory for storing codec information regarding the communication apparatus and a control entity operative to detect a message from the first neighbor, the first message being indicative of codec information regarding an originating entity. In response, the control entity assesses compatibility between the codec information regarding the originating entity and the codec information regarding the communication apparatus. If the assessment is positive, the control entity self-identifies the communication apparatus as a candidate for terminally supporting a subsequent codec-bypass negotiation with the originating entity. If the assessment is negative, the control entity self-identifies the communication apparatus as a candidate for non-terminally supporting such negotiation. The invention thus capitalizes on the realization that although an end-to-end codec-bypass connection may not be possible, it may nevertheless be possible to achieve bandwidth savings by establishing a codec-bypass connection along only a portion of the path.