In-band Performance Information Packets for Packet Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony over packet networks lacks effective mechanisms for managing real-time and non-real-time bandwidth usage, leading to congestion and poor voice quality due to the absence of in-band path signaling and quality metrics, which complicates call handling and diagnostics in dynamic network environments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs Performance Information Packets (PIP packets) to collect and communicate network performance information in-band, enabling real-time monitoring of transmission rates, quality, and connectivity across network nodes, allowing for intelligent call management and path optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet networks are used for telephony without in-band path signaling, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but network management capability and call handling efficiency deteriorate due to lack of real-time bandwidth monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements in-band path signaling that provides real-time feedback about bandwidth utilization, path quality, and network status directly within the data stream. This allows the network to automatically adjust routing decisions and bandwidth allocation based on current conditions, resolving the contradiction by enabling both flexibility and efficient management through continuous feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces performance information packets as intermediaries that carry network status data between network elements. These packets act as mediators that enable call handling and network management without requiring separate out-of-band signaling channels, thus maintaining packet network flexibility while improving operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If real-time bandwidth monitoring is implemented without in-band signaling, then network management capability is improved, but network complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges bandwidth monitoring and path signaling functions directly into the existing data transmission path by utilizing in-band signaling. This integration eliminates the need for separate monitoring infrastructure and complex out-of-band signaling systems, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining strong network management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The performance information packets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they carry routing information, bandwidth utilization data, quality metrics, and control signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby decreasing overall network complexity while enhancing management capability.
3Reliability
If performance information packets are used for real-time monitoring, then network performance and voice quality are improved, but network overhead and data traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial monitoring by selectively generating performance information packets based on specific conditions such as bandwidth threshold crossings, quality degradation events, or routing changes. This approach provides sufficient monitoring data to maintain voice quality while avoiding the overhead of continuous full-rate monitoring, thus balancing reliability with acceptable network overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include system and method for routing communications over a communications network. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether to establish a communication along a communication path based on network performance information. The disclosed embodiments provide several alternatives for establishing the communication and improving communications along the communication path in response to a determination that at least one network node along the communication path is impaired or congested.