Radio Link Protocol Transition for Session Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communication systems experience significant latency in setting up instant chat sessions due to the dynamic allocation of radio resources, which is not adequately mitigated by media buffering, and air interface protocols either facilitate quick resource allocation with high latency or optimized bandwidth but not both simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a wireless device uses one air interface protocol for signaling to establish a packet-based real-time media conference and automatically switches to another protocol optimized for bearer communication, such as using IS-856 for quick session initiation and IS-2000 for guaranteed bandwidth in the established session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single air interface protocol is used for both signaling and bearer communication, then device complexity is reduced, but latency in session setup increases due to the protocol not being optimized for both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol usage by protocol type and function: the first protocol (e.g., HRPD) is used exclusively for signaling operations during session setup, while the second protocol (e.g., 1xRTT) is used for bearer communication during media transmission. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall session setup latency while maintaining manageable device complexity through clear protocol separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic protocol switching based on operational phase: during the signaling phase, the device operates on the first protocol; upon session establishment, it dynamically switches to the second protocol for bearer communication. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to leverage the fast resource allocation of the first protocol during setup while utilizing the bandwidth guarantees of the second protocol during media transmission.
2Loss of time
If a protocol optimized for quick resource allocation is used, then session setup latency is reduced, but real-time media communication reliability deteriorates due to lack of bandwidth guarantee
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments protocol usage by functional requirement: the first protocol (HRPD) handles signaling where speed is critical, while the second protocol (1xRTT) handles bearer communication where reliability and bandwidth guarantees are critical. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by matching protocol strengths to specific communication phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by selecting different protocol characteristics for different communication phases: the first protocol provides fast resource allocation locally during signaling, while the second protocol provides bandwidth guarantees locally during media transmission. Each protocol's local strengths are leveraged where needed.
3Reliability
If a protocol optimized for guaranteed bandwidth is used, then real-time media communication reliability is improved, but session setup latency increases due to slower resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two phases with different protocol requirements: signaling phase using the first protocol for speed, and bearer phase using the second protocol for reliability. This avoids the need for a single protocol to excel at both, reducing overall setup latency while maintaining media reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by completing all signaling and resource reservation using the fast first protocol before switching to the second protocol for media transmission. This preliminary use of the faster protocol establishes the connection quickly, after which the more reliable protocol takes over for actual media communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transitioning between radio link protocols in a packet-based real-time media communication system. A wireless communication device such as a cell phone will operate under one radio link protocol (such as IS-856, also known as 1xEV-DO) to engage in packet-based signaling for setup of a packet-based real-time media session such as a push-to-talk session. Once the session is set up, the wireless communication device will then automatically transition to operate under a different radio link protocol (such as IS-2000, also known as 1xRTT), and will engage in packet-based real-time media communication in the session over that different radio link protocol. Preferably, the radio link protocol used for session setup signaling will provide for reduced setup latency, while the radio link protocol used for bearer communication in the session will provide for reduced jitter and improved real-time media communication.