RAN-Assisted VoLTE Bitrate Adaptation via UE Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently adapting voice codec rates in Radio Access Networks (RAN) to optimize user experience and network capacity, especially under varying radio conditions, without requiring the base station to handle application layer signaling.
Innovation Solution
A system where a base station receives bitrate queries from user equipment (UE) devices and provides recommendations for VoLTE calls, allowing UE devices to negotiate bitrates based on radio conditions and network capacity, without needing specific codec rate information, and enabling rate adaptation while maintaining the existing network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the base station provides bitrate recommendations for VoLTE calls, then user experience and voice quality are improved, but the base station must process application layer signaling which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the base station receives bitrate queries from UEs and provides recommendations without directly handling application layer signaling. The core network acts as a mediator that translates UE bitrate queries into network-aware recommendations, allowing the base station to influence bitrate selection without full application layer processing responsibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through bitrate queries from UEs and recommendations from base stations. The UE sends a bitrate query based on its buffer status and radio conditions, the base station responds with a recommendation considering network load, and this feedback loop continues to optimize voice quality dynamically without requiring complex application layer processing at the base station.
2Reliability
If higher codec rates are used for enhanced audio quality, then voice quality is improved, but network capacity and packet loss performance deteriorate under poor radio conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bitrate adaptation where the codec rate is not fixed but adjusts based on real-time conditions. The base station dynamically modifies the recommended bitrate based on current network load and radio conditions, while the UE dynamically adjusts its actual bitrate based on the recommendation and its own buffer status. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between voice quality and network capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bitrate parameter dynamically based on multiple factors including radio conditions, network capacity, and buffer status. Instead of using a fixed high bitrate for enhanced quality, the system adjusts the bitrate parameter up or down based on current network conditions, achieving optimal balance between quality and capacity utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base station handles application layer signaling for rate adaptation, then rate adaptation control is improved, but the traditional network architecture is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the traditional network architecture by introducing an intermediary role for the base station in handling bitrate queries. Rather than directly controlling application layer signaling, the base station acts as an intermediary that receives queries from UEs and provides recommendations to the core network, preserving the traditional architecture while enabling improved rate adaptation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs self-service by autonomously generating bitrate queries based on its own buffer status and radio conditions. The UE independently manages its bitrate selection by using the base station's recommendations and its own local conditions, without requiring complex centralized control that would alter the traditional network architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A base station receives a bitrate query from a first user equipment (UE) device being served by the base station. The bitrate query can be a request for a bitrate increase or decrease. The base station transmits a bitrate recommendation to the first UE device. The bitrate recommendation is to be used for a Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) call between the first UE device and a second UE device. In some instances, the first UE device and the second UE device negotiate the bitrate to be used for the VoLTE call, based on the bitrate recommended by the base station. The first and second UE devices implement a bitrate for the VoLTE call and provide feedback to the base station.