Hybrid RTP Payload Format for Codec Mode Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for introducing new speech codecs into telecommunication systems face interoperability issues with legacy equipment, leading to increased costs and potential speech quality degradation, particularly in scenarios where frame aggregation and limited transmission resources are involved.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for defining an efficient RTP payload format that conditionally uses either a header-less or header-full format based on codec modes and bit rates, ensuring unambiguous decoding and supporting legacy codec interoperation through unique payload sizes and additional signaling information transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new speech codec is introduced into a telecommunication system, then service quality is improved, but interoperability problems occur with legacy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The payload format is segmented into different types (header-full and header-less) depending on the codec mode. EVS-specific header-full format is used for non-interoperable modes, while AMR-WB-compatible header-less format is used for interoperable modes, allowing the system to selectively engage compatibility mechanisms based on the coding mode being used
Solution Approach 2:
A payload type indicator mechanism acts as an intermediary between the new EVS codec and legacy AMR-WB equipment. The indicator (using specific payload type values or header bits) signals to the receiver whether the payload contains EVS-specific data or AMR-WB compatible data, enabling proper routing and decoding without requiring legacy equipment to understand EVS formats
2Adaptability or versatility
If transcoders are provisioned in media gateways to translate between new and old coding formats, then interoperability is achieved, but network investment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compatibility function is extracted from the network infrastructure (media gateways) and embedded directly into the terminal devices. Each terminal is equipped with a dual-format payload encoder/decoder that can handle both EVS-specific and AMR-WB compatible formats, eliminating the need for network-based transcoders and reducing device complexity in the network
3Adaptability or versatility
If capability exchange between terminals is implemented prior to speech connection, then interoperability is ensured, but the method is not always possible in scenarios like multi-party conferencing and hand-over scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring terminals with dual-format payload handling capabilities before communication scenarios arise. The payload encoder is prepared to output both EVS-specific and AMR-WB compatible formats, and the decoder is prepared to recognize and process both formats, enabling immediate interoperability when needed without requiring advance capability negotiation
Solution Approach 2:
The payload format mechanism serves itself by automatically selecting the appropriate format (header-full or header-less) based on the EVS coding mode being used. The system self-adapts to the operational context, choosing the compatible format when interfacing with legacy equipment and the EVS-specific format when communicating with modern terminals, without requiring external control or capability exchange protocols
4Adaptability or versatility
If support for complete set of new and legacy codecs is provided in terminals, then interoperability is achieved, but implementation and technology licensing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is designed with universal payload handling capability that can process both EVS-specific and AMR-WB compatible formats through a single dual-format encoder/decoder implementation. This multi-functional approach allows one component to serve multiple purposes, supporting both new and legacy codecs without requiring separate dedicated hardware or software modules for each codec
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a method and an apparatus thereof for formatting a payload for transmission of multi-mode speech/audio codec data. The method comprises deciding whether a header-less or a header-full payload format is used for transmission of a coded frame. The decision is based on a codec mode and a required functionality. The payload data is packetized with or without the payload header depending on the decision.