RTP Flow Segment Analysis via Probe Deduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing RTP flows in mobile networks lack detailed segment-wise analysis, particularly for identifying performance degradation issues, as RTCP reports provide only end-to-end statistics and RTP packet inspection is limited to partial root cause analysis, failing to cover the downlink segment and requiring dedicated test phones for comprehensive monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple probes in the mobile network to calculate performance indicators for each segment of the RTP flow by deducting performance indicators from corresponding endpoints, allowing for segment-wise analysis by combining RTP and RTCP data to derive detailed performance metrics for all segments, including the downlink segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RTCP reports are used to monitor transmission statistics, then end-to-end transmission monitoring is achieved, but detailed segment-wise analysis and root cause identification are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the end-to-end transmission path into multiple network segments (uplink, core, downlink) and assigns performance indicators to each segment. By deducting performance indicators from different endpoints, the system obtains segment-specific metrics (e.g., segment packet loss, segment jitter) that enable detailed analysis of individual network segments while maintaining end-to-end monitoring capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If RTP packet inspection is performed at network probes, then partial root cause analysis is enabled, but downlink segment coverage is not achieved and dedicated test phones are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RTCP reports as an intermediary to obtain downlink segment performance data. Since RTCP reports traverse the entire path including the downlink segment, they carry performance information from the remote endpoint that can be combined with local RTP probe data. This intermediary approach enables downlink segment analysis without requiring dedicated test phones or modifying the RTP stream itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges RTP packet inspection data from network probes with RTCP report data from endpoints to achieve comprehensive coverage. By combining these two data sources, the system obtains both uplink segment details (from RTP inspection) and downlink segment information (from RTCP reports), eliminating the need for dedicated test phones while achieving full path coverage.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated test phones are used for comprehensive RTP analysis, then end-to-end coverage is achieved, but large scale monitoring of all calls is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the monitoring system universal by using standard RTP and RTCP protocols that work with all common UEs, not just dedicated test phones. The solution leverages existing protocol functionality to perform comprehensive analysis on any call, enabling large-scale monitoring across the entire network without requiring special equipment at the user end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the monitoring system to self-serve by using RTCP reports that are already generated as part of normal RTP operation. Instead of requiring additional test equipment or modifying user devices, the system utilizes the self-generated RTCP feedback mechanism to extract performance data, making large-scale monitoring feasible without adding burden to the user side.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for performing segment-wise analysis of a Real-Time Transport Protocol, RTP, flow carried from a first User Equipment, UE, to a second UE via a mobile network is disclosed. The RTP flow is monitored by a plurality of probes in the mobile network, wherein each of the plurality of probes is configured to calculate at least one performance indicator indicative of a performance associated with the RTP flow observed between the first UE and the respective probe. A method implementation of the technique includes deriving at least one segment performance indicator for a segment of the RTP flow between a first probe of the plurality of probes and an endpoint of the segment by deducting the at least one performance indicator calculated by the first probe from at least one corresponding performance indicator associated with the endpoint.