UE Codec Rate Adaptation via eNB Bandwidth Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE systems face challenges in dynamically adapting codec rates for voice and video communications over LTE networks, particularly due to limited eNB control over codec type and bitrate, inefficient congestion notification methods, and lack of support for finer granularity in bandwidth adaptation, which affects voice and video quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic bandwidth indication from the eNB to the UE, allowing the UE to adjust codec types and bitrates based on available radio bandwidth, using RRC or MAC signaling, enabling codec rate adaptation for both uplink and downlink traffic, and allowing the UE to request bandwidth adjustments based on voice or video quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic bandwidth indication and codec rate adaptation are implemented, then voice and video quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic codec rate adaptation by enabling the UE to adjust codec types and bitrates based on real-time bandwidth indications from the eNB. The system transitions from static codec configuration to dynamic adaptation where the UE can switch between different codec rates (e.g., from 12.2 kbps to 7.95 kbps) based on available radio resources, thereby enhancing voice and video quality while managing complexity through standardized procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the eNB provides bandwidth indications to the UE through RRC or MAC signaling, and the UE responds by selecting appropriate codec rates. This closed-loop feedback system allows the network to monitor bandwidth conditions and adjust codec rates accordingly, improving quality while maintaining controlled complexity through defined feedback channels
2Productivity
If finer granularity in bandwidth adaptation is supported, then network efficiency is improved, but control complexity over codec type and bitrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the codec adaptation control into discrete, manageable steps by defining specific codec rate options (e.g., 12.2 kbps, 10.28 kbps, 7.95 kbps for AMR-NB). This segmentation allows the eNB to control bandwidth adaptation at granular levels without requiring continuous control, improving network efficiency while maintaining manageable control complexity through standardized rate options
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements bandwidth adaptation by changing key parameters such as codec bitrate and codec type based on eNB indications. The system modifies these parameters dynamically (e.g., changing from wideband to narrowband codec, or adjusting bitrate levels) to optimize network efficiency while keeping control complexity manageable through defined parameter sets
3Adaptability or versatility
If codec rate adaptation is implemented for both uplink and downlink, then adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bandwidth indication mechanism that can be applied to both uplink and downlink directions through the same RRC or MAC signaling procedures. The eNB sends bandwidth indications that the UE uses to adapt codec rates for both uplink transmission and downlink reception, eliminating the need for separate signaling mechanisms and reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining full adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods, user equipment (UE), network core devices, gateway devices, evolved node B (eNB), and storage media for UE provisioning are described. In one embodiment, a UE is configured for codec bitrate adaptation via an interface configured to receive a bandwidth indication and a codec awareness indication from an eNB. The UE process the bandwidth indication and identifies, based on the codec awareness indication, a first codec from a plurality of codecs supported by the UE. The UE then configures with the eNB using data encoded with the first codec. This data may, for example, be Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) data or other such media data. Selection of the codec or associated codec information may be further based on the codec awareness indication.