VoIP Codec Adaptation for Bandwidth-Constrained WAN Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoIP telephone systems face limitations when available bandwidth in wide area networks (WANs) is reduced, leading to a need for systems that can allow additional VoIP calls despite bandwidth constraints.
Innovation Solution
The system includes VoIP telephones connected via routers and switches within local area networks (LANs) that can renegotiate calls using lower bandwidth codecs when packet drop rates exceed thresholds or primary WAN connections fail, utilizing backup connections and call control gatekeepers to adjust codecs dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the available bandwidth of the WAN is reduced, then the number of VoIP telephone calls that can be transmitted simultaneously decreases, but preventing new calls from being placed reduces system flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the codec type based on available bandwidth conditions. When bandwidth is sufficient, high-quality codecs are used; when bandwidth is reduced, the system automatically switches to lower-bandwidth codecs to maintain call capability and system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of codec type according to bandwidth availability. By switching between different codec types with different bandwidth requirements, the system optimizes the number of concurrent calls while maintaining adaptability to network conditions
2Reliability
If higher bandwidth codecs are used, then voice quality is improved, but the available bandwidth for additional calls is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects codec types based on real-time bandwidth conditions. When bandwidth is available, high-quality codecs are deployed; when bandwidth is constrained, the system switches to more efficient codecs to maximize the number of concurrent calls
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the codec parameter according to network conditions. This allows the system to optimize between voice quality and number of concurrent calls by selecting appropriate codec types based on available bandwidth
3Reliability
If new VoIP calls are prevented when bandwidth is insufficient, then existing call quality is maintained, but the ability to accommodate additional calls is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts codec parameters when new calls are initiated during bandwidth constraints. By switching to lower-bandwidth codecs for new calls, the system maintains the ability to accommodate additional calls while preserving existing call quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows new calls to be placed even when bandwidth is constrained, using partial bandwidth allocation with adjusted codecs. This exceeds the conventional approach of completely blocking new calls, thereby maintaining call accommodation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system for changing the coder-decoder utilized during a voice over Internet protocol telephone call is disclosed. The system includes two local area networks connected to each other via a wide area network. Each local area network includes a router connected to the wide area network, a switch connected to the router and a voice over Internet protocol telephone connected to the switch. The voice over Internet protocol telephones are configured to detect when voice packets are being dropped and utilize a lower bandwidth coder-decoder.