VoIP Network Coverage via Dynamic Handover Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in maintaining network coverage for Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions, particularly at the edge of coverage, where uplink coverage is often limited, leading to higher packet loss rates and potential degradation in voice services.
Innovation Solution
The method involves codec negotiation between user equipment (UE) to determine and exchange maximum end-to-end packet loss rates (PLRs) based on supported codecs and implementations, with the network adjusting handover thresholds to ensure robust codec usage and optimal PLR distribution across uplinks and downlinks, thereby maintaining voice service quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If handover thresholds are adjusted to maintain network coverage at the edge, then network coverage is improved, but packet loss rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts handover thresholds based on codec packet loss characteristics. Different codecs have different maximum tolerable packet loss rates, and the system modifies the handover threshold parameter accordingly to maintain optimal coverage while preventing excessive packet loss that would degrade voice quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic handover threshold adjustment rather than using fixed thresholds. The threshold is adapted in real-time based on the selected codec's packet loss tolerance characteristics, allowing the network to optimize coverage area while maintaining reliability for different codec configurations
2Reliability
If robust codecs are used to maintain voice quality, then voice service quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs codec negotiation and selects appropriate codecs before establishing the VoIP session. By determining the maximum tolerable packet loss rate and selecting suitable codecs in advance, the system ensures voice quality without requiring complex real-time decisions during the call
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where terminals report their packet loss concealment capabilities and the network adjusts codec selection based on this feedback. This allows the system to maintain voice quality by selecting codecs that match the actual network conditions and terminal capabilities
3Stability of the object's composition
If handover frequency is reduced to avoid unnecessary handovers, then network stability is improved, but coverage responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies handover threshold parameters based on codec characteristics to optimize the balance between stability and responsiveness. By adjusting the threshold according to the selected codec's packet loss tolerance, the system prevents both unnecessary handovers and delayed responses to actual coverage changes
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure generally relates to various methods to increase network coverage with respect to Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) sessions and/or other voice-based multimedia services. In particular, when establishing a voice session, two or more terminals may perform a codec negotiation to exchange information related to supported multimedia codecs and/or codec modes, jitter buffer management (JBM), and packet loss concealment (PLC) capabilities. Based on the exchanged information, a message may be sent to a base station to indicate the maximum packet loss rate (PLR) for each terminal. Additional techniques may ensure that the terminals use the most robust codecs or codec modes that are available when nearing the edge of coverage to help avoid unnecessary and/or excessive handovers to different radio access technologies.