VoLTE Call Setup Latency Reduction via Dummy Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing VoLTE call establishment process introduces additional latency and increased signaling due to the release and reestablishment of E-RAB when the inactivity timer expires, leading to poor user experience and inefficient network resource usage.
Innovation Solution
Sending dummy messages to the UE at a shorter interval than the inactivity timer period once a VoLTE call enters the ringing phase, ensuring radio resources are maintained until the call is answered or canceled, thereby preventing premature release and reestablishment of E-RAB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the inactivity timer is used to release radio resources, then network resource saving is improved, but call setup time increases due to E-RAB reestablishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending dummy messages before the actual call setup is completed. Specifically, after receiving the INVITE message and before the call is answered or cancelled, the network sends dummy messages to keep the E-RAB active. This preliminary maintenance of the bearer prevents the inactivity timer from triggering premature release, thus avoiding the need for reestablishment and reducing call setup time while still maintaining resource efficiency.
2Productivity
If E-RAB is released when inactivity timer expires, then network resource utilization is improved, but signaling overhead increases due to reestablishment signallings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dummy messages as an intermediary mechanism between the network and the UE. These dummy messages act as a mediator that keeps the E-RAB in an active state without requiring actual user traffic. By introducing this intermediary element, the network can maintain resource allocation without genuine data transmission, thereby reducing the signaling overhead associated with E-RAB reestablishment while still achieving efficient network resource utilization.
3Reliability
If dummy messages are sent continuously, then E-RAB is maintained until call completion, but network resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sending dummy messages at specific intervals rather than continuously. The network sends dummy messages periodically to keep the E-RAB active, but stops sending them when the call is answered or cancelled. This periodic approach maintains the reliability of E-RAB maintenance while minimizing unnecessary network resource consumption compared to continuous message transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for establishing a Voice over LTE (Long Term Evolution) (VoLTE) call in a communication network are provided. After a request for establishing a VoLTE call is received, a user equipment (UE) involved in the VoLTE call that is in LTE coverage can be identified. One or more dummy messages are send to the identified UE after the VoLTE call enters into ringing phase. An interval between successive dummy messages is shorter than a first time period set for determining whether to release radio resource for supporting the VoLTE call in LTE coverage. Sending the dummy message can be stopped if the VoLTE call is answered or is cancelled. As a consequence, time spending on establishing a VoLTE call is shortened and good performance characteristics is achieved, and signallings on networks are reduced.