WebRTC QoS Mapping in 3GPP EPS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WebRTC frameworks lack a definitive method for ensuring end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) support in 3GPP Release 8 PLMN infrastructure, particularly during active WebRTC conversations, and existing solutions fail to effectively map QoS class identifiers (QCIs) for multimedia traffic, leading to potential prioritization issues and inefficient resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a WebRTC Client with QoS Awareness and a modified eP-CSCF* that uses periodic and event-based analysis to map QoS relevant information into SIP signaling messages, enabling dynamic use of EPS QoS resources and enforcing QoS characteristics through the EPS Bearer architecture, with specific QCI mappings for different media types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WebRTC clients are integrated into 3GPP Release 8 PLMN infrastructure without QoS mapping mechanisms, then WebRTC real-time communication functionality is enabled, but Quality of Service enforcement and traffic prioritization fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces QoS mapping functions as intermediary components between WebRTC clients and the EPS network. These mapping functions translate WebRTC traffic characteristics into EPS QoS parameters (QCIs), enabling QoS enforcement without modifying the core WebRTC protocol or EPS network architecture. The intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by bridging the gap between the two systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms WebRTC QoS requirements into EPS-compatible parameters by mapping them to QoS Class Identifiers (QCIs). This parameter transformation enables the EPS network to understand and enforce QoS for WebRTC traffic using its native QoS mechanism, resolving the incompatibility between WebRTC and EPS QoS frameworks.
2Ease of manufacture
If generic QoS handling is used for all WebRTC traffic, then implementation is simplified, but specific media type prioritization and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different QoS mapping rules to different media types (audio, video, data) within WebRTC traffic. Each media type is assigned appropriate EPS QCI values based on its specific requirements, enabling differentiated QoS handling. This local quality approach optimizes resource allocation for each traffic type while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Reliability
If QoS resources are reserved in advance for WebRTC sessions, then QoS guarantees are improved, but network resource flexibility and adaptability to dynamic traffic patterns worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic QoS mapping that adapts to real-time WebRTC traffic characteristics and network conditions. The QoS mapping functions continuously monitor traffic patterns and adjust QCI assignments accordingly, enabling the network to flexibly allocate resources based on actual demand rather than static pre-reservation, thus maintaining both QoS guarantees and resource flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method and system for using Quality of Service (QoS) for already established Web-based Real Time Communication (WebRTC) like Voice- and Video-Telephony while the WebRTC Clients are connected to an Evolved Packet System (EPS) mobile network infrastructure according 3GGP Rel. 8 as well as to an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Core network. To implement this new QoS method for already established WebRTC communication paths, a new architecture, reusing typically IMS-based network entities and new networks elements especially designed for this dynamically QoS Signalling are introduced. The new entities named WebRTC Client with QoS Awareness, WebRTC QoS Signalling Function (WQSF) and an eP-CSCF*, and typical Call Flow are described.