Wireless Network Controller for Codec Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless networks face challenges in optimizing capacity, reliability, and performance at Radio Access Networks (RANs) due to varying Quality of Service (QoS) characteristics of different codecs, leading to service disruptions and user experience issues.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a controller that selectively enables different audio codecs, such as EVS, based on predictive models and real-time monitoring to improve capacity and reliability, and dynamically allocates transcoding resources for interoperability between incompatible codecs, thereby enhancing user experience and network efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single codec is deployed network-wide, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but network capacity and performance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidcodec management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by enabling different codecs at different RANs based on their specific capacity needs and performance characteristics. The controller selectively enables EVS codec at RANs where capacity improvement is needed, while maintaining AMR-WB at other RANs, allowing each RAN to use the codec that best suits its local conditions rather than forcing a uniform network-wide deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts codec deployment by monitoring network conditions and selectively enabling different codecs at different RANs based on real-time capacity and performance requirements. The controller can change which codecs are enabled at each RAN, making the system adaptable to changing network conditions rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If transcoding resources are deployed at all RANs, then interoperability between incompatible codecs is ensured, but network cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability reliabilityVSAvoidtranscoding resource deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by deploying transcoding resources only at specific RANs that require codec interoperability, rather than at all RANs. The controller identifies which RANs need transcoding capabilities and selectively enables them, reducing overall network complexity and cost while maintaining sufficient interoperability reliability for calls involving different codecs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses intermediary RANs equipped with transcoding resources to mediate between UEs using different codecs. When a UE using EVS codec needs to communicate with a UE using AMR-WB codec, the call is routed through an intermediary RAN that performs the transcoding, rather than requiring every RAN to have full transcoding capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If predictive models are used to preemptively enable codecs, then service disruptions are mitigated, but processing overhead and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidpredictive modeling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by using predictive models to anticipate future network conditions and preemptively enabling appropriate codecs before capacity issues or service disruptions occur. The controller analyzes historical and real-time data to predict when certain RANs will experience capacity constraints and enables suitable codecs in advance, preventing service degradation before it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If multiple codecs are selectively enabled, then network capacity and performance are improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidresource allocation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors network conditions, codec performance, and capacity utilization at each RAN. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts which codecs are enabled and how transcoding resources are allocated, optimizing network capacity while managing resource allocation complexity through data-driven decisions rather than static configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11606714B2Systems and methods for voice network control and optimization

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Provided is a controller for optimizing a wireless network by selectively enabling different codecs at different Radio Access Networks (“RANs”), and/or by dynamically provisioning resources to support interoperability between the selectively enabled codecs and other codecs in use elsewhere in the network. The controller may receive a request with an indication of a first codec and a second codec for establishing a session via a particular RAN. The controller may disable availability of the second codec for the session by providing a modified request that omits the second codec in response to the quality of service at the particular RAN satisfying performance criteria. The controller may selectively enable use of the second codec and provide transcoding between the first and second codecs by forwarding the request without modification to the session recipient in response to the quality of service at the particular RAN not satisfying the performance criteria.