Minimizing network bandwidth for voice services over tdm ces

Abstract

A method and system are provided for reducing bandwidth usage in TDM CES systems conveying analog data, such as voice data. A transmitting router receiving TDM frames for packetization monitors the digitized analog data in the TDM frames. If the analog data has not changed beyond a configured threshold for a configured length of time, the transmitting router signals the receiving router at the far end of a TDM Pseudowire that no packets for the TDM Pseudowire will be sent. The transmitting router does not send any packets over the TDM Pseudowire, not even packets with empty payloads. The receiving router a receiving such a signal starts to generate its own packets for placing in its jitter buffer. Valid data already within the jitter buffer is played out to the access port, but once this runs out dummy packets placed in the jitter buffer by the receiving router are played out. In this way the jitter buffer maintains its fill level even when no packets are being sent across the TDM Pseudowire. The transmitting router continues to monitor the received digitized analog data, and only when it determines that the analog data has changed beyond the threshold does the transmitting router signal the receiving router, and begins sending packets once again. The method and system thereby reduce the bandwidth usage in TDM CES systems conveying analog data by refraining from needlessly sending packets over the TDM-Pseudowire when the analog data is not changing.