What is TMR Transport medium requirement

In the realm of telecommunications, particularly within Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and related technologies, Transport Medium Requirement (TMR) emerges as a parameter used for routing purposes. Here's a detailed explanation of TMR and its role in call routing decisions:

Core Function of TMR:

• TMR specifies the transmission medium capabilities required for a specific service request within the network. It indicates the type of connection needed for optimal call quality and performance.

Types of TMR Values:

• Different TMR values correspond to various transmission medium capabilities. Common examples include:
  • TMR 1: Represents a basic digital connection suitable for voice calls.
  • TMR 3: Indicates a higher-bandwidth connection suitable for data transmission or video calls.
  • TMR 4: May represent an even higher-bandwidth connection depending on the specific network implementation.

Role of TMR in Call Routing:

• When a call is initiated, the network routing mechanisms consider the TMR value associated with the requested service.
• The network attempts to establish a connection through paths that meet or exceed the specified TMR requirements. This ensures that the chosen route can adequately support the type of call being placed (voice, data, video) without compromising quality.

Benefits of Utilizing TMR:

• Optimized Call Routing: TMR allows the network to route calls through the most suitable paths based on medium capabilities. This optimizes resource utilization and ensures efficient service delivery.
• Improved Call Quality: By selecting routes that meet the TMR requirements, the network can minimize transmission delays and errors, leading to better call quality and user experience.
• Flexibility: TMR allows for differentiated routing based on service type. For example, a voice call might require a lower TMR value compared to a high-definition video call.

Drawbacks of TMR:

• Limited Scope: TMR primarily focuses on the transmission medium capabilities and might not consider all factors influencing call performance, such as network congestion or traffic prioritization.
• Legacy Technology: TMR is primarily used in older network technologies like ISDN and might not be directly applicable to modern IP-based networks.

Alternatives to TMR in Modern Networks:

• In modern networks like IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) or Voice over LTE (VoLTE), call routing often relies on a combination of factors beyond just the transmission medium. These factors include:
  • Quality of Service (QoS): Network mechanisms to prioritize and manage traffic based on specific service requirements.
  • Available Bandwidth: Real-time evaluation of network capacity to select optimal routes for different types of calls.
  • User Preferences: User-defined preferences regarding call quality versus cost might be considered during routing decisions.

Conclusion:

Transport Medium Requirement (TMR) played a significant role in routing calls within legacy networks like ISDN. While its importance diminishes in modern IP-based networks, understanding TMR provides valuable insights into historical call routing principles and how networks strive to optimize resource allocation and prioritize different types of communication based on their specific requirements.