AGCF Server Protocol Conversion for VoIP Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network providers face challenges in converting between Network-Based Call Signaling (NCS) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) within Voice over IP (VoIP) networks, necessitating a system that maintains feature parity and provides access gateway control functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Access Gateway Control Function (AGCF) server that converts SIP messages to NCS and vice versa, ensuring seamless communication and feature parity with Telephony Application Servers (TAS) in VoIP networks, while supporting standards like PacketCable and IMS specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network providers use legacy PacketCable NCS devices for VoIP services, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but conversion between NCS and SIP protocols becomes complex and requires additional gateway components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PacketCable NCS functionality and SIP protocol handling into a single integrated access gateway device. This merger eliminates the need for separate legacy NCS devices and external protocol conversion gateways, directly resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining service reliability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access gateway is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a PacketCable NCS terminal and a SIP user agent simultaneously. This universal design allows the single device to handle both protocol domains natively, eliminating conversion complexity while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an access gateway is implemented to convert between NCS and SIP, then protocol interoperability is achieved, but the device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access gateway implements automatic protocol selection and self-configuration capabilities. Based on the service type and network context, the device automatically determines whether to operate in NCS or SIP mode without requiring manual configuration, thereby achieving protocol interoperability while minimizing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway employs dynamic protocol adaptation, where the operational protocol (NCS or SIP) is determined in real-time based on service requirements and network conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the device to flexibly switch between protocols without fixed configuration, reducing setup complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate legacy NCS devices are used for each function, then specific VoIP features can be implemented, but the system requires multiple components increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple VoIP feature functionalities into a single access gateway device. By merging call control, protocol conversion, and feature processing capabilities into one integrated system, the invention reduces the number of components from multiple separate legacy devices to a single unified gateway, thereby maintaining feature versatility while reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for an access gateway control function server to convert between network-based call signaling messages and session initiation protocol messages. An embodiment operates by receiving in a first access gateway control function server, a first session initiation protocol (SIP) message sent from a first device and converting the SIP message in the first access gateway control function server to a first network-based call signaling (NCS) message to be received by a second device.