Auto-Configured VoIP Router Using Registry Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face difficulties in configuring and setting up Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, requiring hardware and service provider sign-ups, which can be complex for non-technical users.

Innovation Solution

An auto-configuration system using home routers with Ethernet and RJ-11 jacks to connect to existing phone lines and analog phones, determining phone numbers and VoIP addresses based on call patterns, allowing VoIP calls without user configuration or service provider sign-ups, utilizing VoIP adapters with processors, memory, and a registry service for peer-to-peer network communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If consumers use traditional VoIP service providers, then VoIP service is provided, but configuration complexity increases and setup time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setupVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router automatically performs VoIP configuration tasks without user intervention. The system monitors phone line activity, detects call patterns, and autonomously configures VoIP parameters including determining the service provider's phone number and establishing connection settings. This self-configuration eliminates the need for consumers to manually configure their equipment while still providing full VoIP functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The router proactively monitors the phone line to detect incoming calls and extract configuration information before actual VoIP service is needed. By preemptively identifying the service provider's number and analyzing call patterns, the system prepares all necessary configuration parameters in advance, so that when VoIP service activation is required, the setup is already complete or can be instantly activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If consumers sign up with service providers and configure PCs, then VoIP service is obtained, but setup time and service contract requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice activation speedVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates the need for manual service provider sign-up processes. The router automatically interacts with the phone line to identify and configure with the service provider, removing the requirement for consumers to complete registration forms, sign contracts, or contact customer service. The configuration process is entirely automated, allowing immediate service activation upon router deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The router continuously monitors phone line activity from the moment it is connected, gathering necessary configuration data and establishing communication protocols in advance. This preliminary monitoring and configuration preparation ensures that when a user decides to use VoIP, the service is already configured and can be activated instantly without any setup delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If non-technical consumers attempt to configure PCs for VoIP, then VoIP functionality is achieved, but difficulty and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidconfiguration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The router performs all configuration tasks autonomously without requiring user technical knowledge. It automatically monitors phone line signals, extracts provider information, configures VoIP parameters, and establishes connections. The interface presents no configuration options to the user, eliminating the possibility of user error while maintaining full functionality. The system essentially configures itself based on automated detection of the phone line environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing phone numbers are assigned to VoIP providers, then number portability is achieved, but service contract and reassignment requirements increase complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber portabilityVSAvoidservice reassignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router automatically handles phone number assignment and porting processes. It monitors the phone line to detect the existing service provider's number and autonomously configures the VoIP system to use that number. The system manages the number portability process in the background without requiring users to submit porting requests, sign additional contracts, or coordinate with multiple providers. Configuration is performed automatically based on detected phone line characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2394410B1Auto-configured voice over internet protocol
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2394410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2394410B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In one embodiment, an apparatus may receive a call over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) from a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) adapter. The VoIP adapter may be one or more devices that may create and accept VoIP connections over a network, such as the Internet, and that may transmit a call over the PSTN. The apparatus may store a call detail of the received call in a registry service, where the call detail is associated with a node identifier of the apparatus in the registry service. The apparatus may further determine a dial sequence at which the apparatus may be reached over the PSTN based on corresponding call details also stored in the registry service.