BGCF Inter-IMS Service Support via SIP Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inter-IMS service support in telecommunication systems is challenging due to differences in communication providers' networks, where multimedia calls and communications need to be set up between IMS systems of different providers, requiring efficient handling of SIP requests and feature tags to ensure compatibility and proper routing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a border gateway control function (BGCF) that forwards, modifies, and routes SIP requests between IMS networks, determining method and feature tag support, adding or removing codecs, and altering routing information to ensure compatibility and successful communication across different IMS systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SIP requests are forwarded between IMS networks of different providers, then inter-IMS service support is enabled, but compatibility issues arise due to differences in network capabilities and supported features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a border gateway control function (BGCF) as an intermediary between IMS networks of different providers. The BGCF receives SIP requests, determines whether the requesting or receiving network supports the requested method and feature tags, and modifies the request accordingly. This intermediary resolves compatibility issues by mediating between networks with different capabilities, enabling inter-IMS service support while maintaining reliability through active compatibility management.
2Reliability
If feature tags are added or removed from SIP requests to match external IMS capabilities, then compatibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the border gateway control function determine support for methods and feature tags before forwarding SIP requests between IMS networks. The BGCF proactively identifies capability mismatches and modifies feature tags in advance, preventing compatibility issues rather than reacting to them. This preliminary processing reduces the need for complex real-time negotiation and error handling, managing processing complexity through advance preparation.
3Reliability
If routing information is modified to comply with external IMS capabilities, then successful communication is enabled, but message modification overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The border gateway control function serves as a mediator that handles routing information modification centrally at the network boundary. Rather than requiring multiple modification attempts or complex peer-to-peer negotiation between IMS networks, the BGCF single-handedly adjusts routing information to ensure compatibility. This centralized mediation enables successful communication while minimizing time loss by avoiding repeated modification cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first communication provider supports an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) having a border session control function (BGCF) that receives SIP requests. The SIP requests correspond to different SIP methods and specify various feature tags. The feature tags correspond to available services or media types that may be available from the IMS of a second communication provider. When receiving a SIP request that addresses a user supported by the second communication provider, the BGCF of the first communication provider checks the method and feature tag of the SIP request to make sure that they are supported by IMS of the second communication provider. If they are not, the SIP is rejected and failure message is returned. The BGCF may also modify certain parameters of the SIP request, such as by removing one or more offered codecs or preconditions.