Call Forwarding Detection in VoIP Interception

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Solution Overview

Problem

In networks providing voice over packet services, maintaining a unique Communication Identity Number (CIN) becomes difficult due to multiple nodes involved in signaling, as conventional algorithms fail to maintain the same CIN during call forwarding, treating the forwarded call as a new session.

Innovation Solution

A method that intercepts initial and forwarded call messages, comparing key fields like 'Call_ID', 'SDP O', 'To', 'From', 'Request-Uri', and 'History-Info-Uri' to determine if the forwarded call is part of the same communication session, allowing the same CIN to be used for analysis by an agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional algorithms are used to correlate signaling messages from different nodes, then a unique CIN can be maintained for the same communication session, but call forwarding events cause the system to treat the forwarded call as a new session with a new CIN

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCIN consistencyVSAvoidcall forwarding handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The correlation algorithm dynamically adapts its matching criteria based on the type of signaling message and the presence of call forwarding indicators. The system transitions from static CIN-based correlation to a dynamic approach that adjusts correlation parameters according to message type (INVITE, ACK, BYE) and call forwarding detection, enabling consistent CIN maintenance through forwarding events while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes correlation parameters when call forwarding is detected. Specifically, it modifies the matching criteria from requiring exact CIN matches to using alternative correlation parameters such as comparing message types, directions, and temporal relationships. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain CIN consistency across forwarded calls while handling the versatility of different call scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the system treats forwarded calls as new sessions with new CINs, then call forwarding events are handled independently, but intercepted information becomes fragmented and cannot be analyzed as a whole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent call handlingVSAvoidcall session continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary correlation mechanism that acts as a mediator between forwarded calls and the original session. By detecting call forwarding events and using alternative correlation parameters (message type, direction, timing) to link forwarded calls to their parent sessions, the intermediary maintains information continuity while allowing independent handling of each call event, preventing information fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds another dimension to call correlation by introducing temporal and directional analysis alongside traditional CIN matching. It examines the sequence of messages (INVITE→ACK→BYE), their directions (incoming/outgoing), and timing relationships to correlate forwarded calls with original sessions. This multi-dimensional approach preserves call session continuity while maintaining ease of independent call handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple CINs are assigned to forwarded calls, then each call event can be processed independently through existing algorithms, but the network operator cannot relate initial and redirected calls to maintain the same CIN

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall processing efficiencyVSAvoidcall session correlation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of call forwarding events by analyzing signaling messages for specific indicators (e.g., Call-Info headers, diversion uris) before final correlation is made. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare alternative correlation parameters in advance, enabling both efficient independent processing of call events and precise maintenance of CIN consistency across the complete call session lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3186941B1Call forwarding detection in voice over packet interception
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3186941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3186941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3186941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mechanism for maintaining the same communication identity number when intercepted calls are forwarded is embodied in various methods, devices and media- storing software.