Call Intent Notification via Out-of-Band Gateway for VoIP Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems face challenges in establishing calls when the callee is unavailable, as they may not be logged in, have the app open, or be paying attention, leading to unsuccessful call attempts and damaging the perception of VoIP service reliability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is implemented that sends a call intent notification via an out-of-band communication channel, such as SMS or push notification, to the callee's mobile device, including a temporary shared PSTN access number, allowing the callee to initiate a hybrid PSTN call, even if they are not using the VoIP app, thereby extending reach and reliability while providing cost savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a packet-switched call (VoIP) is attempted when the callee is unavailable, then call establishment fails, but using a hybrid PSTN call would ensure call delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that mediates between packet-switched and circuit-switched networks. The gateway receives VoIP call attempts, detects callee unavailability, and automatically routes the call through PSTN as a fallback, thus ensuring reliable call delivery without requiring complex user-side decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between packet-switched and circuit-switched call routing based on real-time availability conditions. When the callee is available via VoIP, the system uses packet-switched routing; when unavailable, it automatically transitions to PSTN routing, providing adaptive call delivery without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a hybrid PSTN call is used to ensure call delivery, then call reliability improves, but call cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial PSTN routing only when necessary - specifically when the callee is unavailable via VoIP. The gateway detects unavailability and activates PSTN routing only for those specific cases, rather than forcing all calls through PSTN, thus minimizing additional costs while ensuring reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter dynamically based on callee availability status. When available, the call uses packet-switched routing (lower cost); when unavailable, it switches to circuit-switched routing (higher cost but reliable). This parameter change optimizes the balance between cost and reliability.
3Reliability
If the callee must be logged in and using the VoIP app to receive calls, then call quality is maintained, but network reach is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway provides multi-functional capability by supporting both packet-switched and circuit-switched call routing. This universality allows the system to reach calles regardless of their VoIP application status - whether logged in, using the app, or completely unavailable - thus extending network reach while maintaining call quality through appropriate routing selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the callee to be available on the VoIP network to receive calls, the system inverts the approach by allowing calls to be delivered through alternative (PSTN) networks when VoIP is unavailable. This inversion expands reach without compromising the ability to maintain quality when VoIP is available.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for call intent notification for establishing a call are described. According to one or more implementations, a user of a first user terminal attempts to establish a call with a second user terminal. Based on determining that the second user terminal and/or a user of the second user terminal is not available to answer the call, a call intent notification is sent to the second user terminal. According to one or more implementations, the call intent notification includes a number that enables the second user terminal to establish a call with the first user terminal.