Call Routing via Performance Information Packets in Packet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telephony over packet networks faces challenges in managing call quality due to lack of connection path state awareness, leading to issues with congestion, jitter, and delay, especially in converged networks carrying real-time and non-real-time traffic, where conventional call control managers lack information about the bearer path and cannot effectively handle changes in bandwidth or signal strength.
Innovation Solution
The system employs performance information packets (PIP packets) to determine network performance information, including real-time and non-real-time bandwidth usage, which are communicated in-band to call control managers, enabling them to manage network communications more intelligently and reroute calls if necessary, thereby improving call quality and handling congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional call control managers are used in packet networks, then call routing can be established, but call quality deteriorates due to lack of connection path state awareness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network elements monitor connection path state (bandwidth, signal strength, congestion) and report this information back to the call control manager. This enables the manager to make informed routing decisions based on real-time network conditions, thereby maintaining call quality while operating in a packet network environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as network monitors and performance measurement devices that act as mediators between the packet network and the call control manager. These intermediaries collect and process connection path state information, transforming raw network data into meaningful metrics that the call control manager can use for quality-aware routing decisions.
2Productivity
If converged networks carry both real-time and non-real-time traffic, then network resource utilization improves, but call quality deteriorates due to congestion and bandwidth sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principles by implementing differentiated service handling for different traffic types. Real-time traffic receives priority treatment with guaranteed bandwidth allocation and quality thresholds, while non-real-time traffic is handled with best-effort service. This localized quality approach allows high network resource utilization while protecting call quality through traffic-specific management policies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes network parameters such as bandwidth allocation, priority levels, and quality thresholds based on real-time network conditions and traffic type. Call control managers adjust these parameters to maintain call quality during congestion, allowing the network to efficiently utilize resources while adapting to changing demands and preventing degradation of real-time services.
3Device complexity
If call control managers lack bearer path information, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle bandwidth changes and reroute calls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call control functionality by separating the call control manager from the network monitoring and performance measurement functions. The call control manager maintains lower complexity by delegating bearer path information collection to dedicated network monitors and performance measurement devices. This segmentation allows the manager to focus on routing decisions while adapting to bandwidth changes through information provided by specialized components, thereby maintaining versatility without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that establishes a phone call over a packet network. The process may include receiving a call request from an originating call device on a packet network to call a terminating call device. A first transmission path may be determined between the originating and terminating call devices. Status of a terminating segment at a first terminating trunk may be determined and, if the status of the terminating segment at the first terminating trunk is within a first range, a call between the originating and terminating call device may be established via the first terminating call trunk. Otherwise, if the status of the terminating segment at the first terminating trunk is within a second range, a second transmission path via a second terminating trunk between the originating and terminating call devices may be made.