Caller ID Delivery in Multi-Region Cable Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable television viewers using VoIP services in multi-region cable networks cannot access conventional caller ID services, as these services require separate digital exchanges linked by SS7, which is not compatible with cable systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides caller ID information for VoIP calls to a video termination device within a multi-region cable network by using a soft switch, SIP proxy server, and CID servers, which associate subscriber telephone numbers with MAC addresses and IP addresses, allowing CID information to be routed through an out-of-band or in-band channel to the video termination device for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional caller ID service is used with STB connected to PSTN, then caller ID information can be displayed, but an additional connection separate from video source is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines video and data transmissions into a single HFC cable connection. The STB receives both video signals and caller ID data through the same cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate PSTN connections while maintaining the ability to display caller ID information on the television screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The HFC cable system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - delivering video content, data services, and voice communications through a single infrastructure. This multi-functional approach allows the STB to access caller ID information without requiring dedicated telephone wiring, as the cable system handles both video and data protocols.
2Loss of information
If conventional caller ID service is used, then caller ID information can be displayed, but compatibility with VoIP services over cable system is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts caller ID delivery by changing the transmission parameter from traditional PSTN signaling to HFC cable data protocols. The STB retrieves caller ID information through DOCSIS data channels or SIP messaging over the cable network, allowing VoIP services to maintain compatibility with caller ID display functionality by using alternative data transmission paths within the same physical infrastructure.
3Reliability
If separate PSTN connection is used for caller ID, then caller ID service works, but integration with video services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges caller ID service delivery with the video service infrastructure. The STB, which is already connected to the cable system for video reception, also receives caller ID data through the same connection. This integration allows users to view caller ID information on their television without requiring separate telephone equipment or connections, simplifying operation while maintaining service reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing caller ID in a multi-region cable network. Caller identifying (CID) information of an incoming VoIP call is provided to a digital telephone subscriber through a video termination device (VTD) using a path that is different from the path by which the VoIP call packets are delivered to the digital telephone subscriber. The telephone number of a digital telephone subscriber is associated with the IP address and/or MAC address of the subscriber's VTD. The called number of the incoming VoIP call is used to select the VTD to which the CID information is delivered. A message is then sent through an out-of-band to the digital telephone subscriber's VTD comprising the CID information for display on video display equipment. Alternatively, the VTD is DOCSIS-compliant and a message is addressed to the VTD using the IP address of the VTD DOCSIS modem.