Conditional Call Routing via IP Network and Wireless Access Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calls to fixed telephone numbers are often more expensive when routed to mobile phones, especially when the mobile subscriber is outside the UMA area, and existing methods may incur costs for the called party.
Innovation Solution
A method that routes calls made to a fixed telephone number to one or more mobile terminals via an Internet Protocol network and wireless access points, with the option to redirect to an alternative terminating point such as an answering service if the mobile terminal is outside the coverage area, thereby reducing costs for the called party.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calls to a fixed telephone number are routed to a mobile phone using traditional rerouting services, then the called party can always be reached, but the cost for the called party increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating routing behavior based on the mobile terminal's location. When the mobile terminal is within the UMA coverage area, calls are routed through the IP network at lower cost. When outside the coverage area, calls are routed through the GSM/UMTS network. This location-dependent routing strategy reduces costs while maintaining reachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing that adapts to the mobile terminal's current state. The system continuously monitors whether the mobile terminal is in the UMA coverage area and dynamically switches between IP-based routing and traditional GSM/UMTS routing. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize costs based on real-time conditions while ensuring the called party remains reachable.
2Loss of energy
If calls are routed via IP network to mobile terminals, then cost is reduced, but the called party may not be reached if outside coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service node as an intermediary that mediates between the fixed telephone network and the mobile terminal. This service node receives location information from the network operator, determines whether IP routing is feasible, and makes intelligent routing decisions. The intermediary ensures that calls are routed through IP network when cost-effective and the terminal is reachable, while falling back to traditional routing when necessary to maintain reachability.
3Reliability
If traditional call forwarding is used to mobile number, then the called party is always reached, but part of the cost is billed to the called party
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameter based on location conditions. Instead of always using traditional call forwarding, the system evaluates the mobile terminal's location status and changes the routing parameter accordingly. When within UMA coverage, IP-based routing is used which reduces costs. This parameter change approach maintains reachability while improving cost transparency and reducing charges to the called party.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of routing a call made by a calling party to a fixed telephone number of a called party, wherein the call is routed to one or more mobile terminals (34) via an Internet Protocol network (12) and a wireless access point (10) associated with the fixed telephone number if the one or more mobile terminals (34) are located in an area covered by the wireless access point (10), or to an alternative terminating point if the one or more mobile terminals (34) are located outside the area. A specific Service Control Point is arranged to store a list that comprises alternative terminating points for the calls to the fixed number.