Convergence Server Identity Management for Multi-Network Call Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks often operate with different standards and protocols, making it challenging to converge and unify services across multiple communication domains, leading to complexities in managing subscribers and communication terminals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a convergence server that assigns a common public identity to multiple communication terminals, allowing simultaneous registration and management of both public and private identities, enabling seamless call routing and service invocation across different network domains without requiring gateway switching elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication networks with different standards and protocols are operated separately, then each network can be managed independently, but service convergence and unification across networks becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a convergence server as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple communication networks with different standards and protocols. The convergence server maintains registration records containing both public identities (for service-level identification) and private identities (for network-specific identification), enabling service convergence without requiring complex direct integration between heterogeneous networks. This intermediary approach simplifies management by centralizing the complexity within the convergence server while presenting a unified interface to users and services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gateway switching elements are used to route calls between circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, then call routing between networks is enabled, but traffic load and processing tasks on gateway elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call routing function by separating the convergence control plane from the gateway switching elements. The convergence server handles call setup, routing decisions, and identity management in the control plane, while gateway elements focus on media forwarding in the data plane. This segmentation allows call routing information to be transferred from circuit-switched networks to packet-switched networks without requiring gateway elements to perform complex switching operations, thereby reducing their processing load and traffic handling requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous registration of public and private identities is maintained, then call routing to multiple terminals is enabled, but registration management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal registration record structure in the convergence server that simultaneously handles both public identities (for service-level access and routing) and private identities (for network-specific terminal identification). This multi-functional registration mechanism enables a single unified registration process to support multiple terminals across different networks, rather than requiring separate registration procedures for each terminal or network type. The registration record associates public identity with multiple private identities, enabling flexible call routing to any registered terminal while simplifying the management interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for communication includes assigning to at least first and second communication terminals (22) of a communication system (20) at least respective first and second private identities and a common public identity different from at least the first and second private identities. Registrations of the public identity and of at least the first and second private identities are simultaneously maintained in the communication system (20). A request is received to set up a call in which the public identity serves as one of a source and a destination of the call. The call is established between a third communication terminal and one of at least the first and second communication terminals (22) using the simultaneously-maintained registrations.