CSCF Server ENUM Query for VoIP Carrier Peering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems face challenges in enabling seamless internet protocol (IP) carrier peering, particularly in routing VoIP calls between different carrier networks, as they often rely on non-IP connections when the destination carrier's IP address is unknown, leading to suboptimal call initiation and service area limitations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a Call Session Control Function (CSCF) server that queries internetwork packet exchange (IPX) Tier 1 and Tier 2 ENUM servers to obtain necessary information for routing VoIP calls between carriers, using a private ENUM for internal devices and inter-carrier ENUM for external connections, ensuring IP-based call completion or falling back to non-IP methods when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system uses non-IP connections for carrier peering when the destination carrier's IP address is unknown, then call completion is possible, but call initiation speed decreases and service area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-obtaining and caching routing information through ENUM queries before calls are initiated. The CSCF server queries the ENUM server in advance to obtain IP addresses of destination carriers, storing this information for rapid retrieval during call initiation, thus eliminating the need for real-time lookups and improving call setup speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ENUM server as an intermediary between the CSCF server and destination carriers. This intermediary translates carrier names into IP addresses, enabling the system to resolve destination carrier addresses efficiently. The ENUM server acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between non-IP carrier identification and IP-based routing, allowing fast IP peer-to-peer connections while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If the system queries ENUM servers to obtain IP addresses for routing VoIP calls between carriers, then IP peer-to-peer connections are enabled improving call flow, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CSCF server is designed with multi-functionality, performing both call session control and ENUM querying functions. By integrating the ENUM query capability into the existing CSCF server infrastructure, the system avoids adding separate dedicated query systems, thus reducing overall system complexity while enabling IP peer-to-peer routing. The same server handles multiple tasks: call control, routing decisions, and address resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the CSCF server to autonomously query the ENUM server and obtain routing information without requiring manual configuration or external intervention. The server automatically resolves carrier names to IP addresses, performs routing decisions, and initiates calls based on the obtained information, reducing operational complexity and improving call flow efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses private ENUM for internal devices and inter-carrier ENUM for external connections, then service coverage is expanded, but device and network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ENUM system is segmented into two distinct components: private ENUM for internal carrier devices and inter-carrier ENUM for external connections. This segmentation allows each ENUM type to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining clear boundaries. The CSCF server automatically determines which ENUM type to use based on whether the destination is internal or external, simplifying the configuration process despite the dual-ENUM architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between private and inter-carrier ENUM based on the destination of the call. The CSCF server evaluates whether the target device is within the same carrier network or external, and automatically switches between the appropriate ENUM type. This dynamic adaptation expands service coverage to both internal and external carriers while abstracting the complexity of dual-ENUM configuration from users, as the selection process is automated.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, responsive to determining that a second device is associated with a first carrier network, obtaining a first record associated with a called number of the second device from a first carrier network telephone number mapping equipment server of the first carrier network, and transmitting a first internet protocol address for the second device from the first record to a terminating call session control function server of the first carrier network to initiate the internet protocol call session. Responsive to a second determination that the second device is associated with a second carrier network, obtaining a second record associated with the called number according to a pointer to a second carrier network telephone number mapping equipment server of the second carrier network, and transmitting a second internet protocol address for the second device derived from the second record to a session border controller of the first carrier network to initiate the internet protocol call session. Other embodiments are disclosed.