Distributed VoIP Account Code Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centralized handling of account codes in VoIP systems leads to excessive network load on headquarters servers and potential call failures during server or network outages.

Innovation Solution

Distributing the account code service across multiple servers and switches, with voicemail servers handling account code calls and enabling failover to other servers in case of unavailability, allowing administrators to manage resources effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If account code service is handled centrally by headquarters server, then call control and accounting are simplified, but network load on headquarters server increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall control complexityVSAvoidnetwork load on headquarters server
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized account code service into distributed segments across multiple servers including headquarters server, area servers, and site servers. Each server handles account code processing for its respective region or site, segmenting the workload to prevent excessive concentration on the headquarters server while maintaining overall system control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If account code service is handled centrally by headquarters server, then centralized control is maintained, but system reliability decreases during server or network failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidcall functionality during failures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic hierarchical architecture where servers can dynamically assume different roles based on operational status. When the headquarters server or area server fails, site servers can dynamically take over account code processing responsibilities, and the system can dynamically route calls to alternative servers, maintaining reliability while preserving centralized control through the hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for failures by implementing redundant servers at multiple levels (headquarters, area, and site servers) that stand ready to assume backup roles. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when failures occur, the system has pre-configured alternatives that can immediately take over, preventing call disruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If account code service is distributed across multiple servers, then network load is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork load distributionVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes servers universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions depending on the situation. Servers can handle account code processing, call routing, and failover responsibilities. This multi-functionality allows the system to distribute load across multiple servers while managing complexity through standardized capabilities that all servers share.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If account code service is handled centrally, then administration is simplified, but resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadministration simplicityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system to have different levels of account code processing capability based on their location and resources. Site servers handle local account code processing for their specific sites, while area and headquarters servers provide regional and global management. This enables efficient resource allocation locally while maintaining administrative simplicity through the hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8233381B1VoIP telephone system with distributed account codes
Publication Date: 2012.07.31 SHORETEL INC
  • US8233381B1 patent drawing
  • US8233381B1 patent drawing
  • US8233381B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A voice over internet protocol telephone system is described in which services for handling calls invoking account codes are distributed to voicemail servers in the system. If the voicemail server associated with a particular user does not have services for handling account code calls, then the request is forwarded to another voicemail server in accordance with a predefined procedure.