Dynamic Tone Playback Assignment in 3G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3G wireless networks face limitations in flexibility for playing tones and announcements, as the Multimedia Resource Function Processor (MRFP) often cannot apply the required treatments due to fixed routing rules, leading to potential failures in providing these services during calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow the Call Session Control Function (CSCF) to determine which network element, either the Media Gateway (MGW) or Multimedia Resource Function Processor (MRFP), should play tones and announcements by assessing available resources and congestion levels, and if necessary, locating alternative elements capable of handling the request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed routing rules are used to determine which element plays tones and announcements, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability and reliability of tone/announcement playback deteriorate when the MRFP cannot apply the required treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of the tone/announcement playback element based on real-time resource availability and congestion conditions. The CSCF dynamically determines whether the MRFP or MGW should play the tone/announcement by checking resource availability indicators and congestion levels, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions rather than following fixed routing rules
Solution Approach 2:
The CSCF acts as an intermediary between the tone/announcement request and the playback elements (MRFP/MGW). It receives the request, evaluates resource availability and congestion conditions, and then directs the request to the appropriate element. This intermediary function adds complexity to the control plane but enables flexible and reliable tone/announcement playback under varying network conditions
2Reliability
If the MRFP is always used to play tones and announcements, then the routing is straightforward, but the reliability deteriorates when the MRFP cannot apply the required treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary checks of resource availability and congestion conditions before directing the tone/announcement request to the MRFP. The CSCF evaluates whether the MRFP can apply the required treatment in advance, and if not, it proactively locates an alternative element (MGW) that can handle the request, preventing playback failures before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alternative playback elements (MGW) in advance by checking their resource availability and congestion status before the MRFP is overwhelmed or unable to handle the request. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if the primary element (MRFP) cannot play the tone/announcement, a backup element is already identified and ready to take over, maintaining service reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assigning responsibility for playing tones and announcements to a network element in a multimedia communications network is provided. The method includes receiving a call from a caller to a subscriber at a first network element, as part of the call a tone or an announcement needs to be played to the subscriber; determining whether a second network element is able to play the tone or announcement; playing the tone or announcement through the second network element, if the second network element is able to play the tone or announcement; attempting to locate a third network element that is able to play the tone or announcement, if the second network element is not able to meet the request; and playing the tone or announcement through the third network element, if the third network element is located.