ENUM Tier 2 Server VoLTE Identification via Sh/Cx Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions fail to accurately identify whether a called party is using VoLTE service, especially when they belong to a different network, which hinders optimal call routing and Quality of Service in mixed IMS and CS infrastructure environments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adding new interfaces, such as Sh/Cx, to the ENUM Tier 2 servers to directly query the Home Subscriber Server for user profile data, including service identifiers that indicate the type of communication service provisioned, allowing operators to route calls based on the identified service type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ENUM Tier 2 servers query existing CS infrastructure databases to identify called party network, then Number Portability issues are addressed, but inability to determine VoLTE service status prevents optimal routing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveService type identification accuracyVSAvoidVoLTE service status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the service identification process by introducing a new interface (Sh/Cx) that separately queries the Home Subscriber Server for VoLTE-specific service information, distinct from the existing ENUM query mechanism. This allows the system to obtain both network identification and service type status independently and combine them for routing decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary query mechanism through the Sh/Cx interface that acts as a mediator between the ENUM Tier 2 server and the Home Subscriber Server. This intermediary interface enables the retrieval of VoLTE service status information without disrupting the existing ENUM infrastructure, allowing optimal routing decisions to be made based on complete service type information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If calls are routed through CS infrastructure to ensure compatibility with all users, then universal service delivery is achieved, but Quality of Service deteriorates when VoLTE users could be connected via IMS

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCall routing flexibilityVSAvoidQuality of Service
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic call routing by enabling the system to adapt the routing path based on real-time service type identification. When VoLTE service is detected, the call is dynamically routed through IMS infrastructure for optimal QoS; when 3G service is detected, routing through CS infrastructure is maintained for compatibility. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between universal compatibility and optimal service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If new interfaces are added to ENUM servers to query user profile data, then service type identification is enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveService identifier retrievalVSAvoidENUM server interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the ENUM Tier 2 server with multi-functionality by adding the Sh/Cx interface that enables both existing ENUM queries and new VoLTE service status queries through a single server infrastructure. This universal approach allows the same server to handle multiple types of service identification requests without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity while enabling precise service identification.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3245839B1Identifying voice over LTE users
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 IBASIS INC
  • EP3245839B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245839B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3245839B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to at least one example embodiment, a method of identifying a type of communications service of a user is disclosed. The method includes receiving from an originating user device a user identifier for a terminating user, wherein the originating user is associated with a first operator and the terminating user is associated with a second operator that is different than the first. Then a service identifier which corresponds to a type of communications service for which the terminating user is provisioned. In response, the service identifier is received. Communication is provided between the originating user device and the terminating user device based on the service identifier.