Gateway Server Interconnects IP and PSTN Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) services on Internet Protocol (IP) networks using Voice over IP (VOIP) technology is costly and requires new Service Creation Environment (SCE) development, necessitating re-training of engineers.
Innovation Solution
A gateway server interconnects IP and PSTN networks, encapsulating Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages in Transactions Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) messages to enable PSTN services on VOIP networks, allowing existing Intelligent Network (IN) Service Creation Environment logic to be reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PSTN services are provided on IP networks using VOIP technology, then service functionality is improved, but development cost and complexity increase due to new SCE requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that translates between SIP and INAP protocols, enabling existing PSTN services to be accessed over IP networks without requiring new service creation environments. This intermediary layer allows legacy IN SCE logic to communicate with VOIP systems, resolving the contradiction between service adaptability and development complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables a single IN SCE system to serve multiple network types (both traditional PSTN and IP-based VOIP networks) through protocol translation. This multi-functionality allows existing service logic to be reused across different network infrastructures, maintaining service versatility while avoiding the need for separate SCE developments
2Productivity
If new SCE development is implemented for VOIP networks, then service provision capability is improved, but engineer training requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively copies the functionality of PSTN services to VOIP networks through protocol translation rather than creating new service logic. By replicating existing IN SCE capabilities through the translation mechanism, the system maintains service provision capability while avoiding the need for engineers to learn and operate new SCE systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translation between SIP and TCAP is implemented, then network interoperability is improved, but gateway complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway functionality is segmented into distinct protocol translation components, with specific modules handling SIP-to-INAP translation tasks. This segmentation allows the gateway to manage complexity through modular design while maintaining high network interoperability, as each segment handles a specific aspect of the translation process independently
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which a gateway server provides communications between an Internet Protocol (IP) network and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to enable messaging between an IN server device in the PSTN and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Application Server (AS) on the IP network.