Global Address Database for IP Call Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IP communication systems are limited in allowing calls between individuals from different organizations, as they require technical knowledge of call protocols and routing information, and often fail to seamlessly transition between IP and standard telephone calls.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a Global Address Database to register and manage telephone numbers globally, allowing users to initiate IP calls using a single identifier like a telephone number, with fallback options to standard telephone calls if IP communication fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hierarchical gatekeeper system is used for routing calls, then call routing capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Global Address Database (GAD) as an intermediary component that mediates between callers and callees. The GAD stores mapping information between telephone numbers and IP addresses, allowing the system to route calls without requiring complex hierarchical gatekeeper configurations. This intermediary simplifies the routing process by centralizing address translation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If preconfigured address books are used on endpoints, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to external organizations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability to external organizations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the address book functionality universal by implementing a Global Address Database that serves both internal and external calling needs. Instead of endpoints maintaining separate configuration systems, the GAD provides a unified database that can resolve addresses for any organization, enabling the same interface to work whether the called party is internal or external.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The GAD acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple address book functionality and the need for external organization compatibility. It translates user-friendly telephone numbers into the appropriate IP addressing information, allowing users to contact anyone without needing to understand or configure complex routing protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocol call attempts are made sequentially, then adaptability to different protocols is improved, but call setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcall setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the Global Address Database pre-resolve and store the correct IP address and protocol information before the call is actually placed. Instead of attempting multiple protocols sequentially during call setup, the system queries the GAD in advance to obtain the appropriate routing information, eliminating the need for time-consuming protocol trial-and-error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2449723B1System and method for setting up a call using a global registry
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 CISCO SYSTEMS INT SARL
  • EP2449723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2449723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2449723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention introduces a novel system and novel methods for allowing an individual using an IP communication device to contact an individual in an external organization using a single identifier, such as a telephone number, without the caller having any knowledge of the IP capabilities of the called individual. This is utilised by communicating with a registry device, e.g. a Global Address Database (GAD). The GAD contains contact information, such as IP capabilities, for registered numbers. When trying to make a call to a given number, a call server or similar at the site at the caller side, requests contact information relating to that number from the GAD, then sets up a call based on the information received from the GAD.