IMS Failure Detection Redirects VoIP Calls to Alternate Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

VoIP call setup failures in cellular communication systems due to IMS processing errors lead to server overload, as UEs retry call placements without receiving expected SIP signaling, causing excessive SIP signaling traffic and exacerbating the issue.

Innovation Solution

A computing system detects IMS processing failures and reconfigures UEs to use alternative VoIP call placement services like FACETIME, WHATSAPP, or SKYPE, bypassing IMS bearers and using default Internet bearers for VoIP call setup, thereby reducing the load on IMS nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UEs retry VoIP call placements through IMS after call setup failures, then call connectivity is maintained, but SIP signaling traffic increases causing server overload

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall connectivityVSAvoidSIP signaling traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (monitoring entity or network node) that detects IMS processing failures and triggers alternative call placement methods. This intermediary prevents direct retry cycles that generate excessive SIP signaling by mediating between the UE and IMS network, allowing fallback to other VoIP services when IMS failures are detected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different VoIP call placement services based on real-time IMS network status. When IMS processing failures are detected, the system transitions from using IMS bearers to alternative services; when IMS recovers, it transitions back. This dynamic adaptation prevents static retry behaviors that would continuously generate SIP signaling traffic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If UEs continuously attempt VoIP call setup through IMS, then call placement service is maintained, but IMS processing overload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall placement serviceVSAvoidIMS processing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of IMS processing failures before attempting call setup. By monitoring IMS network status in advance and detecting processing failures early, the system can prevent unnecessary call setup attempts that would overload the IMS network. This preliminary action allows the system to switch to alternative services proactively rather than reacting to overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors IMS processing status and uses this information to control call placement behavior. When failures are detected, feedback triggers a switch to alternative VoIP services; when IMS recovers, feedback enables return to normal IMS-based calling. This closed-loop feedback prevents continuous retry cycles that would exacerbate IMS processing overload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If alternative VoIP services are used to bypass IMS, then SIP signaling traffic to IMS is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIP signaling traffic to IMSVSAvoidcall placement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal call placement framework that can handle multiple VoIP services (IMS-based and alternative services) through a single unified system. This multi-functional architecture allows the same system to route calls through different services based on network conditions, rather than requiring separate systems for each service. The framework provides common monitoring, detection, and switching capabilities that work across all service types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (call placement route, service selection) based on detected IMS processing status. When IMS processing failures are detected, the system changes the call placement parameter from IMS bearers to alternative VoIP services. This parameter-based control allows flexible adaptation to network conditions without requiring fundamentally different system architectures for each service mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11689580B1Use of alternate VoIP call-placement service in response to IMS processing failure

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 SPRINT SPECTRUM LLC

AI summary

A method and system for responding to a processing failure of an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). An example method includes a computing system detecting the processing failure of the IMS and responsively causing one or more user equipment devices (UEs) to forgo using the IMS for voice over IP (VoIP) call placement and to instead use an alternate VoIP calling service for VoIP call placement. For instance, a given UE may be configured by default to use the IMS for VoIP call placement, but the UE may detect an IMS processing failure and may responsively instead make a next VoIP call placement attempt using an alternate VoIP calling service, such as a third party VoIP calling application running on the UE.