IMS Call Recording via Media Resource Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recording communications over IP Multimedia Subsystems are inefficient and can be bypassed, particularly in mobile networks, failing to ensure reliable and compliant recording of calls across various network technologies and legal requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for recording communications via an IMS network, involving a Media Resource Function (MRF) that transmits media streams between parties and a recording device, with subscriber configuration data determining the recording process, including notification and monitoring to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-stage dialling service is used for call recording, then call recording functionality is provided, but the recording can be easily bypassed or disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-based recording intermediary that sits between the calling and called parties. Instead of relying on client-side software that can be bypassed, the network operator's infrastructure actively monitors and records calls at the network level, making the recording process independent of user device configuration or user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when a call should be recorded based on pre-configured subscriber profiles and service subscriptions. The network infrastructure self-manages the recording process without requiring user intervention to enable or configure recording, eliminating the bypass vulnerability of manual two-stage dialling.
2Ease of operation
If automated call recording applications are installed on mobile terminals, then recording convenience is improved, but the applications can be easily bypassed, disabled, or equipment changed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the recording functionality on the user's mobile terminal where it can be disabled, the patent inverts the architecture by placing the recording capability in the network infrastructure. The network operator controls the recording process, making it independent of user device state or user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The network-based solution provides universal recording capability across all user devices and network types. The recording function is embedded in the network infrastructure, serving all subscribers according to their service subscriptions, rather than requiring individual device installations that can be selectively disabled.
3Ease of manufacture
If call recording is implemented without network-level integration, then deployment simplicity is maintained, but recording can be bypassed and legal compliance is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of subscriber profiles in the database that specify recording requirements before calls occur. The system pre-identifies which calls need recording based on subscriber attributes, service subscriptions, and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance is built into the call setup process rather than added afterward.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method (200), and application server (345) for enabling recording of communications transmitted via an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Network (300). A call request is received from a first party to call a second party and a database (365), comprising a plurality of subscriber profiles, is queried to obtain subscriber configuration data relating to at least one of the first party and the second party. Based on the subscriber configuration data, media streams (320, 330, 380) are caused to be transmitted between the first party and a Media Resource Function (340), between the second party and the Media Resource Function (340), and from the Media Resource Function (340) to a recording device (335) to record at least part of a call between the first and second party. A communications network (300) and a user device (110) are also provided.