IMS WebRTC Integration via Signaling Gateway

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Solution Overview

Problem

IMS and WebRTC networks are typically deployed as parallel independent networks, lacking an efficient integration that could offer users alternative, cost-effective connection paths, limiting seamless communication and service access across both platforms.

Innovation Solution

Integration of IMS and WebRTC networks through a novel application server supporting SIP and WebRTC signaling, with a load balancer allocating application servers to user equipment devices, enabling intelligent routing decisions between IMS and WebRTC networks for communication sessions based on availability and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If IMS and WebRTC networks are deployed as parallel independent networks, then each network can operate independently with its own protocols and infrastructure, but users cannot access cost-effective alternative connection paths between the two networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection path optionsVSAvoidnetwork integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gateway device is introduced as an intermediary between the IMS network and WebRTC network. The gateway includes a signaling module that supports both SIP and WebRTC signaling protocols, and a media processing module that handles media stream conversion. This intermediary enables users to access alternative connection paths between the two networks while managing the integration complexity centrally at the gateway device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If intelligent routing between IMS and WebRTC networks is implemented, then users can access cost-effective connection paths, but the routing decision mechanism increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidrouting decision complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device implements a routing decision mechanism that uses feedback from network conditions, user preferences, and session requirements to intelligently select between IMS and WebRTC connection paths. The signaling module receives session information, determines network availability, and makes routing decisions based on real-time feedback, enabling efficient communication while centralizing the complexity in the gateway's decision logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If WebRTC to SIP interworking is performed for all calls, then compatibility between WebRTC and IMS networks is improved, but unnecessary interworking operations increase processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device performs preliminary determination of whether WebRTC to SIP interworking is necessary before processing the media stream. The signaling module checks if the destination is an IMS user or WebRTC user, and only performs interworking when required. This preliminary action avoids unnecessary processing overhead while maintaining compatibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9294337B2Methods and systems for integrating independent IMS and WebRTC networks

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

Independent IMS and WebRTC communications networks are integrated via an applications server including IMS and WebRTC functionality. A user equipment device including IMS and WebRTC capability is registered via the same application server with both the IMS and WebRTC networks. The application server is configured to make a routing determination whether to route a communications session over an IMS communications path or an RTC communications path when it is determined that parallel independent paths are available.