Intercept Node for Enhanced Telephony Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing local telephone exchange switches in the PSTN do not support the delivery of advanced intelligent network (AIN) queries for enhanced telephony services, limiting user control over call behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that maintain a store of identifiers for enhanced telephony service users, intercept and analyze number portability queries to identify users, and route calls to nodes providing enhanced services, leveraging the Local Number Portability mechanism to apply services like call forwarding, screening, and ringback tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If local telephone exchange switches use standard Number Portability mechanisms, then basic call routing is achieved, but enhanced telephony services (AIN) cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary node is introduced between the local telephone exchange switch and the enhanced telephony service node. This intermediary intercepts Number Portability queries, identifies users subscribed to enhanced services, and routes calls appropriately. The local switch itself remains simple and unchanged, while the intermediary provides the additional functionality needed for enhanced services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system functionality is segmented into distinct components: the local telephone exchange switch handles basic call routing, the intermediary node handles service identification and routing decisions, and the enhanced telephony service node provides advanced services. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the system as a whole provides enhanced capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all local telephone exchange switches are upgraded to support AIN, then enhanced telephony services can be provided, but network complexity and upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than upgrading all local switches, an intermediary node is deployed that works with existing Number Portability mechanisms. This intermediary translates standard NP queries into service identification information, enabling enhanced services without requiring switch upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary node provides universal functionality by working with any standard Number Portability system. It identifies enhanced service subscribers and routes calls appropriately, making the enhanced service capability available across the network without requiring changes to individual switches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Number Portability queries are intercepted to identify enhanced service users, then service routing is improved, but query processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of enhanced service users during the Number Portability query process itself. By checking service subscriptions while the NP query is being processed, the system identifies users who need enhanced services without requiring separate lookup operations, thereby minimizing additional time overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention, include provision of enhanced telephony services for telephone calls received at local telephone exchange switches which do not themselves support identification of enhanced telephony service users and the associated triggering to initiate the provision of enhanced telephony services. Using a supported number portability mechanism, local telephone exchange switches allow provision of enhanced telephony services.