Internetwork Call Identifier for Circuit-Packet Record Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunications, it is challenging to determine which call detail records (CDRs) generated by different network elements relate to the same call, especially in internetwork calls where multiple networks carry different segments of the call.
Innovation Solution
The use of internetwork call identifiers is introduced to link call records across circuit-switched and packet-switched network elements, allowing these identifiers to be included in call records and signaling messages to ensure that all involved network elements can identify and correlate records for a specific call, facilitating billing and tracing purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple network elements generate separate call detail records for different segments of a call, then each network element can independently record its own call information, but it becomes difficult to determine which call records relate to the same call
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an internetwork call identifier as an intermediary element that is embedded in signaling messages between network elements. This identifier acts as a mediator that links call records across different network elements, allowing correlation of call segments without requiring complex inter-element communication protocols. The identifier is inserted by the originating network element and propagated through the signaling path to the terminating element, enabling automatic association of call records.
2Reliability
If internetwork call identifiers are included in all signaling messages, then call records can be accurately correlated across different networks, but the signaling message size and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The internetwork call identifier is designed to be universally applicable across multiple signaling protocols and network types (circuit-switched and packet-switched). The same identifier format and insertion mechanism works for ISUP, SIP, and other protocols, eliminating the need for protocol-specific identifier schemes. This universal approach ensures reliable call record correlation without requiring additional message types or extensive modifications to existing signaling frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
A call is established between a circuit-switched network element and a packet-switched network element. A first call record is generated to record the circuit switched network element's involvement in the call, and a second call record is generated to record the packet-switched network element's involvement in the call. The first and second call records include the same internetwork call identifier to identify the call. The first and second call records are stored, e.g., in a centralized call record repository. Call records for a given call can be retrieved based on the internetwork call identifier for the given call.