Dynamic Network Path Switching for IP-PBX Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
IP-PBX systems in telecommunications networks face reliability issues due to disruptions, leading to lost calls and frustration, with existing fallback mechanisms being limited, costly, or inconvenient, such as requiring backup analog phones or parallel networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically switches communication paths from an unacceptable network to a secondary network when the grade of service is poor, by directing calls to a pre-provisioned cell phone or preferentially routing traffic through a more reliable network, allowing seamless communication without the need for extensive network retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP-PBX systems are used for voice communications, then cost and versatility are reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to network disruptions and virus susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-provisions alternative communication paths and endpoints before disruptions occur. When the primary IP network experiences disruptions, the system automatically routes calls through pre-configured alternative paths, ensuring continuous communication without requiring real-time decision-making during crises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary switching mechanism that monitors network conditions and dynamically routes calls between IP network and traditional circuit-switched network. This intermediary layer isolates the vulnerable IP network from critical voice communications, allowing seamless failover when disruptions occur.
2Reliability
If backup analog phones or parallel networks are deployed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal communication platform that can handle both IP-based and circuit-switched communications through a single integrated architecture. The switching mechanism supports multiple communication types without requiring separate dedicated systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects network conditions and performs self-routing without human intervention. When disruptions are detected, the system autonomously switches calls to alternative paths, eliminating the need for manual backup management and reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If alternative communication paths are activated, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple phones ringing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates alternative paths only when needed based on real-time network condition monitoring. During normal operation, only the primary IP path is active, providing simple user experience. When disruptions occur, the system dynamically switches to alternative paths, maintaining reliability without constant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network quality and uses this feedback to determine when to switch paths. This feedback mechanism ensures that alternative paths are activated only when the primary path degrades, preventing unnecessary switching and maintaining ease of operation while ensuring call continuity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An enterprise network is provided that includes a plurality of internal terminals 108, 112 corresponding to a plurality of subscribers and a network reconfiguration agent 212 operable to (a) determine that at least one of a requested connection to a first terminal 112-1 associated with a subscriber and a connected communication with the first terminal 112-1 will have and/or has an undesirable grade of service and (b) in response thereto, perform at least one of the following operations: (i) direct the requested connection or connected communication to a second terminal 108, 140 associated with the subscriber; and (ii) change the communication path for the requested connection or connected communication from a first communication path comprising a first network 110 but not a second network 404 to a second communication path comprising the second network 404 but not the first network 110.