IPX Proxy Protocol Conversion for Inter-Operator Voice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-operator connections in IP-based networks, such as IPX networks, face challenges in facilitating seamless voice and video interconnections between operators using different protocols like MSC-S, IMS, and PSTN/TDM, as prior art does not effectively allow for necessary modifications and conversions.
Innovation Solution
An IPX Proxy or similar node intercepts incoming requests, checks for modification needs, and performs conversions as necessary, ensuring an inter-operator interface remains consistent regardless of the protocols used by other operators, allowing optimal routing and media protocol selection based on the receiving operator's capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operators use different protocols and mechanisms for voice services (MSC-S, IMS, PSTN/TDM), then each operator can optimize their own network architecture, but inter-operator voice interconnection becomes complex and difficult to establish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway that acts as an intermediary between operators using different protocols. The gateway performs protocol conversion and media transcoding, enabling voice interconnection between MSC-S, IMS, and PSTN/TDM networks without requiring direct complex integration between all operator networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interconnection function into separate components: signaling conversion handled by the gateway and media transcoding handled by the media gateway. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall interconnection architecture.
2Ease of operation
If operators implement protocol conversions themselves, then they have full control over conversion processes, but the complexity of managing multiple protocols and mechanisms increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a centralized intermediary that handles all protocol conversion operations. Operators simply connect to the gateway using their native protocols, and the gateway automatically performs the necessary conversions, eliminating the need for operators to implement and manage complex conversion logic themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway autonomously performs protocol detection, conversion selection, and media transcoding without requiring operator intervention. The system automatically adapts to different protocol requirements and handles conversions based on the detected operator network type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversions are performed at the originating operator's premises, then conversion control is maintained locally, but the inter-operator interface must accommodate multiple different interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway provides a universal interconnection interface that can handle multiple protocol types (MSC-S, IMS, PSTN/TDM) through a single standardized access point. This eliminates the need for operators to implement and maintain multiple different interface configurations for different target networks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for media conversion. The invention is known comprising receiving (2-2, 3-2) a protocol invitation communication from an originating operator (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) and targeted to a receiving operator (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) in a communications system; intercepting (2-4, 3-4a) said communication; checking (2-4, 3-4b, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) whether the originating operator (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) and the receiving operator (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) uses the same protocol (SIP, SIP-I, ISUP) for the protocol invitation communication; if the receiving operator (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) uses another protocol (SIP, SIP-I, ISUP) for the protocol invitation communication, performing (2-10) a conversion from the originating operator's (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) protocol (SIP, SIP-I, ISUP) to the receiving operator's (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D) protocol (SIP, SIP-I, ISUP); and forwarding (2-12, 3-12) said converted protocol invitation communication towards the receiving operator (OP A, OP B, OP C, OP D).