IVR Component Decoupling for Voice Media Server Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology within a voice media server leads to bandwidth inefficiencies due to geographic location disparities and single-point failures, as well as regulatory issues with cross-country voice communications.
Innovation Solution
Decoupling the IVR component from the voice media server allows for geographic flexibility, redundancy, and compliance with regulations by implementing the IVR component in a central data center while keeping the media server in a geographically optimal location, using a call control service with multiple redundant media servers and secure data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the IVR component is integrated within the voice media server in a single data center, then the system structure is simple, but bandwidth usage increases and service availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated system by separating the IVR component from the voice media server. The IVR component is extracted and deployed as an independent service in a different geographic location, while the media server remains in its original location. This segmentation reduces bandwidth consumption by allowing local processing of voice media without constant remote communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The IVR component is extracted from the voice media server and deployed independently. This extraction allows the IVR functionality to be relocated to a different geographic location (e.g., Connecticut) while the media server stays in its original location (e.g., Hawaii), reducing the bandwidth burden of transmitting voice media across long distances.
2Device complexity
If the IVR component is integrated within the voice media server, then the system structure is simple, but service availability decreases due to single-point failure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent IVR and media server components, the patent eliminates the single-point failure risk. The IVR component can continue operating independently even if the media server fails, and vice versa. Multiple media servers can be deployed without requiring proportional increases in IVR capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the IVR component from the media server creates architectural independence. The IVR service can be maintained by multiple redundant instances, and media servers can be replicated without coupling constraints, significantly improving service availability and fault tolerance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the data center is located far from the majority of call origins, then regulatory compliance may be improved, but bandwidth usage increases and call processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating regulatory-compliant functions (IVR in Connecticut) from performance-critical functions (media processing in Hawaii). This allows the system to satisfy cross-country communication regulations while maintaining high call processing speeds through local media server deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The media server is positioned locally in Hawaii where the majority of calls originate, ensuring fast call processing and low latency. The IVR component is positioned in Connecticut to meet regulatory requirements. Each component is optimally located for its specific function, balancing compliance and performance.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a solution is provided that decouples an IVR component from a voice media server, which allows the voice media server to be geographically placed in a location most beneficial to keep digital voice file transmission to a minimum (thus saving bandwidth), while allowing the IVR component to be geographically located anywhere without negatively impacting the bandwidth usage. An additional benefit is that by decoupling the IVR component from the voice media server, the IVR component can be implemented in a way that lets it work with multiple redundant voice media servers simultaneously, allowing one of the voice media servers to become unavailable without impacting service.