Media Gateway Signal Processor Removal via Packet Stream Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telecommunications systems face challenges in efficiently removing a digital signal processor from service at a media gateway without disrupting active calls, as prior techniques require waiting for calls to terminate, which can be time-consuming, especially for long-duration calls.

Innovation Solution

The media gateway proactively moves packet streams from the affected signal processor to other available processors within the same gateway, reassigning port numbers and minimizing the need to inform the media gateway controller, thereby accelerating the removal process while minimizing discontinuities in packet streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the media gateway waits for calls to terminate before removing a signal processor from service, then call continuity is maintained, but the removal process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall continuityVSAvoidremoval process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively moving packet streams from the signal processor to other processors before the removal process begins. The media gateway identifies alternative processors and transfers active calls in advance, so that when the signal processor is removed, no calls are disrupted. This eliminates the waiting period while maintaining call continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a temporary routing mechanism that redirects packet streams through alternative signal processors during the transition period. This intermediary routing ensures that calls continue uninterrupted while the original signal processor is being removed from service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the media gateway proactively moves packet streams to other signal processors, then removal speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessor removal speedVSAvoidresource allocation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the media gateway to automatically identify alternative signal processors and perform the packet stream migration without external intervention. The system monitors processor availability and autonomously reallocates resources, reducing the need for complex manual coordination while accelerating the removal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the media gateway continuously monitors the status of signal processors and adjusts resource allocation dynamically. This feedback loop allows the system to quickly identify available processors and initiate transfers, improving removal speed while keeping the complexity managed through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If port numbers are reassigned during signal processor removal, then resource utilization is optimized, but packet stream discontinuity may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource reallocation flexibilityVSAvoidpacket stream continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a duplicate routing path for packet streams during the transition. The media gateway maintains both the original and new processor assignments temporarily, copying the packet stream routing information to ensure continuity while the reassignment is being made. This allows port number changes without disrupting active calls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7633932B2Accelerated removal from service of a signal processor at a media gateway
Publication Date: 2009.12.15 AVAYA INC
  • US7633932B2 patent drawing
  • US7633932B2 patent drawing
  • US7633932B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed that enables accelerating the removal from service of a signal processor at a media gateway. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the media gateway receives an indication to remove one of its digital signal processors from service. Instead of waiting for all of the calls that are using the signal processor to come to an end, the media gateway proactively moves the packet streams from the signal processor to one or more other signal processors resident at the gateway. Advantageously, an effort is made to avoid having to inform the corresponding media gateway controller of the move, thereby minimizing any discontinuity in each moved packet stream.