Seamless Mobile VOIP Call Routing via PSTN Gateway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fixed mobile convergence technologies require extensive changes in mobile networks and protocols, leading to high mobile network usage charges when switching between mobile and VOIP services, and are not compatible with existing telephony networks.

Innovation Solution

A system that seamlessly routes telephone calls between mobile networks and VOIP services using a public switched telephone network (PSTN) as an intermediary, allowing calls to be transferred between mobile and VOIP connections based on the stability of the Internet connection, using protocols like Explicit Call Transfer (ECT) to switch between cellular and Internet links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed mobile convergence protocols (UMA/GAN, IMS) are implemented, then call routing between mobile and VOIP services is enabled, but extensive changes in protocol code and major network changes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing capabilityVSAvoidprotocol code changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a PSTN gateway as an intermediary component that enables call routing between mobile networks and VOIP services without requiring changes to the core mobile network protocols. The gateway sits at the boundary, translating between mobile network signaling and VOIP protocols, thereby avoiding the need for extensive protocol code changes in existing telephones and networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed mobile convergence architectures are used, then call switching between mobile and VOIP is enabled, but mobile network usage charges increase due to continual usage requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice switching capabilityVSAvoidmobile network charges
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic call routing where the system automatically switches between mobile network and VOIP services based on real-time connection conditions. When a stable VOIP connection is available, calls are routed through VOIP to avoid mobile network charges. When VOIP connection deteriorates, the system dynamically switches back to mobile network, optimizing cost while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing telephony networks are used, then compatibility is maintained, but seamless call switching between mobile and VOIP services is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidcall switching smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The PSTN gateway serves as a mediator that preserves compatibility with existing telephony networks while enabling seamless call switching. It handles the transition between mobile network calls and VOIP calls using standard PSTN signaling mechanisms, ensuring that existing networks remain compatible while achieving smooth, transparent call switching without disrupting users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If VOIP service is used as gateway, then call routing through Internet is enabled, but mobile network usage must be avoided when not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidconnection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the quality and availability of VOIP connections and uses this feedback to automatically determine the optimal routing path. When VOIP connection quality deteriorates or becomes unavailable, the system receives feedback and automatically switches to mobile network routing. This feedback mechanism simplifies connection management by making it automatic and transparent to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8724619B2Transparently routing a telephone call between mobile and VOIP services
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 APPLE INC
  • US8724619B2 patent drawing
  • US8724619B2 patent drawing
  • US8724619B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for routing a telephone call intended for a communications device between a mobile network and a VOIP service, where the mobile network and VOIP service may be connected through the PSTN. The VOIP service may receive telephone calls and may direct the telephone calls to the communications device through the Internet when a stable Internet connection is present, and may route telephone calls to the mobile network through the PSTN otherwise. When a call is routed to the mobile network, the mobile network may make the call the communications device to establish a telephone connection through a cellular link. While a telephone call is in progress, the VOIP service and communications device may be configured to seamlessly switch the telephone call to a different service depending on the status of the communications device's Internet connection.