Network Function Prioritizing Emergency Calls via Identifier Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks fail to prioritize calls from Public Safety Access Points (PSAPs) without explicit emergency indication in call setup signaling, leading to potential call drops and delays due to non-prioritized handling.
Innovation Solution
A network function that determines the type of called party identifier in call setup requests from PSAPs and transmits priority indication data to prioritize handling, even in cases where legacy protocols do not allow explicit emergency indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If call setup requests from PSAPs without explicit emergency indication are processed using standard non-emergency procedures, then the network follows standardized call handling protocols, but the calls experience delays and potential drops due to lack of prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
The network function performs preliminary identification of emergency calls by analyzing called party identifiers before the call is fully established. By detecting temporary dialable numbers associated with user terminals in advance, the system can proactively apply prioritized handling procedures, ensuring emergency calls receive immediate attention without waiting for explicit emergency indication in the signaling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary network function that acts as a mediator between the PSAP and the user terminal. This intermediary analyzes call setup requests, identifies emergency calls through called party identifier patterns, and applies prioritized routing and handling procedures. The intermediary translates implicit emergency indicators into explicit priority markings that downstream network elements can recognize and act upon
2Reliability
If the network requires explicit emergency indication in call setup signaling to prioritize calls, then call prioritization is clearly identifiable, but legacy networks that do not allow such fields cannot transmit emergency calls with priority
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identification parameter from requiring explicit emergency indication fields in signaling to analyzing called party identifier patterns. By monitoring changes in the called party identifier (specifically detecting temporary dialable numbers), the system can identify emergency calls without requiring modifications to legacy signaling protocols. This parameter substitution maintains protocol compatibility while achieving reliable emergency call detection
Solution Approach 2:
The network function is designed with multi-functionality to handle both legacy and modern call setups. It can process call setup requests that lack explicit emergency indication fields while still identifying emergency calls through called party identifier analysis. The same function can then apply appropriate prioritization based on the identified call type, making the system universally applicable across different network configurations and protocol versions
Data Source
AI summary
A network function operable in a communication network, in which the network function is configured to receive a call setup request from an emergency service to set up a call between the emergency service and a user terminal, the received call setup request comprising a called party identifier. The network function determines whether the called party identifier is of a first type or of a second, different type, wherein the first type of called party identifier comprises a dialable number temporarily associated with the user terminal for use in receiving a call from the emergency service. In response to determining that the called party identifier is of the first type, the network function transmits priority indication data to a further network function in the communication network in order to cause the further network function to prioritize handling of the call between the emergency service and the user terminal.