Application Layer Overlay Framework for Converged SIP and Web Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) in converged communication systems becomes increasingly complex when supporting new services beyond its original scope, such as messaging and authentication, requiring an extensible service integration environment.
Innovation Solution
An application layer overlay framework that leverages both SIP and web services to facilitate reliable converged communications over IP networks, allowing simultaneous operation of SIP and web services protocols, and enabling monitoring and dynamic network resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SIP protocol is expanded to support new services (messaging, authentication, presence), then service functionality is improved, but protocol complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct protocol layers: SIP handles core voice/video communication while web services (SOAP/HTTP) handle auxiliary services like messaging, authentication, and presence. This segmentation allows each protocol to specialize in its core function without the complexity of integrating all services into a single protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dual-protocol endpoint that can simultaneously operate both SIP and web services protocols. This multi-functionality allows the endpoint to participate in both traditional SIP-based voice calls and web services-based auxiliary communications, providing versatile service support without requiring separate dedicated systems for each protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SIP protocol is expanded to support new services, then service capabilities are improved, but difficulty of integrating SIP in converged communication arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web services interface as an intermediary layer that bridges SIP communication and web services applications. This interface allows communication service applications to access and control SIP communication parameters through standardized web service calls, simplifying integration by providing a uniform access method rather than requiring direct SIP protocol manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to SIP integration by introducing web services as a separate application layer overlay. Instead of expanding SIP horizontally to include all services, the patent stacks web services on top of SIP, creating a multi-layered architecture where each layer operates independently but can interact through defined interfaces.
3Reliability
If quality monitoring and network resource management are implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where communication service applications can autonomously monitor their own quality of service parameters through web service interfaces. Applications can request quality metrics, interpret results, and trigger appropriate actions (such as adjusting communication parameters or switching to alternative services) without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where quality monitoring data from RTCP packets and network performance metrics are continuously fed back to communication service applications through the web services interface. This enables dynamic adjustment of communication parameters and resource allocation based on real-time network conditions, improving reliability through adaptive control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing converged communication services in a communication system are disclosed. A first endpoint of the system communicates with at least a second endpoint of the system via session initiation protocol (SIP). At least a portion of the SIP communication is controlled utilizing an application layer overlay framework which permits substantially simultaneous operation of the first endpoint in two application layer protocols, the two application layer protocols including SIP and web services protocol. The web services protocol may illustratively comprise an application layer web services transport protocol such as SOAP/HTTP. The application overlay framework comprises a web services interface, with the web services interface being configured to permit access to information associated with the SIP communication by one or more communication service applications of the system.