Peer-to-Peer VoIP Call Signaling and Media Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of VoIP networks desire private and transparent communication channels, necessitating a method to enable peer-to-peer communication between endpoints on a per call basis, avoiding network processing of signaling and media messages.
Innovation Solution
A user can signal to the network to initiate or maintain a peer-to-peer relationship for a call, causing the network to remove itself from the signaling and media path, allowing direct communication between endpoints using predefined signals like DTMF, and reverting back to normal network communication post-call.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network processes signaling and media messages for calls, then network control and service features are maintained, but communication privacy and transparency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between network-mediated call processing and peer-to-peer communication modes based on user preference. The endpoint devices can transition between these states during call setup and operation, allowing flexible adjustment of privacy levels without sacrificing network control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The network acts as an intermediary that facilitates the transition to peer-to-peer mode. It initially processes signaling to establish the call, then enables direct endpoint-to-endpoint communication by removing itself from the media path while maintaining signaling oversight, thus balancing privacy with network control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If peer-to-peer communication is enabled, then communication privacy is improved, but network service features and control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial peer-to-peer communication where only the media path is direct while the signaling path remains network-mediated. This allows endpoints to enjoy privacy for their actual communication content while still benefiting from network services for call setup, management, and oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into signaling functions and media functions. Signaling remains network-mediated for control and service features, while media communication becomes direct peer-to-peer for privacy, allowing both requirements to coexist through functional separation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network processing is used for all calls, then service features are maintained, but per-call privacy control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Endpoint devices are empowered to self-determine their privacy preferences and autonomously switch between network-mediated and peer-to-peer modes. Users can control their own communication privacy without requiring complex network configuration, making per-call privacy control intuitive and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes peer-to-peer media paths during call setup phase before actual communication begins. This preliminary transition to direct communication ensures privacy is established from the outset, and users can control this behavior on a per-call basis without affecting ongoing service features.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for enabling a user to signal to the network that a call to be initiated or a call that is in progress needs to occur in a peer-to-peer relationship with the terminating endpoint. The network will then remove itself from the call signaling and media path and direct the signaling and media communication to occur directly between the two endpoints.