Packet Header Analysis for Internet Call Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic call distributors (ACDs) are not well-suited for handling Internet calls, as they lack a method to track system activity beyond circuit usage, which is essential for managing communication through the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for collecting session information from packet routing devices by detecting header packets, comparing their types with a list of headers to be collected, and storing message headers in a file indexed by a session identifier, allowing for non-interfering and privacy-respecting data collection of system usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If circuit usage-based tracking is used for system activity measurement, then PSTN call handling is effective, but Internet-based communication tracking is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical circuit usage tracking method with a packet header analysis method. Instead of measuring physical circuit states, the system intercepts and analyzes SIP protocol packets to extract session information, enabling tracking of Internet-based communications while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a packet intercepting device as an intermediary component that sits between the communication parties and the ACD system. This intermediary captures SIP packets, extracts relevant session information, and provides it to the ACD without interfering with the actual communication flow, thus enabling tracking capability without adding complexity to the core communication system
2Loss of information
If all packet data is collected for system activity tracking, then complete information is obtained, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary session information from SIP packet headers, such as caller ID, callee ID, and session status, while deliberately excluding personal communication content. This extraction approach provides complete session tracking information without capturing or storing private conversation details, thus maintaining information completeness for operational purposes while protecting user privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of data collection to different parts of the packet structure. Header information containing session metadata is collected in full detail, while the message body containing actual communication content is completely ignored. This local differentiation ensures operational information completeness while preventing privacy intrusion into personal communications
3Ease of manufacture
If standard PSTN ACD methods are used for Internet calls, then existing system functionality is maintained, but Internet communication tracking is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking function into a separate packet intercepting device that works independently from the traditional ACD system. This segmentation allows the ACD to maintain its existing PSTN-based functionality while the intercepting device adds Internet protocol-specific packet analysis capabilities, ensuring both system compatibility and reliable Internet communication tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for collecting session information from a packet routing device. The method includes the steps of detecting a header packet of a communication session within a communication stream passing through the packet routing device where the communication stream contains packets from a plurality of users, comparing a type of the detected header packet with a list of headers that are to be collected and storing a message header of the header packet and only the message header in a file indexed by an identifier of the session when the header matches an entry within the list of headers to be collected.