Packet Recording via VLAN Tagging for SBC Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for recording voice data packets in IP networks, such as duplicating all packets or establishing multiple call legs, impose significant processing and network burdens, especially in large networks with multiple simultaneous voice conversations.
Innovation Solution
Applying identification tags to data packets to determine if they need to be recorded, allowing subsequent network elements to identify and duplicate only the necessary packets, thereby reducing the processing burden on the Session Border Controller (SBC) and network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all voice data packets are duplicated and sent to the recording element, then complete recording coverage is achieved, but processing burden on the SBC and network traffic increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different treatment to different packets by marking selected packets with a recording indication. Instead of uniformly duplicating all packets, only marked packets are duplicated and sent to the recording element, while unmarked packets are forwarded normally. This local differentiation reduces processing burden while maintaining recording coverage for required packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selectively duplicating only those packets that require recording, rather than duplicating all packets. The SBC identifies specific packets needing recording and marks them, then only these marked packets are duplicated and forwarded to the recording element, reducing unnecessary processing and network traffic.
2Reliability
If duplicate packets are sent to the recording element for all voice conversations, then recording completeness is maintained, but storage burden on the recording element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recording element receives and stores only those packets that carry the recording indication marker, rather than storing all duplicated packets. This selective storage approach reduces the quantity of stored data while maintaining completeness for required recordings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial duplication by sending only marked packets to the recording element. This reduces the volume of data requiring storage while ensuring all packets needing recording are captured completely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple call legs are established for each voice conversation, then recording capability is enabled, but network traffic and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marking mechanism as an intermediary between the SBC and recording element. Instead of establishing separate call legs, the SBC marks selected packets with a recording indication, and the network infrastructure uses this marker to route packets to the recording element. This intermediary approach enables recording capability without the complexity of multiple call legs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for processing a received data packet are provided. The method involves determining whether the received data packet is to be recorded and applying to the packet a virtual LAN identification tag from a first group of one or more predetermined virtual LAN identification tags if it is determined that the packet is to be recorded. A recording management system is also provided, including an apparatus and a forwarding network element. The forwarding network element is arranged to inspect as received data packet and determine a virtual LAN identification tag of the packet. The forwarding network element is further arranged to cops the data packet if the virtual LAN identification tag of the packet is in the first group and to send the copy of the data packet to a recording element.