PBX Trunk Rerouting for Voluntary Call Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications failover arrangements, such as active/standby PBX configurations, lack efficient mechanisms for voluntary redirection of communications during non-failure scenarios like emergencies or maintenance, relying on costly and administratively complex Custom Redirect Service or manual re-administration.
Innovation Solution
A switching system that responds to a stimulus by rerouting incoming communications from one PBX to another through a direct trunk connection or by instructing the PSTN to redirect calls, allowing for seamless and cost-effective voluntary redirection of communications between geographically separated PBXs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual re-administration of call routing is used to effect voluntary redirection, then redirection can be achieved, but it is time consuming and complex hence prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The active PBX automatically detects its own unreachability and initiates the redirection process without requiring manual re-administration. The system serves itself by monitoring its operational status and autonomously triggering the failover mechanism when it determines it cannot process calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the active PBX monitors its own operational status and uses this information to automatically initiate redirection. The PBX receives feedback about its unreachability (through actuator activation or system monitoring) and responds by automatically effecting the call routing change.
2Reliability
If Custom Redirect Service is used for voluntary redirection, then redirection can be effected, but it incurs additional cost on a call-by-call basis
Solution Approach 1:
The PBX system performs the redirection function itself without requiring external service provider intervention. By implementing automatic detection and self-initiated redirection, the system eliminates the need to purchase expensive Custom Redirect Service from the PSTN provider.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the existing trunk connection and PSTN routing infrastructure as intermediaries to achieve redirection without requiring the expensive Custom Redirect Service. The system leverages normal call processing paths and existing network resources rather than purchasing specialized redirection services.
3Reliability
If geographically separated duplicated switches are used to protect against location unavailability, then continuity of communications capability is provided, but they can no longer share trunks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operational state of the standby PBX from a passive trunk-sharing configuration to an active redirection mode when needed. The PBX can transition between different operational states (normal operation, automatic redirection) based on its detected reachability, allowing flexible resource utilization without permanent structural changes.
4Reliability
If PSTN redirection service is used for voluntary redirection, then redirection can be effected, but the served entity has to contact the service provider which introduces another level of administration
Solution Approach 1:
The PBX system autonomously monitors its own operational status and automatically initiates redirection without requiring the served entity to contact the service provider. The system performs the entire redirection process internally, eliminating external administrative steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where the PBX monitors its own reachability status and uses this information to trigger redirection automatically. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual intervention or external service provider contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching system that receives communications over a trunk incoming from a communications network and routes them to its subtending communications terminals responds to a stimulus, such as actuation of an actuator, by either (a) returning all of the communications that it receives on the incoming trunk at least subsequently to the stimulus to the network over a trunk outgoing to the network with instructions directing the network to redirect the returned communications to a second switching system for routing to communications terminals served by the second system, or (b) routing all of the communications that it receives on the incoming trunk at least subsequently to the stimulus to the second switching system over a trunk outgoing to the second switching system for routing to the communications terminals served by the second switching system.