Remote Voice Interface for VoIP Access Node Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing broadband access networks cannot seamlessly integrate conventional analogue and digital telephones to transmit VoIP signals over IP-based communication networks like the Internet, limiting the use of ISDN and POTS devices in VoIP communications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves remotely controllable voice interfaces in access nodes that exchange control data with a VoIP server using an IP-based signaling protocol, allowing identification and configuration of subscriber terminals, and converting voice signals between analogue/digital formats and VoIP for transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional analogue and digital telephones are connected to broadband access networks, then VoIP signal transmission is enabled, but the existing network infrastructure cannot support this integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of conventional telephones with broadband access networkVSAvoidcomplexity of network integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A voice interface unit is introduced as an intermediary component between conventional telephones and the broadband access network. This voice interface unit includes a voice port that connects to conventional telephones and a network interface that connects to the broadband access network, enabling protocol conversion and signal transformation without requiring changes to the existing network infrastructure or telephone devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional components: the conventional telephone device, the voice interface unit with voice port and network interface, and the broadband access network. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with its own optimized design, while the voice interface unit handles the complexity of integration through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If access nodes are adapted to connect conventional telephones, then VoIP transmission is enabled, but network reconfiguration is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability of access node to handle multiple terminal typesVSAvoidease of network deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The voice interface unit is designed with automatic detection and configuration capabilities. When a conventional telephone is connected, the voice interface unit automatically detects the terminal type, selects the appropriate communication protocol, and configures itself without requiring manual network reconfiguration or operator intervention, enabling plug-and-play deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The voice interface unit dynamically adapts its operation based on the connected terminal type. It can switch between different protocols (VoIP, PSTN, ISDN) and adjust its parameters in real-time according to the detected terminal characteristics, allowing the access node to handle diverse terminal types without permanent configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If voice signals are converted to VoIP signals, then Internet transmission is enabled, but signal conversion complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission capability over IP networkVSAvoidcomplexity of signal conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voice interface unit replaces complex mechanical signal conversion processes with software-based protocol transformation. Instead of requiring hardware circuit conversion for each signal type, the system uses software modules that can be dynamically loaded and executed to handle protocol conversion, reducing hardware complexity and improving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2123104B1Method and broadband access system for remote-controlling a voice interface of an access node

Publication Date: 2019.06.05 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a broadband access system (10) for subscriber-specifically controlling an interface of an access node (40) comprising remote-controllable voice interfaces (41, 42) and a remote-controllable device (49) for testing subscriber lines (100, 101). Furthermore, a memory device (47) is provided for storing identification data via the voice interface (41, 42). An identification device (46) can determine whether a subscriber terminal (20, 30) is connected to the voice interface (41, 42). In addition, the access node (40) encompasses a device for exchanging signaling data with a VoIP server (50) by means of an IP-based signaling protocol as well as a device for remote-controlling the voice interface by responding to subscriber-specific data associated with the voice interface.