Service Advertisement Framework for Automatic Call Agent Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call agents in IP networks require manual re-configuration whenever changes occur, such as the addition of new call agents or dial number ranges, leading to tedious and error-prone updates across multiple nodes, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Service Advertisement Framework (SAF) that uses service forwarding nodes to automatically propagate service advertisements and updates across the network, allowing call agents to dynamically adjust their configurations without manual intervention, by forwarding service type and cost data through a network of routers and service nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual re-configuration is used for call agents, then configuration accuracy can be controlled, but the time and labor required for updates increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-configuration of call agents through service advertisement messages. Call agents autonomously discover available services and update their configurations without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual re-configuration process while maintaining configuration accuracy through structured message protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Service advertisement messages act as intermediaries to transfer configuration information between service providers and call agents. These standardized messages facilitate automatic information exchange, replacing manual configuration processes while ensuring data integrity through defined message formats and protocols
2Reliability
If manual re-configuration is used for call agents, then configuration reliability can be maintained, but the complexity of the re-configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Call agents automatically perform configuration updates by processing service advertisement messages. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual re-configuration procedures while maintaining reliability through error-checking protocols and standardized message formats that ensure accurate configuration updates
3Ease of operation
If automatic service propagation is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Service advertisement messages serve as standardized intermediaries that simplify automatic service propagation across the network. While the messaging infrastructure adds some complexity, it enables automated configuration updates that dramatically improve ease of operation, eliminating manual intervention requirements across all call agents
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into service providers, service consumers (call agents), and intermediate forwarding nodes. Each segment has specific responsibilities, allowing automatic service propagation through structured message routing while managing network complexity through clear role definitions and standardized interfaces
4Adaptability or versatility
If service advertisements are propagated across the network, then the adaptability of the system improves, but the quantity of data transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
Service advertisement messages act as compact intermediaries that carry essential service information (service type, cost, availability) across the network. These standardized messages enable system adaptability by allowing dynamic service discovery and configuration updates while keeping data volume manageable through efficient message formatting and selective propagation
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first update message at a first forwarding node from a second forwarding node of the communications network. The first update message includes forwarded service type data that indicates a type of service available via the second forwarding node, and forwarded cost data that indicates a first cost of communications to obtain the type of service via the second forwarding node. An incremental cost is determined for communications between the first forwarding node and the second forwarding node. Service data is stored at the first forwarding node. The service data indicates the type of service is associated with the second forwarding node at a total cost based on the first cost and the incremental cost. A second update message that includes forwarded cost data based on the total cost is sent over the network from the first forwarding node.