Session Border Controller Call Replication for Lawful Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrading packet cable networks to support lawful interception of multimedia calls requires significant time and expense, as existing solutions necessitate upgrading CMTS nodes in Packet Cable Version 2.0, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an IMS node, specifically a Session Border Controller (SBC), to replicate call content for lawful interception, thereby bypassing the need for CMTS node upgrades by using the SBC to handle call content replication instead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CMTS nodes are upgraded to support lawful interception in PacketCable Version 2.0, then lawful interception capability is achieved, but network upgrade cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Application Server as an intermediary component that handles lawful interception functions. Instead of upgrading existing CMTS nodes, the Application Server is deployed as a separate entity that intercepts and processes call content, acting as a mediator between the CMTS and law enforcement agencies. This allows lawful interception capability to be achieved without modifying the core CMTS infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The Application Server is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles lawful interception, manages intercept profiles, and interfaces with both the CMTS and delivery functions. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional component, the system avoids the need to upgrade multiple specialized nodes, thereby reducing overall network complexity and upgrade costs.
2Reliability
If existing CMTS nodes are modified to replicate call content, then interception functionality is provided, but implementation cost and deployment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Application Server is pre-configured with intercept profiles and lawful interception logic before deployment. When deployed, it immediately begins monitoring and replicating call content without requiring real-time configuration or modification of existing CMTS nodes. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces deployment time and allows rapid implementation of lawful interception capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying CMTS nodes to perform replication, the Application Server creates a separate copy of the call content stream. It receives the original call content from the CMTS, replicates it, and forwards the copy to the delivery function. This copying approach allows the original CMTS infrastructure to remain unchanged while still achieving the required interception functionality.
3Reliability
If CMTS nodes are upgraded to handle multimedia call interception, then compliance with security requirements is achieved, but system complexity and upgrade expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the CMTS handles call management, the Application Server handles interception and replication, and the delivery function handles content distribution. This segmentation allows security compliance to be achieved in the Application Server layer without requiring complex upgrades to the CMTS, thereby maintaining lower overall system complexity while meeting security requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and communication nodes according to exemplary embodiments provide for an IMS node to replicate call content for lawful call interception in packet cable networks. A CSCF node sends a command to an SBC node to perform call content replication for an identified call to be intercepted. The SBC node forwards the replicated call content to a delivery function, which in turn forwards the replicated call content to the appropriate law enforcement agency.