Session Border Controller Address Modification for Multicast Media Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing group communications systems face challenges in efficiently delivering media data to multiple target devices without overburdening bandwidth resources, particularly in legacy systems that require additional hardware and management complexity, and host-based approaches that consume valuable bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a session border controller to modify destination addresses for media data delivery, allowing media data to be transmitted directly within the target network, bypassing the access network, and using group media data delivery mechanisms like multicast or broadcast to efficiently distribute media data to multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a host-based approach is used to deliver media data to multiple target devices, then media data can be delivered remotely without additional customer premises equipment, but valuable bandwidth resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The session border controller acts as an intermediary that modifies destination addresses in signaling messages. When the SBC determines that the destination address is not within a predetermined range or individual address, it modifies the address to identify the SBC itself, causing media data to be delivered to the SBC which then forwards it to the target network. This intermediary function enables remote delivery while controlling bandwidth usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements selective address modification based on the specific destination address characteristics. The SBC examines each signaling message and applies different routing behaviors: modifying addresses for remote delivery while leaving local addresses unchanged. This localized approach ensures that media data is delivered efficiently based on the specific needs of each communication session.
2Ease of manufacture
If a premises-based approach with gateway adaptor entity is used, then existing legacy paging apparatus can be reused, but additional apparatus must be deployed and managed at customer premises
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway adaptor entity is extracted from the customer premises and relocated to the service provider's network infrastructure. The SBC performs the address modification function that was previously done by local gateway equipment. This extraction eliminates the need for additional apparatus at customer premises while preserving the ability to interface with legacy paging systems through the host-based approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The session border controller provides multiple functions: it acts as a signaling message router, performs address modification, and serves as a media data delivery point. By consolidating these functions in a single network element, the system eliminates the need for separate gateway adaptor equipment at each customer premises while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.
3Ease of operation
If destination addresses are modified for all messages, then media data can be delivered to the session border controller, but normal functioning of the session border controller is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The SBC applies address modification selectively based on the specific characteristics of each signaling message. It examines the destination address and applies modification only when the address is not within a predetermined range or individual address. This localized application ensures that normal SBC operations are not affected while enabling media data delivery control for specific cases.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying all destination addresses, the SBC performs partial modification only on messages that require it. The predetermined ranges and individual addresses are configured to match normal SBC operations, so only exceptional cases trigger address modification. This partial action approach maintains reliability while providing the needed control capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a method for processing messages at a session border controller (618) in a telecommunications network (616), which is performing the function of an address translator and therefore reducing the number of network elements in the telecommunication chain. The network address may be associated with a group media data delivery mechanism, for example a multicast mechanism, which provides delivery of media data to the target devices without the need for media data to pass out from or back into the target network.