Service Interface Adapter for IMS CS Service Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The migration to IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) networks from circuit switched (CS) networks is hindered by the inability to reuse existing CS services, as the IP Multimedia Service Switching Function (IM-SSF) requires a tailored CAMEL Service Environment, limiting the provision of CS services and incurring significant re-implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A method using a service interface adapter to establish a signaling gateway between packet switched and circuit switched networks, augmenting SIP signaling data with additional information to create a compatible CAP-like data stream, enabling the provision of IN or CAMEL based value added services that mimic CS services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IM-SSF uses tailor made CAP-like protocol with IM-BCSM, then SIP signaling control is enabled in IMS network, but service implementation complexity increases and existing CS services cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer between the IM-SSF and the CSE that converts the tailor-made CAP-like protocol into standard CAP protocol. This mediator enables existing CS services to be reused in the IMS network without requiring a completely new CSE implementation, thus reducing complexity while maintaining SIP signaling control capability.
2Productivity
If CS services are migrated to IMS network, then new revenue streams from IP services are opened, but re-implementation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the existing CAMEL service environment that runs within the IMS network. This virtual CSE copies the functionality of the original CS network services, allowing them to be provisioned in IMS without costly re-implementation. The virtual environment maintains compatibility with existing service logic while operating in the IP-based infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard CSE in regular IN/CAMEL CS network is used, then existing CS service infrastructure is utilized, but it cannot process the CAP version provided by IM-SSF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a protocol translation mechanism that changes the parameters of the CAP-like data stream from the tailor-made version used by IM-SSF into the standard CAP version that regular CSEs can process. This parameter transformation includes converting detection point formats, service logic identifiers, and other protocol-specific parameters to ensure compatibility with existing CS service infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of providing in a packet switched telecommunications network, for a communications session involving a user of said packet switched telecommunications network, at least one value added service associated with a circuit switched telecommunication network. The method comprises the steps of establishing a first signaling data stream of a first basic call state model of a packet switched dedicated protocol type between said packet switched telecommunications network and a service interface adapter unit, and establishing a second signaling data stream of a second basic call state model of a circuit switched dedicated protocol type between said service interface adapter unit and said circuit switched telecommunications network, based on information from said first signaling data stream, for providing said at least one value added service from said circuit switched telecommunications network. The information is augmented with further information for establishing said second signaling data stream, and for exchanging data between said first and second signaling data stream for providing said at least one value added service to said user through said packet switched telecommunications network.