Session Border Controller for Real-Time Fax Over IP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fax technologies face challenges in transitioning from Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) to Internet Protocol (IP) networks, particularly in maintaining real-time fax functionality while ensuring network security and compliance with industry and governmental mandates, as current solutions either compromise security or fail to provide real-time transmission.
Innovation Solution
The system establishes a preestablished communication session between a transfer client and server, using well-known or registered IP ports, to bypass firewalls and ensure real-time fax transmission over IP networks, maintaining security and compliance by creating a full duplex communication link that is not restricted by firewalls or other communication elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Dynamic IP ports are opened to enable real-time fax transmission, then fax transmission capability is improved, but network security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a session border controller (SBC) as an intermediary device between the fax terminal and the network. The SBC manages Dynamic IP ports by establishing temporary port mappings only when fax transmission is needed, and automatically closing them after use. This mediator approach enables real-time fax transmission while preventing permanent security vulnerabilities, as ports are not continuously exposed to external attacks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If store and forward systems are used to avoid security issues, then network security is improved, but real-time transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic port management where the SBC creates temporary port mappings that are active only during the fax transmission session. The port mapping duration dynamically adapts to the transmission needs - establishing quickly for immediate real-time transmission, then automatically expiring after completion. This dynamic approach provides both real-time capability and security by ensuring ports exist only when necessary.
3Reliability
If all Dynamic ports are made available for fax transmission, then fax transmission reliability is improved, but network vulnerability to malicious attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SBC performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing controlled port mapping rules and authentication mechanisms before fax transmission begins. The system pre-configures the SBC with authorized fax protocols and port ranges, so when transmission is needed, the ports are already validated and ready for immediate use. This preliminary setup ensures reliability while maintaining security controls.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for real-time communication (e.g., fax, voice, video) via an IP Network even if a firewall or other restriction element is present or encountered. The real-time nature of the communication is ensured by preestablishing a communication session between a transfer client and a transfer server, between which the firewall or other restriction element is located. Following the preestablishment of the communication session, transmission control messages are exchanged between the transfer server and the transfer client via the preestablished communication session. The preestablished communication session prevents the firewall or other restriction element from blocking or delaying traffic (e.g., fax, voice, video traffic). The preestablished communication session establishes a full duplex communication link without restriction of or by the firewall or other communication restriction element. Accordingly, the firewall or restriction element considers traffic originating from outside of the portion of the IP network where the firewall is located to be in response to a request from the inside the IP Network. Thus, the firewall or restriction element will not act to block or delay the traffic from entry.