SIP Gateway Routing Virtual Numbers Mobile Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The exhaustion of routable telephone numbers and the associated leasing fees for mobile devices in cellular networks pose a challenge, as service providers face increased demand and costs, while virtual numbers, not associated with specific locations, offer a potential solution but require innovative routing methods to connect calls effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) gateway that determines location information for mobile devices using virtual numbers, allowing service providers to establish communication sessions without routing through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN, utilizing Session Border Controllers and Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) for call termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routable telephone numbers are used for mobile devices, then communication connectivity is ensured, but number exhaustion and leasing fees increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) gateway as an intermediary component that enables virtual numbers to function for mobile device communication without requiring traditional routable telephone numbers. The SIP gateway receives SIP messages containing virtual numbers, translates them into appropriate routing information, and establishes communication sessions through Session Border Controllers (SBC), thereby mediating between the virtual number system and the cellular network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of telephone number routing by transitioning from traditional PSTN-based routing (which requires routable numbers) to SIP-based routing (which uses virtual numbers). This parameter change allows the system to use virtual telephone numbers instead of routable numbers, fundamentally altering how mobile devices are identified and reached in the network.
2Quantity of substance
If virtual numbers are used for mobile devices, then number availability increases, but call routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SIP gateway serves as a specialized intermediary that handles the complexity of virtual number routing. It receives SIP INVITE messages containing virtual numbers, queries a location register to determine the current serving access point and mobile device location, and then routes the call through appropriate Session Border Controllers. This intermediary absorbs the routing complexity, keeping it isolated from both the end users and the core network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the call routing process into distinct functional components: the SIP gateway handles message reception and location determination, the location register stores and provides location information, and Session Border Controllers handle call termination and mobile device connection. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific routing tasks, managing overall system complexity through modular design.
3Reliability
If PSTN routing is used for virtual numbers, then call connectivity is achieved, but reliance on legacy infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the traditional PSTN mechanical routing system with a SIP-based soft switching system. Instead of relying on hardware-based PSTN switches and physical number assignments, the system uses software-based SIP message routing, virtual number mapping, and dynamic location-based call termination through Session Border Controllers. This substitution replaces legacy infrastructure dependencies with modern IP-based communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein involve receiving a request from a calling device to establish a communication session between a mobile device and the calling device, the mobile device assigned a virtual telephone number, retrieving location information corresponding to a location of the mobile device from a location register, and sending a redirect to a session border controller (SBC) to establish the communication session between the calling device and the mobile device based on the location information.