Call Control Server for SIP-H.323 Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of interoperability between communication protocols limits the availability of advanced calling features in heterogeneous communication environments, making it difficult for developers to deliver sustainable products that compete with conventional architectures.
Innovation Solution
A method for redirecting sessions between endpoints by receiving SIP requests, dissociating existing media sessions, and reconnecting signaling and media sessions using protocol-specific primitives, enabling interoperability between SIP and H.323 protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protocol-specific implementations are used for different communication protocols, then each protocol can be implemented with optimized functionality, but interoperability between protocols is limited and advanced calling features cannot be delivered across protocol boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a call control server as an intermediary component that receives signaling requests from one protocol (e.g., SIP), translates them into the corresponding protocol-specific commands (e.g., H.323), and coordinates the interaction between endpoints using different protocols. This mediator enables protocol interoperability while maintaining the optimized protocol-specific implementations at the endpoint level, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The call control server implements universal functionality by supporting multiple communication protocols (SIP, H.323, and others) within a single system component. It provides protocol-agnostic call control capabilities that can manage calls between any protocol combinations, enabling advanced calling features across heterogeneous protocol environments without requiring separate dedicated systems for each protocol pair.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translation and interworking capabilities are added to enable advanced calling features, then protocol interoperability improves, but the complexity of session redirection and media session management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call control functionality into distinct modular components: signaling reception module, protocol translation module, session management module, and media control module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the interworking process, making the overall complex system manageable through clear separation of concerns. The session redirection logic is further segmented into discrete steps (receive request, identify protocols, redirect session, establish new session) that can be independently implemented and tested.
Solution Approach 2:
The call control server acts as a mediating intermediary that simplifies complex session management by centralizing the coordination logic. It manages the translation and redirection of signaling between protocols, coordinates the establishment and termination of media sessions, and handles protocol-specific primitives uniformly through a standardized interface, thereby reducing the apparent complexity for individual protocol implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for redirecting a session established between two endpoints. In such an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a SIP request to redirect the session to a third endpoint; dissociating the two endpoints; suspending a media session between the endpoints; connecting a signaling session between one endpoint and a third endpoint; and connecting the media session. In an alternative embodiment, a method is provided for referring a first endpoint to a second endpoint outside of an established dialog. In such an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a SIP REFER request specifying a uniform resource indicator associated with the second endpoint as a target; identifying a protocol associated with each endpoint; initiating a session with the first endpoint using an appropriate protocol; receiving media control information from the first endpoint; and connecting the session to the second endpoint using an appropriate protocol.