SIP Endpoint Reset via Authenticated NOTIFY Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy low-end and midrange SIP phones have incompatible reset mechanisms with modern call management architectures and are vulnerable to malicious attacks due to unsolicited reset/restart messages.

Innovation Solution

A modified SIP unsolicited NOTIFY message with a service-control event type is used to communicate reset, restart, version stamp, and call preservation information from a call agent to SIP endpoint devices, including a unique call ID for authentication, enabling secure and compatible operations across legacy and next-generation phones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If unsolicited reset/restart messages are sent to SIP phones for device management, then device reset and restart operations can be performed, but the system becomes vulnerable to malicious attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reset operationVSAvoidmalicious attack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing authentication mechanisms before executing reset/restart operations. The call manager verifies the caller's identity and authority before processing unsolicited reset messages, preventing malicious attacks while maintaining legitimate device management capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a verification layer between the reset message sender and the SIP phone. The call manager acts as a mediator that validates authentication credentials and authorization levels before forwarding reset commands, blocking unauthorized access while permitting legitimate operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If legacy SIP phone reset mechanisms are used, then device reset functionality is maintained, but compatibility with modern call management architectures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset functionalityVSAvoidarchitecture compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a standardized reset message format and authentication mechanism that works across both legacy and modern SIP phones. The solution maintains backward compatibility while integrating with contemporary call management architectures, allowing a single system to serve multiple device generations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the reset message structure to include authentication credentials and version identifiers. These parameter additions enable legacy phones to maintain their reset functionality while modern phones can verify authentication and ensure architectural compatibility through enhanced message parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2050006B1Resetting/restarting endpoint devices
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2050006B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2050006B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2050006B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

In one embodiment, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) endpoint device un registers all lines from a call manager component. This is followed by a power-on reset. A server is then accessed to read a configuration file of the SIP endpoint device. Finally, the SIP endpoint device re-registers all lines with the call manager component. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.