SIP Shortcut Media Path Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Optimal Media Routing (OMR) solution in 3GPP networks faces issues such as increased signaling load and temporary resource blocking due to repeated SDP offer procedures, which can cause media to no longer traverse only the visited network, leading to inefficient resource allocation and charging model disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a 'keep shortcut' indication in the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Session Description Protocol (SDP) messages to maintain the shortcut media path during session updates or re-invites, ensuring that nodes along the signaling path support the maintenance of the shortcut, thereby reducing the need for repeated resource reservation procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If repeated SDP offer procedures are performed for session updates or re-invites, then media routing can be dynamically adjusted, but signaling load increases and temporary resource blocking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the optimal media routing shortcut during initial session setup and maintaining it throughout the session duration. The shortcut path is pre-determined based on visited-realm attributes in SDP offers, and this routing decision is preserved across session updates without requiring repeated SDP offer procedures, thereby reducing signaling load while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the media routing to be dynamically established during initial session setup through SDP offer/answer exchanges, while subsequent updates maintain the established shortcut. The system transitions from a static repeated-procedure approach to a dynamic initial-setup-then-maintain approach, where the routing adapts during setup but remains stable during updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If repeated SDP offer procedures are performed for session updates or re-invites, then media routing can be dynamically adjusted, but temporary resource blocking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates temporary resource blocking by performing the media routing optimization in advance during initial session setup. The optimal shortcut path is identified and established before the session begins, so no resource blocking occurs during subsequent session updates or re-invites, while still allowing dynamic adjustment during the initial setup phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If OMR procedure is repeated for each session update or re-invite, then optimal media routing can be maintained, but charging model disruptions occur due to inefficient resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the charging model disruption by establishing the optimal media routing shortcut during initial session setup, before resource allocation decisions are finalized. The visited-realm attributes are processed and the shortcut is determined in advance, ensuring that resource allocation is efficient and aligns with the charging model, while still maintaining optimal routing throughout the session.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of managing a media path for a media session established between users across a plurality of interconnected IP networks which utilize Session Initiation Protocol, SIP, and Session Description Protocol, SDP, signaling. The method comprises, at session establishment via a signaling path over said IP networks, making a determination that a shortcut media path is available, wherein the shortcut media path deviates from said signaling path. The method further comprises making a further determination that nodes in the signaling path will subsequently be able to maintain the shortcut media path in the event of a subsequent session update or re-invite and, at a subsequent session update or re-invite, including within update or re-invite signaling an indication that the shortcut media path is to be maintained.