Soft Switch Extending PBX Services to Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business professionals face limitations when using cell phones, as they lack the features available on their desk phones, even with call forwarding, and are required to carry two devices, leading to an incomplete mobile communication experience.
Innovation Solution
A soft switch system integrated with both cellular and wireless local area networks, utilizing SIP messaging over data-bearing paths and voice-bearing paths to provide PBX services, enabling features like call forwarding, conferencing, and voicemail retrieval through a dual-mode subscriber device that seamlessly transitions between networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If call forwarding is used to re-route calls to a cell phone, then calls can be received at the cell phone, but the user does not have access to desk phone features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a cell phone and a desk phone into a single integrated device. The desk phone is modified to include cellular communication capabilities, allowing it to function both as a traditional desk phone with full PBX features and as a mobile cell phone, thereby merging the functionalities of both devices into one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified desk phone becomes a universal device that can operate in multiple modes: as a traditional desk phone connected to the PBX system, as a mobile cell phone with cellular network access, and as a bridge between the two networks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to carry separate devices for different communication needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user carries both a desk phone and a cell phone to access both features and mobility, then full functionality is available, but the user must carry two devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent physically integrates a cell phone into a desk phone, combining two previously separate devices into one unified unit. The desk phone housing contains both the traditional desk phone components and a built-in cell phone, eliminating the need to carry or set up separate devices for office and mobile communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple purposes: it functions as a desk phone when connected to power and the PBX system, as a mobile cell phone when using battery power and cellular network, and as a communication bridge between the two networks. This universality replaces the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a desk phone is modified to include cellular capabilities, then feature accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modified desk phone is designed as a modular system with distinct functional segments: a traditional desk phone portion for PBX connectivity and a separate cell phone portion for cellular network access. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original simplicity while the integrated system provides enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device achieves multi-functionality through a unified control system that manages both desk phone and cell phone operations. A single processor and user interface handle both PBX-based and cellular-based communications, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizing overall system complexity despite the increased capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A soft switch providing wireless PBX voice services to a local area network (WLAN) is used to extend PBX functionality to the cellular domain. A dual mode remote unit is capable of receiving signals both in the cellular system as well as the WLAN. The cellular system is comprised of a data-bearing path and a voice-bearing path. When the dual mode remote unit is within the WLAN, it communicates both voice over IP (VoIP) signaling as well as session initiation protocol (SIP) control signaling over the WLAN. When the remote unit is outside the WLAN, it communicates voice signaling over the voice-bearing path of the cellular network using a standard cellular voice channel. In parallel, it uses the data-bearing path of the cellular network to transmit SIP control signaling.