Softswitch Dedicated Trunk Routing for TDM VoIP Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Internet telephony overlay architectures for Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) phones require maintaining multiple phone numbers and increase complexity due to the need for shadow IP phone numbers and mapping tables, complicating regulatory compliance and system operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a communication system that associates TDM PSTN lines with an Internet telephony feature group using a dedicated trunk to route calls through a Softswitch to an Internet telephony call controller, eliminating the need for shadow IP phone numbers by automatically converting TDM calls to VoIP within the Softswitch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If shadow IP phone numbers and mapping tables are used to provide Internet telephony features to TDM phones, then Internet telephony features can be provided to TDM users, but system complexity increases and regulatory compliance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet telephony feature provision to TDM usersVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex shadow IP phone number and mapping table components from the system. By using a dedicated trunk approach where calls are automatically identified and routed to the Softswitch, the system removes the need for these complicating elements while still providing Internet telephony features to TDM users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the call routing process into distinct paths: dedicated trunks for Internet telephony calls versus traditional trunks for regular calls. This segmentation allows the Softswitch to handle only the calls that need Internet telephony features, separating the complex feature handling from the general call routing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple phone numbers are maintained for TDM lines to enable Internet telephony features, then feature functionality is achieved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInternet telephony feature handlingVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dedicated trunk approach enables the system to automatically identify and route Internet telephony calls without requiring manual configuration of multiple phone numbers or complex operational procedures. The system self-manages the routing decisions based on the dedicated trunk identification, simplifying operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a dedicated trunk is used to route calls to the Softswitch, then system complexity is reduced by eliminating shadow IP phone numbers, but infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidinfrastructure setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dedicated trunk infrastructure serves multiple purposes: it provides automatic call identification for Internet telephony features, enables regulatory compliance through centralized control, and maintains system simplicity. The Softswitch handles both call routing and feature provision, making the infrastructure more versatile

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9531762B2Identifying phone calls for internet telephony feature handling by routing the phone calls to a softswitch via a dedicated trunk

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A communication system includes a plurality of time division multiplexed (TDM) public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunks, a Signal Control Point (SCP), a Softswitch, and an Internet telephony call controller. The SCP a plurality of phone numbers for time division multiplexed TDM PSTN lines with an Internet telephony feature group that has Internet telephony feature handling. The SCP routes phone calls that are directed to phone numbers in the Internet telephony feature group through at least one dedicated trunk of the PSTN to the Softswitch. The Softswitch routes phone calls that it receives on the dedicated trunk to the Internet telephony call controller for Internet telephony feature handling.