Source-Based Call Routing Using ANI and DNIS Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call routing systems, such as those in ADTRAN VoiceCore applications, primarily consider the dialed number when making routing decisions and do not account for the source of the call, leading to inefficiencies in routing calls, especially during survivability scenarios where external calls are restricted but internal calls are not prioritized correctly.
Innovation Solution
A call routing system that utilizes a database and processor to determine the appropriate outbound trunk based on the originating account or number of the caller, incorporating Automatic Number Identification (ANI) templates and Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) to permit or deny access to specific trunk groups, allowing for source-based routing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If call routing decisions are based only on dialed number, then routing logic is simple, but routing efficiency and survivability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional routing (based only on dialed number) to two-dimensional routing (combining dialed number with caller identity). The switchboard now evaluates calls based on both the destination number and the originating caller's account or number, enabling more nuanced routing decisions that improve efficiency and survivability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for routing decisions from solely dialed number to a combination of dialed number and caller identity parameters. By incorporating caller-specific parameters (account ID, calling number), the system enables dynamic routing choices that adapt to different callers and scenarios, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency
2Reliability
If external calls are restricted during survivability, then network congestion is reduced, but internal call prioritization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different routing rules to different callers based on their identity. During survivability mode, the system identifies internal callers through their account or number and applies favorable routing treatment specifically to them, while maintaining restrictions on external callers. This localized differentiation ensures internal calls are prioritized without compromising overall network survivability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses caller identity feedback (ANI - Automatic Number Identification) to dynamically adjust routing behavior. By continuously monitoring the calling party's identity and comparing it against configured dialing plans, the switchboard can automatically prioritize internal calls versus external calls during survivability events, resolving the contradiction between network protection and internal communication needs
3Measurement precision
If source-based routing is implemented, then call routing precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures dialing plans that define routing rules for different callers and scenarios. These dialing plans are established in advance and stored in the system, allowing the switchboard to quickly reference and apply appropriate routing logic without complex real-time calculations. This preliminary configuration approach enables precise source-based routing while managing system complexity through pre-prepared rule sets
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method routes a call within a communications network. A call routing device is interconnected to a plurality of trunks forming trunk groups and receives a call. A database stores a dialing plan having data related to restrictions as to which outbound trunk from the call routing device can be used based on an originating account as either a station or trunk of a caller or the number of a caller. A call router processor determines an outbound trunk from the call routing device to which a call from a caller is routed at the call routing device if the configured dial plan permits the originating account or number of the caller to access the selected outbound trunk. A call router routes the call from the caller onto the selected outbound trunk.