Split IVR Architecture for Telecommunications Network Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications networks face inefficiencies in providing voice channel-related functions, particularly when transitioning between TDM-based and packet networks, leading to increased data load and speech quality loss due to conversion requirements and limited access to IVR functions in packet networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves splitting IVR functionality into two areas: centralizing seldom required complex functions and decentralizing frequently required simple functions, using a central control with protocols like SS7, MGCP, or H.248, and implementing these functions over different data transmission networks, with central voice channel-related functions provided by a dialog device and second functions by network interworking nodes (media gateways).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all voice channel-related functions are centralized in a single IVR system, then system management becomes simpler, but data load on transmission networks increases and speech quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized IVR system into distributed announcement and dialog systems located at multiple network nodes (LAWs and exchange nodes). Each node handles local voice channel functions independently, reducing the need to transmit voice data over long distances through the core network, thereby minimizing speech quality loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Loss of energy
If voice channel functions are decentralized to multiple nodes, then speech quality improves and network load reduces, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal announcement and dialog system components that can be deployed at multiple network nodes (LAWs and exchange nodes). These standardized multi-functional units can handle various voice channel tasks (announcements, dialogs, DTMF recognition) uniformly across the network, reducing implementation complexity despite the decentralized architecture by providing plug-and-play modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TDM-based IVR systems are used for packet network connections, then compatibility with classical telephone networks is maintained, but data conversion requirements increase network load and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces packet network gateways as intermediary components that enable direct packet-based voice transmission between packet network nodes. These gateways handle protocol conversion and interoperability functions, allowing voice channels to operate natively in packet networks without requiring conversion to TDM format, thereby maintaining network compatibility while significantly improving data transmission efficiency by eliminating unnecessary format conversions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing voice channel-related functions in a telecommunications network, whereby first voice channel functions are centrally provided, and second voice channel functions are decentrally provided. The invention also relates to a telecommunications network for implementing this method.