SS7 to SIP Gateway for Flexible Call Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using SS7 signaling lacks the flexibility and advanced call features available in VoIP systems, limiting the ability to offer new service features to POTS users and increasing operational costs for service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that integrates IP-based call processing to control outgoing calls by receiving call request messages, determining if a media message is to be conveyed to the source device, and establishing a media connection through an SS7/SIP converter and call processing system, enabling additional call features and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If POTS telephony system using SS7 signaling is used, then reliability and security of communication are maintained, but flexibility and advanced call features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SS7/SIP gateway as an intermediary component that bridges the traditional SS7-based POTS network and the SIP-based VoIP network. This gateway receives SS7 signaling messages from the POTS network, translates them into SIP messages, and forwards them to the VoIP network for advanced call processing. This intermediary approach enables POTS users to access flexible call features while maintaining the reliability of the original POTS connection.
2Productivity
If VoIP technology is adopted, then operational costs are reduced and call features are enhanced, but call quality and security are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the telephony system into distinct functional layers: the POTS access layer maintains traditional reliable connections, while the VoIP core layer provides cost-effective advanced features. By separating call setup (handled by SS7 gateway) from media transmission (handled by VoIP), the system achieves both reliability and operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional POTS network is used, then communication security is maintained, but new call service features cannot be offered
Solution Approach 1:
The SS7/SIP gateway serves as an intermediary that adds VoIP functionality to the existing POTS network without requiring changes to end-user equipment. The gateway handles protocol translation and call feature implementation, keeping the network architecture simple from the user perspective while enabling advanced features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses numerous implementations for IP-based call processing systems that can selectively control an outgoing call initiated by a source device to a destination device. The call processing system communicates with a Service Switching Point (SSP) associated with the source device and determines whether a media message is to be conveyed to the source device. It could determine a media message is to be conveyed to the source device for many reasons including to convey a message related to a call feature, to prompt a user to provide authorization data, to alert a user of particular information or to provide an audio element to the source device prior to establishing the outgoing call. Upon determining to effect control of the outgoing call, the call processing system causes the SSP to initiate a media connection between the source device and the call processing system. The call processing system can then utilize the media connection to convey a media message to the source device.