Telecommunications Gateway Bridging PSTN and VoIP Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to efficiently route telephone calls from PSTN and mobile networks to voice and data networks, limiting users' ability to utilize the Internet for long-distance calls and restricting access to VoIP services, especially for mobile users and those without direct broadband connections.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications gateway (TCG) is used to intercept calls from PSTN or mobile networks, convert them into bit streams with proper identifiers and routing indications, and send them over a voice and data network like the Internet, enabling bridging between different communication systems and allowing VoIP access regardless of the technology used by the caller or receiver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If broadband-only devices like Vonage-Cisco ATA and Packet 8 DTA310 are used, then VoIP calling is enabled, but the ability to detect and bridge incoming PSTN calls is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVoIP calling capabilityVSAvoidPSTN call detection and bridging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary component that bridges the PSTN and VoIP networks. This gateway receives incoming PSTN calls, converts them to VoIP format, and routes them through the VoIP network, thereby enabling both inbound and outbound calling while maintaining compatibility with existing broadband-only VoIP devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mobile phone users rely on traditional PSTN routing, then call connectivity is maintained, but long-distance calling costs remain high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall connectivityVSAvoidcalling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical PSTN switching system with a software-based VoIP routing system. Mobile users can initiate calls through their mobile networks, which then route through the gateway to the VoIP network, substituting the expensive long-distance PSTN charges with cheaper VoIP routing while maintaining reliable call connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Net2Phone IAD units with dual-port gateways are used, then broadband and narrowband connectivity is provided, but firmware does not support VoIP calling from non-VoIP telephones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadband and narrowband supportVSAvoidVoIP calling from non-VoIP telephones

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the gateway device pre-configured with the necessary VoIP routing capabilities and protocols. When a non-VoIP telephone connects to the gateway, the system automatically detects the connection type and initiates the appropriate VoIP routing process without requiring manual configuration or firmware updates, thereby enabling VoIP calling from traditional telephones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7606217B2System and method for routing telephone calls over a voice and data network

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 UPLAND SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

A system and method for routing a mobile phone call over a voice and data network. A user places a call on a mobile phone to an end destination. The call is then routed to a telecommunications gateway, where the call is converted into a medium that is transferable over the voice and data network. The converted call is then sent over the voice and data network to another PSTN and finally to the end destination.