URL Pointer for XML Data in SS7 Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SS7 signaling systems face challenges in securely and flexibly transmitting data between applications, requiring synchronization and using insecure channels for proprietary information, which complicates data exchange across institutions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves passing a URL for XML documents through a telephone signaling system, allowing a pointer to external data instead of direct data transmission, using a self-defining XML document structure that can be parsed by multiple applications, and securing sensitive information with SSL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed format data is passed directly in the UUI field, then data transmission is simple and direct, but data flexibility is poor and system customization is required for each customer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where a URL pointer is placed in the UUI field instead of direct data transmission. This URL acts as a mediator that points to externally accessible data (such as XML documents or web services), allowing the receiving system to retrieve the actual data from external sources. This resolves the contradiction by providing flexible data structures without requiring direct customization of the signaling field itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data transmission process into two parts: (1) transmitting only the essential URL pointer through the constrained UUI field, and (2) retrieving the full data structure from external sources. This segmentation allows the signaling system to remain simple while the data itself can be complex and flexible, as the data is separated from the signaling channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary data formats are used in the UUI field, then data can be customized for specific applications, but synchronization and maintenance of applications becomes difficult across different institutions
Solution Approach 1:
By using URLs as intermediaries that point to externally accessible data, the system eliminates the need for direct proprietary format agreements between sending and receiving applications. The URL serves as a universal reference that can be resolved by any system with standard web access capabilities, thereby improving reliability across different institutions while maintaining data format flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal standards (such as XML and HTTP/HTTPS protocols) for data formatting and transmission, making the system multi-functional and institution-independent. Any application with standard parsing capabilities can process the data without requiring custom synchronization protocols, thereby improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If data is transmitted through the UUI field, then communication between systems is achieved, but critical information may be sent in the clear through an insecure channel with no audit trail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses HTTPS as an intermediary security layer that encrypts data in transit. Instead of sending sensitive data directly through the unencrypted UUI field, the system transmits only the URL through the signaling channel, then retrieves the encrypted data through HTTPS. This intermediary security mechanism protects critical information while maintaining communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts sensitive data from the signaling channel and places it in externally accessible locations that can be accessed through secure channels. By taking out the actual data from the UUI field and replacing it with a URL reference, the system eliminates the security vulnerability of transmitting sensitive information in the clear while maintaining the ability to communicate efficiently between systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product for passing a URL for XML documents via a telephone signaling system is presented. A communication is received at a first system, and a document including information relating to the communication is produced. The document is sent to a service, and the communication is transferred to a second system. The communication includes an address for retrieving the document from the service.