Virtual Service Control Point for Toll-Free Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional service control point devices in telecommunications networks are limited in handling concurrent calls, leading to performance issues under heavy traffic, and require multiple devices as the customer base grows, affecting other customers and billing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual service control point system that uses application servers to provide scalable routing features, allowing each customer to have a dedicated virtual SCP with adjustable resources and real-time billing based on actual communication usage, reducing the impact of high traffic on other customers and enhancing network flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional service control point devices are used to handle concurrent calls, then routing features are provided for multiple customers, but performance deteriorates under heavy traffic and requires multiple devices as customer base grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service control functionality by implementing separate service control point instances for different customers or customer groups. Each SCP instance handles routing for its designated customers independently, preventing traffic from one customer from affecting the performance of other customers. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the call handling load across multiple specialized instances rather than overloading a single shared device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of customer-specific routing by implementing routing decisions based on customer identifiers embedded in the communication signals. This additional routing dimension allows the system to differentiate and handle calls from different customers through separate logical paths, effectively increasing the system's capacity to handle concurrent calls without compromising individual customer service quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service control point devices are added to serve more customers, then routing features are provided for all customers, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service control point architecture where a single SCP device can serve multiple customers through customer-specific routing logic. The SCP receives communications containing customer identifiers and applies appropriate routing features for each customer dynamically. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to serve diverse customer needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities where the service control point can adapt its routing behavior in real-time based on customer identifiers and traffic conditions. The routing features are applied dynamically rather than being statically configured, allowing the system to efficiently handle multiple customers with varying routing requirements using a single flexible device rather than multiple rigid dedicated devices.
3Productivity
If heavy traffic from one customer is allowed, then that customer's communication needs are met, but performance for other customers is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call handling process by implementing customer-specific service control point instances that independently manage routing for each customer. This segmentation ensures that heavy traffic from one customer is confined to its dedicated SCP instance and cannot overwhelm the resources allocated to other customers. Each segment operates with guaranteed resource allocation, preventing the harmful spillover effect while still meeting the high call volume needs of individual customers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces customer identifiers as intermediary elements that mediate between incoming communications and routing decisions. These identifiers enable the service control point to distinguish between different customers and apply appropriate routing features accordingly. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to fairly distribute resources and prevent any single customer from monopolizing system resources, thereby protecting other customers from performance degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for implementing a virtual service control point in a telecommunications network. In one embodiment, the system and methods involve implementing the functions of a service control point (SCP) device on one or more computing devices, such as application servers of the network, of the telecommunications network to create a virtual service control point device. In one embodiment, the virtual SCP may translate toll-free communications, such as 8xx based telephone communications, into a destination address associated with a customer of the network. In addition to resolving communications into a destination address or number, a virtual SCP instantiated in a network may provide one or more routing rules or features for such communications to a customer.