Telecommunications Voice Call Routing Loop Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of integrating Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services with legacy circuit-switched networks poses challenges in achieving global compatibility and efficient call routing, often requiring exhaustive testing and resource-intensive configurations that may lead to undesirable loops or unnecessary usage of network resources.

Innovation Solution

A method and processing node that analyze routing information to determine whether a call has been processed by a Media Gateway/Mobile Switching Centre Server, allowing for intelligent routing decisions between the IMS and circuit-switched networks, preventing loops and optimizing resource usage by selectively routing calls through the IMS or circuit-switched networks based on call parameters and entity profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If calls are routed through the circuit-switched network to ensure compatibility with legacy systems, then compatibility is improved, but network resource usage increases and potential loops are created

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidnetwork resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The processing node performs preliminary analysis of routing information to determine whether a call has already been processed by the MSS/MGW before routing decisions are made. This preliminary check prevents redundant routing through the circuit-switched network and potential loops, while still ensuring compatibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from routing information analysis to make intelligent routing decisions. By analyzing whether the call has been previously processed by the MSS/MGW, the system adjusts its routing behavior dynamically - routing through circuit-switched network when compatibility is needed, but preventing re-routing that would waste resources or create loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If exhaustive testing is performed to ensure global compatibility across all network combinations, then compatibility is improved, but time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal compatibilityVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of routing information at the processing node to determine the appropriate routing path. This preliminary action ensures compatibility decisions are made based on actual call state rather than requiring exhaustive pre-testing of all possible network combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service compatibility by automatically analyzing routing information and making intelligent routing decisions without requiring manual configuration or exhaustive testing for each network combination. The processing node autonomously determines the appropriate routing path based on the call's processing history.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If calls are always routed via the circuit-switched network to prevent loops, then loop prevention is improved, but IMS network resource usage decreases and service quality may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloop preventionVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing node performs preliminary analysis of routing information to determine whether a call has been processed by the MSS/MGW. Based on this analysis, the system makes intelligent routing decisions - preventing loops when necessary while allowing IMS routing when safe, thus maintaining both reliability and service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The routing behavior is dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts its routing decisions based on the specific call state and routing history analyzed at the processing node, enabling loop prevention when needed while maximizing IMS network usage and service quality when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3174266B1Telecommunications system voice call routing
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 VODAFONE IP LICENSING LTD
  • EP3174266B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3174266B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3174266B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method of controlling the routing of a voice call between a first entity 50/O and a second entity 50/T in a telecommunications system including a circuit switched network and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, network, the method including: directing the call to a processing node 80; at the processing node, analysing routing information associated with the call; and sending the call via the circuit switched network and/or the IMS network in dependence upon the analysis.