VoIP Mobility via Access Point Address Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoIP service providers face challenges in routing emergency calls, such as 911 calls, to the correct Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) when users move their endpoint devices to new locations, as the initial service address obtained during subscription may no longer be valid, leading to service restrictions or disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method that populates and updates the Access Point-address parameter in the contact header of register requests to determine the physical location of access point devices, allowing VoIP service providers to update location information and ensure that emergency calls are routed to the correct PSAP, even when the user's endpoint device is moved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the service address is obtained during subscription, then the initial service setup is simple, but the location information becomes invalid when users move to new locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic location tracking by automatically detecting and updating the user's physical location through access point association. The system transitions from a static service address obtained during subscription to a dynamic location that automatically updates when the user moves, resolving the contradiction between initial setup simplicity and ongoing location validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the VoIP service provider continuously monitors the user's access point associations and automatically updates location information. This feedback loop ensures that location data remains current without requiring user intervention, maintaining both setup simplicity and location reliability.
2Reliability
If the VoIP service provider restricts service at new locations, then emergency call routing compliance is maintained, but user mobility and service accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine and update user location information without requiring user action. The VoIP service provider's system autonomously monitors access point associations and updates location data, eliminating the need for users to manually report address changes while maintaining compliance with emergency call routing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary location determination by continuously monitoring access point associations before emergency calls are placed. This advance tracking ensures that accurate location information is already available when emergency services are needed, maintaining compliance while enabling seamless service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user moves the endpoint device to a new location, then service flexibility and mobility are improved, but the ability to route emergency calls to the correct PSAP is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access point devices as intermediaries to track user location. Instead of directly monitoring user device位置, the system uses access points as mediators that provide location information through their known physical locations and associations with user devices, maintaining both mobility and location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The Access Point-address parameter serves multiple functions: it enables service continuity across locations, provides location information for emergency routing, and maintains service provider compliance requirements. This multi-functional parameter resolves the contradiction by simultaneously supporting both mobility and accurate location tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for providing mobility for a Voice over Internet Protocol Service (VoIP) provided on packet networks are disclosed. For example, the method receives a register request from a user endpoint device and retrieves an Access Point-address parameter from a contact header in the register request. The method then determines a physical location of an access point device in accordance with the Access Point-address parameter and updates location information for the user endpoint device in accordance with the physical location of the access point device.