VoIP Border Element Selection via IP Anycast Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional VoIP border element configurations lead to sub-optimal media paths and inefficient network utilization when VoIP devices are moved, resulting in poor communication session quality due to static IP addresses and increased latency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where VoIP devices use shared IP addresses for VoIP border elements, enabling IP anycast routing to dynamically select the closest border element, and a media path redirector to provide a unique IP address for optimal routing, reducing communication resource consumption and improving session quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a static VoIP border element configuration is used, then device provisioning is simplified, but media path optimization deteriorates when devices move to different geographic locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice provisioningVSAvoidmedia path optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic border element selection by replacing static IP address configurations with a mechanism that automatically selects the optimal border element based on the device's current geographic location. The system dynamically determines the nearest border element using location information from GPS or network-based location services, and automatically updates the border element IP address in the device's configuration, thereby achieving both ease of operation and adaptability to device movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a static VoIP border element configuration is used, then network configuration complexity is reduced, but network utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configurationVSAvoidnetwork utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects border elements based on real-time location data, ensuring that VoIP traffic is routed through the geographically nearest border element. This dynamic approach optimizes network utilization by reducing transmission distances and avoiding congested paths, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing configuration complexity, as the dynamic selection is performed automatically by the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a static VoIP border element configuration is used, then initial setup is simpler, but communication session quality deteriorates due to increased latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial setupVSAvoidcommunication session quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic border element selection that automatically determines the optimal border element based on the device's current geographic location. By using location information from GPS or network-based location services, the system dynamically updates the border element IP address in the device's configuration, ensuring that communication always routes through the nearest border element. This maintains high communication session quality and low latency while keeping the initial setup process simple, as the dynamic optimization occurs automatically after provisioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10063392B2Methods and apparatus to select a voice over internet protocol (VOIP) border element
Publication Date: 2018.08.28 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US10063392B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to select a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) border element are disclosed. An example method comprises sending a first session initiation protocol (SIP) protocol message from a first voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) device, the first SIP message comprising an Internet protocol (IP) address shared by at least two VoIP border elements, and receiving a second SIP message at the first VoIP device from a second VoIP device, the second SIP message comprising a unique address for the second VoIP device, the second VoIP device to be selected based on the shared IP address.