VoIP Call Agent Validation via PSTN Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoIP systems face challenges in securely and efficiently interconnecting enterprise networks without the need for intermediate service providers, as existing solutions like SIP Trunks and direct gateway interconnects are costly and burdensome, especially for large-scale implementations, and lack secure verification of call routing information.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where call agents use the PSTN system to verify ownership of telephone numbers by hashing and storing VoIP call routing information in a registry, allowing secure lookup and validation of call agents, and separating validation services from call agents to ensure secure and efficient VoIP call routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static configuration of direct SIP or H.323 trunks is used between call agents, then VoIP calls within a community can be routed efficiently, but the system becomes burdensome for large-scale implementations and limits interconnection versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation function from the call agent and implements it as a separate validation server. This separation allows the call agent to focus on call routing while the validation server handles security verification independently, reducing the complexity burden on call agents and enabling scalable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation server acts as an intermediary between call agents and the PSTN. It receives validation requests from call agents, performs verification using PSTN call attributes, and returns validation results. This intermediary approach enables secure verification without requiring call agents to directly manage complex validation logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SIP Trunk services are used to connect calls via service provider, then enterprise interconnection is enabled, but costs remain high and intermediate service provider involvement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation function from the call agent and implements it as a separate validation server. This separation allows the call agent to focus on call routing while the validation server handles security verification independently, reducing the complexity burden on call agents and enabling scalable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation server enables call agents to self-validate their routing information through PSTN calls. The system allows enterprises to verify their own call routing capabilities without requiring intermediate service providers, achieving self-service validation that eliminates dependency on third-party providers.
3Productivity
If direct gateway interconnect is used, then VoIP calls can be routed between enterprises, but security verification of call routing information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The validation server implements a feedback mechanism where call attributes from actual PSTN calls are used to verify and validate call routing information. The server receives validation requests, performs verification using real PSTN call data, and returns validation results to call agents, creating a feedback loop that ensures reliability and security of routing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of call routing information before actual VoIP calls are routed. By verifying routing information in advance through PSTN calls and storing validated results in a database, the system ensures that only verified and secure routing paths are used for subsequent calls, preventing routing security issues.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus may receive at least one call attribute of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) call initiated to a destination telephone number. The apparatus may verify a destination Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) call agent for the destination telephone number based on demonstrated knowledge of the PSTN call. The apparatus may transmit an indication the destination VoIP call agent is verified for the destination telephone number.