Dynamic VOIP Connection Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VOIP systems lack flexibility, as changes in device IP addresses often result in connection failures and require extensive protocol negotiation, detracting from user experience.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic VOIP connection system that switches between relay mode and peer-to-peer mode, using relay servers to maintain connectivity and re-establish connections when devices change networks, allowing seamless communication across different networks and platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing VOIP connection methods are used, then connection establishment is possible, but the connection fails when device IP address changes and requires re-initialization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidflexibility to IP address changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that maintains persistent connections with both VOIP devices. When a device's IP address changes, the server acts as a mediator to re-establish the connection without requiring the device to re-initialize the call. The server stores mapping information between device identifiers and current IP addresses, enabling it to route communications correctly even when addresses change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing VOIP protocol negotiation is performed, then connection establishment is possible, but extensive protocol negotiation detracts from user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidprotocol negotiation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs protocol negotiation and connection parameters establishment in advance, before the actual VOIP call begins. The server pre-negotiates communication parameters with both devices and establishes the connection framework beforehand. This preliminary action eliminates the need for extensive real-time protocol negotiation during the call, reducing latency and improving user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If relay servers are used to maintain connectivity, then connection flexibility improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that maintains persistent connections with both VOIP devices. When a device's IP address changes, the server acts as a mediator to re-establish the connection without requiring the device to re-initialize the call. The server stores mapping information between device identifiers and current IP addresses, enabling it to route communications correctly even when addresses change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2993861B1Establishing and maintaining a VOIP call
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 WHATSAPP
  • EP2993861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2993861B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2993861B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and methods are provided for establishing and supporting a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) call from one computing/communication device to another. The system receives a call offer from a caller, forwards it to the callee, and identifies to each party multiple candidate relay entities for relaying their digitized voice communications. Each device binds with one or all relays, and either or both of them select one of the relays to use in a relay mode of operation of the call, if necessary. One or more of the relays inform the devices of their external network addresses, and each device passes its (internal and external) addresses to each other, through the system. The devices attempt to establish a direct connection to conduct their call in a peer-to-peer mode of operation, but may dynamically switch between peer-to-peer and relay modes as necessary.