VoIP Emergency Call Routing via Intermediary Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 9-1-1 emergency service systems are inadequate in handling emergency calls from Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled telephony, as they fail to accurately determine the geographical location of VoIP devices, leading to difficulties in routing calls to the appropriate public safety answering points (PSAPs), especially when VoIP devices are used remotely.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves routing emergency calls from IP telephony through a routing device with a routing device identifier, transmitting this information to a PSAP, and redirecting the call to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) based on the device's location, ensuring that VoIP users receive standardized 9-1-1 service by identifying the end-user routing device and assigning the appropriate PSAP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VoIP devices are used remotely or nomadically, then user mobility and flexibility are improved, but the ability to accurately determine geographical location for PSAP routing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a routing device as an intermediary between the VoIP device and the PSAP. The routing device maintains location information and routing associations, acting as a mediator that bridges the mobility of VoIP users with the location-based routing requirements of emergency services. When a VoIP device moves to a new location, the routing device updates the location information and routing path without requiring changes to the PSAP or emergency service infrastructure.
2Reliability
If traditional 9-1-1 network processing features are used, then wireline and wireless emergency calls are handled effectively, but IP-enabled telephony emergency calls cannot be properly routed
Solution Approach 1:
The routing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple types of emergency calls (wireline, wireless, and IP-enabled) through a unified approach. It can process traditional circuit-switched calls and packet-switched VoIP calls using the same routing logic and location-based PSAP selection mechanism, making the emergency service system universally compatible across different telephony technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device serves as a gateway or mediator between the IP network (where VoIP calls originate) and the traditional 9-1-1 network infrastructure. It translates and adapts IP-based emergency calls into formats compatible with existing PSAP systems, enabling seamless integration without requiring fundamental changes to either the VoIP infrastructure or the traditional emergency service network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VoIP calls are routed through the Internet to remote PSTN locations, then network flexibility is improved, but the call origin location becomes obscured from PSAP routing
Solution Approach 1:
The routing device performs preliminary action by determining and storing the location information of the VoIP device before the emergency call is routed through the Internet. It pre-establishes the association between the routing device identifier and the geographical location, so that even when the call traverses remote PSTN locations, the original call origin information is preserved and available for accurate PSAP routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device acts as an information-preserving intermediary that maintains the call origin location data throughout the call routing process. It attaches or associates location information with the routing device identifier, ensuring that this critical information is not lost as the call travels through the Internet and remote PSTN locations to reach the appropriate PSAP.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for interfacing internet protocol-enabled emergency calls to a public 9-1-1 system are described. The method can include routing an emergency call originating from internet protocol telephony to a data network via a routing device which may include an identifier. The method can include transferring the routed emergency call to a predetermined public service answering point based on the identifier.