VoIP Gateway Call Routing for Roaming Charge Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VoIP services fail to seamlessly route calls to VoIP clients when users are roaming, leading to increased roaming charges and poor call quality, as they cannot receive VoIP calls on their mobile number or laptop when out of coverage.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically routes calls from a non-VoIP wireless or fixed line number to a VoIP client over an IP network when the VoIP client is online, using a gateway that monitors roaming links and detects client status to transfer traffic based on presence and location, allowing for conditional and unconditional call forwarding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If calls are routed through traditional mobile networks when roaming, then call connectivity is maintained, but international roaming charges increase and call quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming chargesVSAvoidcall routing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary between the traditional mobile network and VoIP network. The gateway monitors the user's location and network status, then automatically routes calls through the appropriate network (VoIP when available, traditional mobile network when roaming). This mediator enables seamless switching between networks without user intervention, reducing roaming charges while maintaining call reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If users rely on traditional mobile networks while roaming, then call reception is possible, but call quality and cost-effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming chargesVSAvoidcall reception quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the call routing path based on real-time conditions. The gateway continuously monitors whether the user is roaming and whether VoIP services are available, then dynamically switches the routing path between traditional mobile network and VoIP network. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal call quality and cost-effectiveness without requiring manual user configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If automatic call forwarding to VoIP clients is implemented, then roaming charge reduction is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming chargesVSAvoidcall routing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway server performs automatic monitoring and routing decisions without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages the complexity by implementing automated detection of roaming status, automatic selection of optimal routing paths, and seamless switching between networks. Users simply benefit from the service without needing to understand or configure the underlying complex routing logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1952652B1Network-based system for rerouting phone calls from phone networks to VOIP clients for roamers and subscribers who do not answer

Publication Date: 2012.06.27 ROAMWARE INC

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AI summary

A system, method, computer product and service are provided which, when a subscriber's VoIP client is online and the subscriber's non-VoIP wireless or fixed line number is called, will automatically route the call over IP to the subscriber's VoIP client. This routing may be performed by the subscriber's wireless or fixed line home operator and can be conditioned to depend on whether the non-VoIP number is roaming or not answering.