VoIP Call Routing Verification Using Test Key Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
VoIP providers lack an efficient means to verify that calls are properly routed through their networks, leading to time-consuming and costly manual processes to reconstruct call flows and ensure correct provisioning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate outbound calls with a test key from a VoIP network to a PSTN, allowing the call to be routed back and tracked, using network resources like session border controllers or softswitches to verify routing and collect tracking information for display on a graphical output device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual call verification is performed by placing test calls, then routing verification can be achieved, but toll charges are incurred and destination phone owners experience annoying ringing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test key as an intermediary element that mediates between the test tool and the PSTN network. The test key is inserted into the origination number field of test calls, allowing the system to identify and intercept test calls before they reach destination phones. This intermediary mechanism enables verification without causing harmful effects to end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts test calls from the normal call flow by using the test key as an identifier. Network resources detect the test key and divert these specific calls to the test tool, separating the verification process from regular customer calls. This extraction prevents test calls from reaching destination phones and causing annoying ringing.
2Reliability
If manual reconstruction of call flows is performed by mining log files, then routing verification can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having network resources automatically detect and intercept test calls as they occur, rather than waiting for calls to complete and then manually analyzing logs. The test tool receives real-time test calls with test keys, enabling immediate verification without post-call analysis delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the test tool sends test calls with embedded test keys, network resources detect and intercept these calls, route them back to the test tool, and provide real-time verification results. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the manual log mining process and provides immediate routing verification.
3Productivity
If automated test calls with test keys are routed through network resources, then verification efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network resources universal by enabling them to handle both regular customer calls and test calls with test keys through the same infrastructure. The session border controller and softswitch can route normal calls to destinations while simultaneously detecting test keys and diverting test calls to the test tool, eliminating the need for separate verification systems.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for verifying the routing of a call through a network, including: generating an outbound call from a test tool in a first network, the outbound call including a test key and a destination number, the destination number being associated with a communication device accessible to first network, routing the outbound call to second network, receiving outbound call from second network in the form of inbound call to first network, the inbound call including the test key and the destination number, accessing the test key, and based at least in part on the test key, routing the inbound call to the test tool. In some instances, call tracking information may be collected, analyzed, and/or displayed.