WLAN Community Service Access for Short-Code Voice Calling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies lack support for voice calls using short codes for non-emergency community services, such as N11 services, especially in the absence of regular cellular coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an over-the-top (OTT) application on user devices to detect nearby WLAN access points, receive information about supported non-emergency community services, and establish voice-over-IP calls with target call centers using voice-over-WLAN technology, with support from a Community Services Provisioning Server and network operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN is used for voice services, then service accessibility is improved in areas without cellular coverage, but existing standards lack support for short code dialing for non-emergency services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the WLAN access point broadcasts service capability information and the user device's OTT application acts as a mediator to interpret these broadcasts, map short codes to appropriate services, and establish calls. This intermediary approach allows WLAN to support non-emergency services without requiring changes to core WLAN standards, thus improving service accessibility while managing complexity through software-based solutions rather than standard protocol modifications.
2Loss of information
If OTT application monitors WLAN networks, then location-specific service information is obtained, but additional software functionality is required on user devices
Solution Approach 1:
The OTT application implements self-service functionality by autonomously monitoring WLAN access points, interpreting their broadcast information about supported services, and automatically managing the call establishment process. The application serves itself by handling service information acquisition, parsing, and action without requiring external intervention, thus reducing the need for complex user interaction while improving service information availability.
3Loss of information
If beacon frames include service capability information, then service support is indicated, but broadcast message size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by including service capability information selectively in WLAN beacon frames rather than using a uniform comprehensive format. The access point broadcasts only the specific service capabilities it supports (such as non-emergency service indication), allowing receiving devices to extract relevant information without processing unnecessary data. This selective information inclusion reduces broadcast message size while maintaining service capability information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed for supporting non-emergency community services in a wireless communication network. An end user device may detect activation of an over-the-top (OTT) application, which may be configured to monitor surrounding wireless networks. The end user device may also receive broadcasts identifying a wireless network from an access point that is located nearby, and determine whether the wireless network supports non-emergency community services based on the received broadcasts. In response to determining that the wireless network supports non-emergency community services, the end user device may send a request for details about supported non-emergency community services to the access point, receive a response message from the access point identifying location-specific non-emergency community services offered by the wireless network, and display the offered location-based non-emergency community services.