Multiplex communications – Pathfinding or routing – Combined circuit switching and packet switching
Reexamination Certificate
1997-05-02
2001-11-27
Martin-Wallace, Valencia (Department: 3713)
Multiplex communications
Pathfinding or routing
Combined circuit switching and packet switching
C370S401000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324173
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to telecommunications signal processing and more particularly to a system and method for routing Internet calls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As access demand on the Internet or with on-line services grows, a proportional increase in the stress on telecommunications equipment occurs to support the access demand. Subscribers typically access the Internet through one or more Internet Service Providers. Each Internet Service Provider is generally accessed by subscribers using discrete local telephone numbers that provide broad coverage into a public switched telephone network. Access to the Internet Service Provider is typically a free local call where the local exchange carrier receives no revenues for the telephone usage. Internet Service Providers terminate in end offices of the public switched telephone network using conventional subscriber numbering plans. No control exists as to Internet subscriptions, local telephone number assignments for Internet Service Providers, or locations of Internet Service Providers. Internet traffic between subscribers and Internet Service Providers is mainly routed through the existing public switched telephone network over the same trunks that carry voice, facsimile, and data calls.
Traditional network engineering traffic guidelines do not take into consideration the longer than average hold times of Internet calls. Most telecommunications equipment were designed based on an average call holding time of three to five minutes. However, average call holding times for Internet calls is significantly longer. Current estimates are that Internet and similar services have raised the total average call holding time to over ten minutes. This is expected to increase as the Internet continues to grow. Current end office switches within the public switched telephone network are not configured to support extended access to the Internet. The increased average call holding times of Internet calls place a strain on the public switched telephone network that affects the quality of service provided to and expected by the local subscriber. The public switched telephone network is no longer able to provide effective universal services to its customers while meeting the growing Internet demands.
Increased average call holding times decrease the carrying capacity of trunks and, because the calls are typically free, decrease toll call revenue per trunk as a result of the increased content per call. Though additional trunks may be installed to support the increase in call holding times, such additions increase trunk group costs and operating expenses. Congestion occurs within the public switched telephone network as customers attempt and re-attempt their calls. Service quality suffers resulting in increased customer dissatisfaction and increased service costs. Expensive and complex switch reconfigurations would be needed in order to relieve the congestion on the public switched telephone network caused by Internet calls. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the congestion in the public switched telephone network caused by the long holding times of Internet calls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a technique of avoiding congestion on a public switched telephone network caused by the long hold times of Internet calls. In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus of routing Internet calls are provided that substantially eliminate or reduce disadvantages and problems associated with conventional processing of Internet calls.
In one aspect of the invention, an Internet call routing system includes a master controller coupled to a signaling control network, and a call routing element coupled to the master controller and a voice switched network. The call routing element receives calls destined for an information service provider from the voice switched network as directed by the master controller. At least one modem bank is coupled to the call routing element and master controller for converting the calls destined for the information service provider from a first format to a second format and then providing the converted calls to a packet data network.
In another aspect of the invention, a modem interface to a packet data network includes a controller coupled to a master controller for receiving control information therefrom. At least one modem receives a call destined for an information service provider from a call routing element and converts the call from an analog format to a digital format. An adaptation unit is coupled to the at least one modem for packing the digital call into a plurality of data packets. A network interface is coupled to the adaptation unit for transporting the data packets to a packet data network.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for interfacing to a packet data network includes the steps of receiving a call from a call routing element, and receiving control information from a master controller. The call is converted from an analog format to a digital format, and then packed into a plurality of data packets or cells. A destination address is obtained from the control information, and inserted into the plurality of data packets. The plurality of data packets are then sent to an information service provider via a packet data network.
The present invention provides various technical advantages over conventional Internet call processing. For example, one technical advantage is to re-route Internet calls off of the public switched telephone network. Another technical advantage is to avoid burdening the public switched telephone network with the long hold times typical of Internet calls. Yet another technical advantage is to transport Internet calls in asynchronous transfer mode cell format or frame relay format over an asynchronous transfer mode network or a frame relay network to an Internet service provider. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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P. Carbone, et al., “Internet Thruway: A Profitable New Route for Data Traffic”, Telesis, No. 102, Dec. 1996, pp. 6-15.
Deschaine Stephen A.
Hager Kevin W.
Traupman Edward P.
Ward Ronald L.
Alcatel USA Sourcing L.P.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Martin-Wallace Valencia
Nguyen Kim T.
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