Method for exchanging signaling messages in two phases

• US 6,324,279 B1
• Filed: 08/04/1999
• Issued: 11/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: AT&T Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ramakrishnan, Kadangode K., Mishra, Partho Pratim, Kalmanek, Charles Robert Jr., Marshall, William Todd, Nortz, Douglas M
• Primary Examiner(s): Hong, Harry S.
• Application Number:
  US09/366,676
• Time in Patent Office: 846 Days
• Field of Search: 370/389, 370/392, 370/400, 370/401, 379/201, 379/202, 379/203, 379/204, 379/205, 379/206, 379/207, 379/211, 379/212, 379/215, 379/229, 379/230
• US Class Current: 379/229
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/70 Admission control; Resource allocation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/724 at intermediate nodes, e.g. resource reservation protocol [RSVP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/803 Application aware
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/805 QOS or priority aware
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 47/806 Broadcast or multicast traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/2514 between local and global IP addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/2517 using port numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/2539 Hiding addresses; Keeping addresses anonymous
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/2564 for a higher-layer protocol, e.g. for session initiation protocol [SIP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1043 Gateway controllers, e.g. media gateway control protocol [MGCP] controllers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1106 Call signalling protocols; H.323 and related
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/65 Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/70 Media network packetisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/752 : adapting media to network capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/762 : at the source reformatting of additional data in video distribution servers H04N21/2355
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/765 : intermediate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/14 : Session management for real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/1066
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 : in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/1275 : Methods and means to improve the telephone service quality, e.g. reservation, prioritisation or admission control
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1307 : Call setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 : CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13095 : PIN / Access code, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 : Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13102 : Common translator
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13109 : Initializing, personal profile
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13145 : Rerouting upon failure
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1315 : Call waiting
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13176 : Common channel signaling, CCS7
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13196 : Connection circuit/link/trunk/junction, bridge, router, gateway
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1324 : Conference call
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1328 : Call transfer, e.g. in PBX
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1329 : Asynchronous transfer mode, ATM
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13298 : Local loop systems, access network
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13339 : Ciphering, encryption, security
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13348 : Channel/line reservation
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0025 : Provisions for signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0045 : involving hybrid, i.e. a mixture of public and private, or multi-vendor systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/72 : Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber

Abstract

Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

Claims

1. A method for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party to a called party, comprising:

forwarding a setup message having a destination address from the calling party to the called party;

receiving a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

sending the received setup acknowledgment message to the calling party,

the calling party and the called party exchanging end-to-end messages if the calling party received a forwarded setup acknowledgment message and if at least one from the group of the called party and the calling party sent a reseve message to an associated network edge device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network edge device associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network,

the network edge device associated with the called party connects the second network to a third network, the called party being associated with the third network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

8. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party to a called party, the instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

forward a setup message having a destination address from the calling party to the called party;

receive a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

send the received setup acknowledgment message to the calling party,

the calling party and the called party exchanging end-to-end messages if the calling party received a forwarded setup acknowledgment message and if at least one from the group of the called party and the calling party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

9. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring, message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

10. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without beings sent through a gate controller.

11. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

12. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

13. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the network edge device associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein:

the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network,

the network edge device associated with the called party connects the second network to a third network, the called party being associated with the third network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

15. A method for exchanging messages for a call between a calling party and a called party, comprising:

sending a setup message having a destination address from the called party to a gate controller;

receiving a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

exchanging end-to-end messages with the called party if at least one from the group of the calling party and the called party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the network edge device associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein:

the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network,

the network edge device associated with the called party connects the second network to a third network, the called party being associated with the third network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

22. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party to a called party, the instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

send a setup message having a destination address from the called party to a gate controller;

receive a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

exchange end-to-end messages with the called party if at least one from the group of the calling party and the called party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

24. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein the network edge device associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

28. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein:

the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network,

the network edge device associated with the called party connects the second network to a third network, the called party being associated with the third network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

29. A method for exchanging messages for a call between a calling party and a called party, comprising:

receiving a setup message having a destination address from the called party through a gate controller;

sending a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

exchanging end-to-end messages with the calling party if at least one from the group of the calling party and the called party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein the network edge device associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

35. The method of claim 29, wherein:

the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network,

the network edge device associated with the called party connects the second network to a third network, the called party being associated with the third network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

36. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party to a called party, the instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

receive a setup message having a destination address from the called party through a gate controller;

send a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

exchange end-to-end messages with the calling party if at least one from the group of the calling party and the called party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

37. The computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

38. The computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

39. The computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

40. The computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

41. The computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein the network edge device associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

42. The computer-readable medium of claim 36, wherein:

the network edge device associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network,

the network edge device associated with the called party connects the second network to a third network, the called party being associated with the third network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

43. A method for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party and a called party, comprising:

exchanging a setup message for the call through at least one gate controller, a plurality of network resources being reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages;

exchanging an end-to-end message for the call without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein:

the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network, and

the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

50. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party to a called party, the instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to:

exchange a setup message for the call through at least one gate controller, a plurality of network resources being reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup message; and

exchange an end-to-end message for the call without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.

51. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring message sent from the calling party to the called party without being sent through a gate controller.

52. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the end-to-end message is a ring back message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller.

53. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the end-to-end message is a connect message sent from the called party to the calling party without being sent through a gate controller, the connect message being sent when the called party indicates an acceptance for the call.

54. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

55. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

56. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein:

the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the calling party connects a first network to a second network, the calling party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network, and

the end-to-end messages are routed through a network edge device, the network edge device is associated with the called party connects a first network to a second network, the called party being associated with the first network, the gate controller being connected to the second network.

57. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the method steps for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party to a called party, the method steps comprising:

forwarding a setup message having a destination address from the calling party to the called party;

receiving a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

sending the received setup acknowledgment message to the calling party,

the calling party and the called party exchanging end-to-end messages if the calling party received the forwarded setup acknowledgment message and if at least one from the group of the called party and the calling party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

58. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the method steps for exchanging messages for a call between a calling party and a called party, the method steps comprising:

sending a setup message having a destination address from the called party to a gate controller;

receiving a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

exchanging end-to-end messages with the called party if at least one from the group of the calling party and the called party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

59. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the method steps for exchanging messages for a call between a calling party and a called party, the method steps comprising:

receiving a setup message having a destination address from the called party through a gate controller;

sending a setup acknowledgment message from the called party if the destination address corresponds to the called party; and

exchanging end-to-end messages with the calling party if at least one from the group of the calling party and the called party sent a reserve message to an associated network edge device.

60. A program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the method steps for exchanging signaling messages for a call between a calling party and a called party, the method steps comprising:

exchanging a setup message for the call through at least one gate controller, a plurality of network resources being reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages;

exchanging an end-to-end message for the call without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.