Showing papers on "IP Multimedia Subsystem published in 2004"

The 3G IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) : Merging the Internet and the Cellular Worlds

Abstract: Third edition of this best-selling guide to IMS: fully revised, and updated with brand new material The IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is the technology that merges the Internet with the cellular world. It makes Internet technologies such as the web, email, instant messaging, presence, and videoconferencing available nearly everywhere at any time. The third edition of this bestselling book is fully updated and provides comprehensively expanded content, including new chapters on emergency calls and on Voice Call Continuity (VCC). As well as this, The 3G IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) presents updated material including a comprehensive picture of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) as well as its applicability to IMS. As most of the protocols have been designed in the IETF, this book explains how the IETF developed these protocols and describes how these protocols are used in the IMS architecture. This is an indispensable guide for engineers, programmers, business managers, marketing representatives and technically aware users who want to understand how the IMS works and explore the business model behind it. New chapters on emergency calls, Voice Call Continuity (VCC), service configuration (XCAP, XDM), and conferencing Fully updated throughout, including Policy and Charging Control (PCC), QoS, Presence, Instant Messaging, Multimedia Telephony Services, and Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) Describes the IP Multimedia Subsystem from two different perspectives: from the IETF perspective, and from the 3GPP perspective. Provides details on the latest policy technology and security architecture Written by experienced professionals in the field.

Method of triggering application service using filter criteria and IP multimedia subsystem using the same

Abstract: A triggering method for IP multimedia service control. The triggering method comprises monitoring a session state or user state according to a set of specific filter criteria, recording a corresponding SIP request message, and triggering an application server designated by the criteria if a trigger point thereof matches the session state or user state. Furthermore, the SIP-server performs additional action effectively manage the session or services according to the Action defined in the user profile. The scheme is suited to application services triggered according to session state or user state, and is compatible with the iFC scheme defined in 3GPP. The present invention improves the efficiency of communication and enhances the flexibility of the SIP server.

Mobile network having ip multimedia subsystem (ims) entities and solutions for providing simplification of operations and compatibility between different ims entities

Abstract: An IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture for IP multimedia services is provided with a given user equipment (UE); a gateway support node (GGSN) configured to handle packet transmission to/from the given UE; and a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) configured to serve as a first contact point of the UE and provide session management services, including establishing a packet data protocol (PDP) context for IMS related signaling, registration, and other procedures for IMS sessions. The P-CSCF is also configured to perform the following: storing identification information from the given UE during registration in memory; receiving a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) message from the given UE; comparing identity in the SIP message with the identification information stored with a link to a Policy Decision Function (PDF); and using the same PDF for all operations of the given UE, when the identity in the SIP messages matches the identification information stored in memory.

IP multimedia services: analysis of mobile IP and SIP interactions in 3G networks

Abstract: Third-generation cellular networks have been designed to provide a variety of IP data services. Both IPv4 and IPv6 are supported in order to provide future-proof solutions. Mobility is supported through both cellular-specific and IP mechanisms. Mobile IP is becoming a key technology for managing mobility wireless networks. At the same time, the session initiation protocol is the key to realizing and provisioning services in IP-based cellular networks. The need for mobility of future real-time service independent of terminal mobility requires SIP to seamlessly interwork with mobile IP operations. In this article, we investigate the issues related to interworking between SIP and mobile IP, with a focus on IPv6 and the applicability to 3G networks being standardized in 3GPP and 3GPP2.

Providing packet-based multimedia services via a circuit bearer

Abstract: A packet-based multimedia service is provided to a terminal in a network. A packet signaling connection is established between the terminal and the network. Signaling information for the multimedia service is transferred via the packet signaling connection using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or a similar protocol. A circuit bearer connection is also established with the terminal. Data for the multimedia service is transferred via the circuit bearer connection. This allows the data to be carried across networks which do not support the required QoS functionality for the packet-based service, or which cannot efficiently carry packet-based data. The circuit bearer connection can be established by a network entity or by the terminal. The circuit bearer can be interworked to a packet-switched bearer at some point in the network, such as at a gateway, so as to provide a remote party with the appearance that a fully packet-switched connection is being used.

Apparatus and method for routing multimedia messages between a user agent and multiple multimedia message service centers

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for routing a multimedia message sent by a user agent to one of a plurality of multimedia message service centers, the user agent applying a pre-determined destination address to the multimedia message. The multimedia message is received at the pre-determined destination address, a target multimedia message service center is selected and the multimedia message is forwarded to the target multimedia message service center. Routing is based on address information contained in the multimedia message, session identification information associated with the multimedia message, load-balancing and fault-tolerance information associated with each one of the plurality of multimedia message service centers, service identifying information contained in the multimedia message and combinations thereof.

VoIP reliability: a service provider's perspective

Abstract: Voice over IP services offer important revenue-generating opportunities, as well as many technical challenges in providing high-quality services. Users have come to expect highly available telecommunications services with high-quality voice. Service providers need reliable high-performance networks to meet user expectations, and must be able to guarantee performance and reliability to their customers. In converged voice and data networks, the network infrastructure must deliver very high quality and availability for some customer needs, while also providing low-cost high-capacity bandwidth for other needs. The use of quality of service mechanisms to provide prioritization for various traffic types is a key element needed for voice and data network convergence. However, it is not sufficient if the underlying networks are unreliable. The focus of this article is to address the reliability aspects of VoIP services, including the underlying IP networks.

Methods, systems, and computer program products for voice over ip (voip) traffic engineering and path resilience using network-aware media gateway

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing voice over IP traffic engineering and path resilience using a network-aware media gateway are provided. In a media gateway, voice over IP hosts are assigned a first set of IP addresses. Network interfaces in the media gateway are assigned a second set of IP addresses that differ from the first set of IP addresses. Per-interface routers advertise reachability information from at least one of the voice over IP hosts via multiple interfaces and participate in network routing protocols to generate per interface routing tables. Voice over IP path lists may be generated based on the per interface routing tables. Internal costs may be assigned to the associations between the voice over IP hosts and the interfaces based on traffic engineering criteria.

Method, system, and network element for monitoring of both session content and signalling information in networks

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for intercepting at least one session involving at least a first and a second network of different types. For interception both signalling information of the at least one session, and session content related to the same session provided in another of the first and second networks are monitored. An indication to start interception is delivered from one of the first and second networks to the other one of the first and second networks. The first network can be an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, network, and the second network a General Packet Radio Service, GPRS, network.

Flexible charging mechanisms for ip multimedia services

Abstract: Flexible Charging Mechanisms for IP Multimedia Services A method of processing service related accounting requests at an Online Charging System of an IP Multimedia Subsystem. The method comprises recelving a service related accounting request from an IP Multimedia Subsystem Serving Element, the request containing an identification of the chargeable events measuring methods supported by the Serving Element. A charging model approphate to the chosen service is then selected, and one or niore of the supported measuring methods are selected on the basis of the selected charging model. An amount of granted service units for the or each selected measuring method are determined and an accounting response, containing the amount(s) of granted service units and an identification of the corresponding measuring method(s), sent to the Serving Element.

System and method for scalable and redundant COPS message routing in an IP multimedia subsystem

Abstract: An Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem for use in a telecommunication network. The IP multimedia subsystem comprises: 1) an IP switch for receiving Common Open Policy Service (COPS) protocol messages from an external IP network; and 2) a plurality of call application nodes capable of executing a plurality of Policy Decision Function (PDF) application groups. The IP switch distributes the COPS messages to the plurality of call application nodes according to a load-sharing algorithm.

In search of the all-IP mobile network

Abstract: Much of the recent standardization activity from the 3G mobile wireless community has been directed at the "all-IP" network to support multimedia services. This "all-IP" effort defines a separate IP multimedia domain attached to the mobile network. We consider what a mobile network might look like were it based on IP technology within the core of the network - if it were in fact all IP.

Combinational multimedia services

Abstract: A method of establishing a combinational multimedia session between at least two end user terminals, the method comprising: discovering at each end user terminal the end user authorization to use the multimedia service; subsequently establishing a circuit switched connection between the end user terminals via one or more telecommunication networks; upon successful discovery of end user authorization to use the multimedia service and prior to or following the establishment of said circuit switched connection, discovering at each end user terminal the multimedia capabilities of the or each other terminal; and whilst the circuit switched connection is established, establishing an IP multimedia subsystem session between the end user terminals via one or more IP multimedia subsystem networks, and transferring IP multimedia information between the user terminals, said multimedia information relating to a service supported by both or all user terminals.

Method and systems for toll-free internet protocol communication services

Abstract: This document describes Toll Free IP (TIP), a business model and its enabling methods to provide no-charge-to-user (“toll-free”) connectivity through IP-based access networks (e.g., public wireless hotspot networks based on IEEE 802.11), which may be operated by different network operators. With TIP, the use of networks to communicate with a toll-free IP destination will be paid by the owner of the toll-free IP destination. A toll-free IP destination can be identified in many ways, e.g., by a toll-free IP address, toll-free Internet Domain Name, a toll-free Universal Resource Identifier or Universal Resource Locator. TIP enables a user to use networks without prior service subscriptions with network or service providers and without any special terminal software or hardware for gaining permission to use a network. It allows users to use more access networks, i.e., larger “footprints”, than any individual network operator or aggregator can provide. With TIP, a service provider can provide services over IP-based access networks without the need to have business arrangements with each individual network operator or aggregator. TIP can also be used to enable other value-added services such as Prepaid IP, Collect IP, Selective Charging, and a single prepaid account across access networks of multiple operators or aggregators and even across wireless LANs (e.g., public hotspots and enterprise wireless LANs) and cellular networks.

Apparatus and method for providing VoIP service

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing VoIP service, where, in the case that a plurality of public IP terminals or PCs are connected to a private network using a public IP address, a switching system manages port information which is used by each of the IP terminals, switches a VoIP service request message or a response message, and notifies port information of the other IP terminal, and the IP terminal included in the private network connects a call to the other IP terminal so as to receive the VoIP service, so that a voice packet can be exchanged.

Charging mechanisms for ip multimedia services

Abstract: A method of reserving credit for a mobile subscriber in respect of an IP multimedia service. The method comprises, following initial registration of the subscriber to the IP Multimedia service but prior to invocation of an IP Multimedia service, using the early session establishment procedure to reserve a credit amount at a charging control node and to notify an IP Multimedia Serving Element of the credit reservation, whereupon, at invocation of said IP multimedia service, the IP Multimedia Serving Element is able to proceed immediately with the session establishment.

An overview of network-aware applications for mobile multimedia delivery

Abstract: Network-aware applications are a promising new concept in which applications are aware of network conditions and thus can adapt to the varying environment to achieve acceptable and predictable performance. This paper reviews the current research on network-aware applications, with a focus on their appliance on mobile multimedia applications. First, different frameworks or architectures of network-aware applications are introduced. Research issues and activities are then discussed in detail from two basic aspects of network-aware applications: network awareness and network adaptation. After the discussion about network-aware applications in general network environments, special problems and requirements of mobile multimedia applications are summarized, and different network-aware application approaches for mobile multimedia delivery are compared with respect to these requirements. Finally, we provide some suggestions to network-aware mobile multimedia application developers and identify current challenges in this area.

Opinion model for estimating conversational quality of VoIP

Abstract: VoIP (voice over IP) is one of the key technologies for recent telecommunication services. Since IP networks do not generally guarantee the transmission quality, it is extremely important to design and manage the QoS (quality of service) properly. To do this, it is indispensable to develop a systematic method which estimates subjective quality based on the physical characteristics of the VoIP system. The paper investigates the performance of the existing opinion model called E-model, and proposes a method to improve it. The experimental results show that the proposed model surely improves the estimation accuracy in evaluating practical VoIP systems.

Method for obtaining location information for emergency services in wireless multimedia networks

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining end-user location information for emergency services within a multimedia network is presented. The multimedia network may include a network implementing the Session Initiation Protocol, H.323, etc. In one embodiment, a Location Application Server (LAS) in the multimedia network and an interface between the LAS and a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) is defined.

Method, system, and devices for transmitting information between a user equipment and an IP packet gateway

Abstract: A method, a system, and network elements for transmitting information between a user equipment and an IP packet gateway, are disclosed, the IP packet gateway communicating with an IP network via an interface, wherein, when the UE is requesting at least one service requiring access to the IP network, authorization of the requested service is checked, wherein an error message is sent from the IP packet gateway to the user equipment, when the requested service is not authorized. The present invention discloses several options of signaling error messages between IP packet gateway and UE, for example, via IP layer signaling (e.g. RESV ERR messages) or link layer signaling (e.g. IS2000 and IOS signaling). The solution according to the present invention, in particular, relates to a CDMA network in connection with an IP multimedia subsystem network.

Ims subscriber access control

Abstract: A method of controlling subscriber access to SIP-based services facilitated by an IP Multimedia Subsystem. The method comprises defining at a Serving Call Session Control Function node at least one default screening trigger, and downloading from a Home Subscriber Subsystem, specific screening triggers allocated to at least certain subscribers. At the Serving Call Session Control Function node, at least certain SIP messages originating at subscriber terminals are intercepted and, for each intercepted message and in the absence of a matching specific screening trigger, the default trigger is activated so as to cause the SIP message to be forwarded to a specific SIP application service.

IP telephone and IP adaptor

Abstract: When one of two IP telephones that are maintaining a call receives a TV camera connection request, the IP telephone obtains a URI of an IP TV camera service from a resource record of the opposing terminal. Then, the IP telephone delivers the URI of the IP TV camera service to an IP TV camera adaptor of its own IP telephone in order to make a video communication request. The resource record of the opposing terminal is associated with a telephone number of the opposing IP telephone, the record being obtained by connecting to a DNS server. The IP TV camera adaptor connects a call, via the IP telephone, to an IP TV camera adaptor of the opposing terminal, using the URI of the IP TV camera service of the opposing terminal and performs video image communication.

Charging for multimedia services

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method of charging for a combinational multimedia service making use of circuit switched and packet switched services between participating user terminals and an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, responsible for setting-up and controlling packet switched sessions, the method comprising: sending packet switched data generated by a first of the terminals, from a gateway node of a packet switched access network to the or each other terminal via a routing node having an IP address/port-number known a priori; and configuring a charging function associated with said gateway node to zero-rate data destined for said fixed IP address/port-number.

Integrating SIP, presence and FTP to provide wireless multimedia messaging

Abstract: Building on the success of short message service (SMS), the use of multimedia messaging service (MMS), is taking off on global system for mobile (GSM) communications, General packet radio service (GPRS) and universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) networks. Multimedia messages for person-to-person communication greatly enhance the messages users now routinely exchange via SMS and provide operators with new opportunities to offer new appealing services and generate additional revenue. However, MMS uses a proprietary implementation by the mobile phone vendors, e.g. Nokia, Logica CMG. At the same time, internet protocol (IP) technology has provided an effective nonproprietary infrastructure for internet multimedia services. With the adoption of IP protocols into the wireless network and convergence with fixed line networks, e.g. in GPRS and UMTS, the challenge becomes to deliver multimedia messages in a nonpropriety manner to wireless users. This paper will examine the session initiation protocol (SIP), presence and FTP through a nonproprietary open technology architecture to deliver multimedia messages wirelessly.

Towards an integrated multimedia service hosting overlay

Abstract: With the proliferation of multimedia data sources on the Internet, we envision an increasing demand for value-added and function-rich multimedia services that transport, process, and analyze multimedia data on behalf of end users. More importantly, multimedia services are expected to be easily accessible and composable by users. In this paper, we propose MSODA, a service-oriented platform that hosts a wide spectrum of media services provided by different parties. From the user's point of view, MSODA is a shared "market" for media service access and composition. For a media service provider, MSODA creates a virtual dedicated environment for service deployment and management. Finally, the underlying MSODA middleware performs the key functions of service composition, configuration, and mapping for users. We discuss key challenges in the design of MSODA and present preliminary results towards its full realization.

Network monitoring for Video Quality over IP

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the problem of predicting application-level video quality based on monitoring video packets within the network. Our goal is to detect impairments (either serveror network-induced) that will affect the quality of the video displayed to the viewer. We present a framework for in-network video quality degradation monitoring, and describe the information that can be extracted by processing the observed packets at different depths. For the popular Windows Media streaming format, we present techniques to estimate video quality degradations based on examining information at the IP, TCP and application-layers. We demonstrate the potential of our methods using IP traffic observed at a broadband head-end over a one-week period.

A method and an apparatus for providing multimedia services in mobile terminal

Abstract: A method and an apparatus provide a service of multimedia data in a mobile terminal. In the method and the apparatus, a package data is generated and stored at a multimedia data providing device. The package data includes an execution condition and a multimedia file corresponding to the execution condition , wherein the multimedia file executes in the mobile terminal when the execution condition is satisfied. When the mobile terminal accesses the multimedia data providing device and requests the multimedia data, the package data including the multimedia data is transmitted to the mobile terminal through communication network. According to the method and the apparatus, the mobile terminal is simply provided various multimedia services.