WO2020242461A1

WO2020242461A1 - Apparatus and method for location request processing

Info

Publication number: WO2020242461A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/034270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert SENGBERG; Thomas Nagel
Original assignee: Unify Patente Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2019-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-29
Publication date: 2020-12-03

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method can be configured to improve security for the processing of a location request that may be sent in response to receipt of a call requesting emergency services. Some embodiments can be configured so that an emergency service routing proxy (ESRP) is configured to connect to a location information server (LIS) to facilitate the sending of location requests to the LIS and providing of LIS responses to functional elements who send such requests. The ESRP can be configured to facilitate use of a pre-selected protocol for propagation of the requests and LIS responses in an emergency services network (e.g. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or other protocol). In some embodiments, the ESRP can be configured to modify a received request for sending to the LIS so the request is in a different protocol and also modify any LIS response to the first pre-selected protocol.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOCATION REQUEST PROCESSING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present innovation relates to use of telecommunications equipment (e.g. computers, telephones, etc.). For example, embodiments of the present innovation can relate to an apparatus and method for processing a communication related to emergency services. Some embodiments of the present innovation can be employed in connection with one or more telecommunication related services that are provideable via at least one application associated with a service that may be run by a terminal device and/or supported by a telecommunication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0081646 discloses an example of a conventional short messaging system (SMS) emergency services 911 system. U.S. Patent No. 9,497,227 also discloses a system and method that can be used in connection with emergency services. In connection with such services, a functional element (also referred to as an“FE”) can be required to retrieve location information of a caller. According to the NENA NG911 i3 specification for Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESInet) and Public Safety Answering Point (PASP), each FE in such an environment can be required to retrieve location information of a caller by requesting that information directly form a location information server.

We have determined that implementing the NENA NG911 i3 specification can require at least two connections from each and every FE in the ESInet and PSAP environment. We have determined that such an arrangement can create security issues for the NG911 networks and the location information server. We have determined that such issues can create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by third parties (e.g. bad actors) to the detriment of system operators and users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We determined that a new method and apparatus for location request processing can be provided to help improve the security of telecommunication apparatuses and methods. This can be particularly true for embodiments that are designed to comply with the NENA NG911 i3 specification or other similar type specifications related to processing of emergency services communications. In some embodiments, only a single FE in these types of environments can be configured to retrieve location information of a caller to help improve the security of such systems. In other embodiments, only a limited number of FEs can be configured to retrieve location information of a caller to help improve the security of such systems.

In some embodiments, a telecommunication apparatus for an emergency services network includes an emergency service routing proxy (ESRP). The ESRP can be configured to communicatively connect a first functional element of the emergency services network with a location information server (LIS) so that a request for location information included in a first location request sent by the first functional element is sendable to the LIS and location information within a location response to the request for location information included in the first location request generated by the LIS in response to receiving the request for location

information of the first location request is transmittable to the first functional element.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can be configured as a communication system or as a communication network. For example, in some embodiments the apparatus can be structured as a system that can include the first functional element. The first functional element can be a public safety answering point (PSAP) or a remote PSAP. The remote PSAP can be located in a network that is external toe the ESRP and be communicatively connected to the ESRP via at least one intermediate network. A PSAP can be within the same network as the ESRP and be communicatively connected via an intranetwork communication connection or be a remote PSAP.

Some embodiments of the telecommunication apparatus can include a first gateway communicatively connected between the ESRP and the first functional element. In other embodiments, there may also be additional gateways (e.g. a second gateway, a third gateway, etc.). The first gateway can be a legacy public safety answering point gateway (LPG) or other type of gateway.

In some embodiments, the ESRP can be configured to translate the request for location information from a first pre-selected protocol to a second protocol before sending the request for location information to the LIS. In some embodiments, the first pre-selected protocol can be Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). For example, in some embodiments the first gateway can be configured to send the request for location information of the first functional element as a first location request message in a first pre-selected protocol (e.g. a SIP request message requesting location information) and the ESRP can be configured to translate the first location request message from the first pre-selected protocol to a second protocol before sending the request for location information to the LIS. The ESRP can a translator unit for providing such a translation in some embodiments. The LIS can be configured to respond to the request for location information sent in accordance with the second protocol and not be configured to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the first pre-selected protocol.

Embodiments of the telecommunication apparatus can also include a user terminal that can be configured to send the emergency call to the emergency services network. The first functional element can be configured to generate the request for location information in response to the emergency call (e.g. in response to the emergency call being directed to the first functional element, in response to the first functional element answering the emergency call, etc.).

Embodiments of the telecommunication apparatus can include machines. For instance, the ESRP can include hardware such as, for example, a processor connected to a non-transitory readable medium. The first gateway can also include a processor connected to a non-transitory readable medium and the first functional element can also include a processor connected to a non-transitory readable medium.

Methods for location request processing are also provided. Embodiments of these methods can utilize embodiments of the telecommunication apparatus or components of such an apparatus. In some embodiments, the method can include an ESRP connecting a LIS to a plurality of functional elements of an emergency services network for propagating caller location information in response to an emergency call. The ESRP can receive a first location request from a first functional element directly or via a first gateway and the ESRP can send the first location request to the LIS in response to receiving the first location request. The first location request sent to the LIS can be in a protocol that the LIS is configured for receiving and responding to. The ESRP can receive a location response to the first location request and subsequently send location information included in the received location response to the first functional element or the first gateway for routing to the first functional element.

In other embodiments, a telecommunication apparatus for an emergency services network includes an ESRP configured to communicatively connect a first functional element of the emergency services network with a LIS so that a request for location information included in a first location request sent by the first functional element is sendable to the LIS and location information within a location response to the request for location information included in the first location request generated by the LIS in response to receiving the request for location information of the first location request is transmittable to the first functional element. A first gateway communicatively connected between the ESRP and the first functional element can be configured to send the request for location information of the first functional element as a first location request message in a first pre-selected protocol and the ESRP (can be configured to translate the first location request message from the first pre-selected protocol (e.g. SIP) to a second protocol before sending the request for location information to the LIS. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include the LIS and the LIS can be configured to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the second protocol while also being unable to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the first pre selected protocol.

Other details, objects, and advantages of the telecommunications apparatus method will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of telecommunications network, telecommunication apparatus, and methods of making and using the same are shown in the drawings included herewith. It should be understood that like reference characters used in the drawings may identify like components.

Figure l is a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a telecommunications network.

Figure 2 is block diagram of an exemplary computer device that can be configured as a terminal, communication device, gateway, routing proxy, or server element that can be utilized in the first exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications apparatus included in the first exemplary telecommunications network of Figure 1. It should be appreciated that the first exemplary embodiment of the telecommunications network shown in Figure 1 can include different embodiments of the computer device shown in Figure 2 that are configured to function as different elements (e.g. a first embodiment can be configured as a gateway, a second embodiment can be configured as a server, etc.).

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a telecommunication apparatus 10 included in the first exemplary telecommunications network of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for location request processing that can be employed in the first exemplary telecommunication apparatus 10 and also the first exemplary telecommunications network.

Below is a table listing reference characters used in the drawings:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1-4, a telecommunications network can include a telecommunication apparatus 10 as well as a number of different elements configured to facilitate the processing of a location request sent in response to receipt of an emergency call EC (e.g. a voice or text communication sent in connection with requesting 911 related emergency services, etc.). For instance, a telecommunications network can include a user terminal 1 that is communicatively connectable to an emergency services network (ES Network) 5. Such a connection can be provided via an intermediate network 3 such as the internet or other type of wide area network (e.g. a cellular network, etc.). Such a connection could alternatively be provided via an access point for the ES Network 5.

The ES Network 5 can include at least one gateway. For example, the ES network can include a first gateway 11 and a second gateway 13. The first gateway 11 can be

communicatively connected to at least one public safety answering point (PSAP) 15. The PSAP 15 can be configured as a computer system, a communication terminal or other type of device for answering an emergency call EC that is within the ES Network 5 (e.g. via a connection to an access point or router of the ES Network 5, etc.). The second gateway 13 can be

communicatively connectable to at least one PSAP 15 and/or at least one remote PSAP 17. As can be appreciated from the broken line illustration included in Figure 3, the first gateway 11 can also be communicatively connected to at least one remote PSAP 17. Each remote PSAP 17 can be a PSAP that is external to the ES Network 5. As indicated in broken line in Figure 1 and also shown in Figure 3, each gateway can be configured to facilitate routing of an emergency call EC received from a user terminal 1 to a PSAP 15 or a remote PSAP 17 for the PSAP to respond to that emergency call EC. The emergency call EC can be structured as a telephone call, a text message transmission, a video call, or other type of emergency call utilizing different media types.

The ES Network 5 can also include at least one Emergency Service Routing Proxy (ESRP) 7 that can be configured for communication with at least one location information server (LIS) 21. Some embodiments of the ES Network 5 can be configured so that there is a single ESRP 7. Other embodiments may have a pre-selected number of ESRPs that is less than a total number of functional elements (also referred to herein as“FEs”) of the ES Network 5 that may respond to an emergency call EC.

In some embodiments, there may be a single ESRP that is configured for connection to a respective location information server (LIS) 21. For instance, there may be a single ESRP for connecting with a single LIS 21 in embodiments of the ES Network configured to only utilize the single LIS 21. For embodiments of the ES Network 5 configured for communication with different location information servers, the ES Network 5 can include, for example, at least a first ESRP 7 for connection to a first LIS 21 and a second ESRP 7 for connection to a second LIS 21. In yet other embodiments, a single ESRP 7 can be configured for connection to multiple different location information servers. For example, a first ESRP 7 can be communicatively connected to a first LIS 21 and a second LIS 21 in embodiments of the ES Network 5 that may include at least two location information servers. Each ESRP 7 can be configured to include a location access unit (LA) 9 and a translator unit (TRT) 7a. The translator unit can be configured to modify a location request so the request is modified from a first pre-selected protocol for propagation within the ES Network 5 to a second protocol that the LIS 21 to which the ESRP 7 is connected is configured for. For instance, the ESRP 7 can include a translator unit that is configured to modify a location request sent in a message sent in compliance with Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to a second transmission protocol for sending that location request to an LIS 21. The translator unit of the ESRP 7 can also be configured to modify an LIS response to such a request from the second protocol in which the LIS 21 may send the response so that the LIS response is modified into SIP protocol for subsequently sending the location information included in the LIS response to the functional element (FE) that sent the location request (e.g. a PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17 that may have sent the location request in response to receiving an emergency call EC).

The ES Network 5 can also include network nodes or other types of network elements. For instance, the ES Network 5 can include session border controllers, servers configured to support different applications or services available via the ES Network (e.g. a document server, an email server, an instant messaging server, an email server, etc.), a private branch exchange (PBX), a voice mail system, an interactive voice response (IVR) system, multiple terminal devices, access points, and/or routers. Embodiments of the ES Network 5 can also include other types of computer devices 2.

The user terminal 1, ESRP 7, first gateway 11, second gateway 13, PSAP 15, remote PSAP 17, and LIS 21 can each be configured as a type of computer device 2. Each computer device 2 can be configured as a type of communication device. Different embodiments of the computer device 2 can be configured to function as different elements of the ES Network 5 and have different hardware and software to provide different functionality. It should be appreciated that each computer device 2 can include at least one processor (CPU) 2a that is communicatively connected to a memory 2b and at least one transceiver 2c. The processor 2a can be a

microprocessor, central processing unit, or other type of hardware processor. The memory 2b can be flash memory, a hard drive, or other type of non-transitory computer readable medium. Each transceiver 2c can include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter. In some embodiments, the computer device can include multiple transceivers (e.g. a Bluetooth transceiver, a near field communication (NFC) transceiver, a local area network transceiver, a cellular network transceiver, and/or a wireless local area network transceiver, etc.). The memory 2b can store at least one application (App) 2e and at least one data store (DS) 2f Each date store 2f can include one or more files, documents, databases, or other types of data stores. The application 2e can include code that defines at least one method that is performed by the computer device when the processor 2a runs the application 2e. The memory 2b can include multiple applications 2e that configure the computer device to utilize different communication services and/or other services provided by one or more other computer devices to which that computer device is connectable.

Each computer device 2 can also include a display 2d. A display 2d can be, for example, a touch screen display, a liquid crystal display or a monitor. The display 2d can be integral to a housing of the computer device or can be a separate element that is communicatively connected to the processor 2a (e.g. via a graphics card, etc.). The computer device 2 can also be configured to include or be communicatively connected to at least one input device 4, at least one output device 6, and/or at least one input/output device 8. Examples of input devices 4 include pointer devices (e.g. a mouse, a stylus, etc.), a microphone, and a keyboard or key pad. Examples of output devices 6 include displays, at least one speaker, and a printer. An example of an input/output device 8 includes a touch screen display. Input and/or output devices of a computer device 2 can be peripheral devices connectable via a wireless connection, a network connection, or via a wired connection (e.g. a universal serial bus (USB) connection, etc.).

As may be appreciated from Figures 1, 3, and 4, a telecommunication apparatus 10 can be configured as a communication system or another type of apparatus. The telecommunication apparatus 10 can include an ESRP 7 that is communicatively connected to a LIS 21. The ESRP 7 can be directly communicatively connected to the LIS 21 via a particular dedicated

communication link or may be communicatively connected via a network connection (e.g.

internet connection, connection via at least one network that is between the ES Network 5 and the LIS 21, etc.). The ESRP 7 can be configured so that the ES Network 5 is able to respond to an emergency call EC by facilitating the transmission of a location request to the LIS 21 and the LIS response to this location request that includes location information requested in the location request.

For example, an emergency call EC can be directed to the ES Network 5 via an SIP based incoming emergency call or other type of emergency call. The emergency call EC can be routed via a first gateway 11 or a second gateway 13 to a functional element such as PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17. As indicated by reference character A in Figure 3, the emergency call EC can be responded to be the sending of a location request from a first functional element (e.g. a PSAP). For example, the remote PSAP 17 or PSAP 15 that responds to the emergency call can be configured for sending a first location request that is to be sent to the LIS 21. The first location request can request the location information for the user terminal 1 from which the emergency call EC was received and/or can request the location information for the user associated with the user terminal 1 from which the emergency call EC was received. The requested location information can indicate a physical geographical address at which the user terminal 1 and/or user is located. The requested location information can also (or alternatively) request information that will indicate an address of the user terminal 1 (e.g. an internet protocol (IP) address or other address of the user terminal 1) that can correspond with a geographical location defined in a data store that may be accessible to the functional element that sends the location request for location information associated with the emergency call EC.

The first gateway 11 can receive the first location request and forward that first location request to the ESRP 7 in a forwarding action. For example, as indicated by reference character B in Figure 3, the first gateway 11 can perform forwarding of the location request to ESRP 7 in a first pre-selected protocol. To forward the first location request, the first gateway can modify the location request so that the first location request is sent as an SIP message. For instance, the first gateway 11 can modify the received first location request and send that location request as a SIP- INFO message to the ESRP 7 to request location information for the emergency call EC. In other embodiments, the first location request can already have such formatting via the initial sending of the first location request message by the PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17 and the first gateway 11 may immediately forward the first location request to the ESRP 7 without significant modification (or, in some embodiments, without any modification).

The ESRP 7 can receive the request for location information of the emergency call EC included in the first location request from the first gateway 11. The location access unit of the ESRP 7, which is LA 9 shown in Figures 1 and 3, can be configured to process the first location request received from the first gateway 11 for transmission to the LIS 21. For example, as indicated by reference character C in Figure 3, the ESRP 7 can send the first location request to the LIS in the first pre-selected protocol or in a different second protocol. In some embodiments, the LA 9 can be configured to directly forward the first location request message to the LIS 21.

In other embodiments, the LA 9 can be configured to evaluate the protocol of the received first location request message and, if that protocol is not in a second pre-selected protocol to which the LIS 21 is configured for, the LA 9 can have the first location request message translated by a translator unit (TRT) 7a into the second pre-selected protocol. In yet other embodiments, the ESRP 7 may be configured to automatically translate a request for location information so that the request for location information for the emergency call EC is translated into the second protocol without any type of evaluation (e.g. by assuming each location request will be in a first pre-selected protocol or will not be in the second protocol of the LIS 21).

Some embodiments of the ES Network 5 can be configured so that location request messaging, location response messaging and other messaging is transmitted in accordance with a first pre-selected messaging protocol. One example of such a first pre-selected protocol can be SIP protocol. Other embodiments may utilize a different protocol. For embodiments in which the LIS 21 is not configured to respond to location requests in SIP or other first pre-selected protocol, the ESRP 7 can be configured to translate the location request into a second protocol that the LIS 21 is configured for before that translated location request is sent to the LIS 21. This can permit the LIS 21 to respond to the location request and avoid delays or errors that could occur if the location request was sent in a format that was in accordance with the first protocol but not the second protocol to which the LIS 21 is configured for.

As can be appreciated from reference character D in Figure 3, the LIS 21 can respond to the first location request received from the ESRP 7 after receiving the first location request. In connection with responding to the first location request, the LIS 21 can utilize information included in the first location request that pertains to the emergency call EC to retrieve geographical information or other information that is linked to such geographical data for including in the LIS response to the first location request. Such location information can be within at least one data store 2f in memory 2b of the LIS 21 or is in memory 2b that is accessible by the LIS 21. The LIS 21 can send the location response in a protocol to which the LIS 21 is configured for transmission of location responses (e.g. the second pre-selected protocol in some embodiments or in the first pre-selected protocol in other embodiments). The LIS response message sent by the LIS 21 can be sent from the LIS 21 to the ESRP 7 for subsequent routing within the ES network 5.

As can be appreciated from reference character E in Figure 3, the ESRP 7 can respond to the location response message sent by the LIS 21 by sending the location information included in the location response message in a location response message sent to the first gateway 11 for being subsequently routed to the first functional element that sent the initial request (e.g. PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17) as indicated by reference character F in Figure 3. The ESRP 7 can receive the location response message from LIS 21 and subsequently determine whether the protocol of that response message needs to be modified prior to sending the location response message to the first gateway 11 or toward the PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17 that sent the initial first location request message to which the location response message responds. In the event the ESRP 7 determines that a translation of the protocol is needed, the translator unit 7a of the ESRP 7 can modify the location response message so that the location information included in the location response message received from the LIS 21 is included in a location response message having the first pre-selected protocol that is compliant with the transmission protocol to which the ES Network 5 is configured for the transmission of location request/response messaging. After the location response message received from the LIS 21 is translated (if necessary), the ESRP 7 can send the location response in the suitable protocol to the first gateway 11 for routing to the functional element that sent the first location request. For instance, in embodiments of the ES Network 5 in which SIP is the protocol for the transmission of location request/response messages, the location response message sent by the ESRP 7 can be a message formatted as an SIP INFO message or a SIP 200 OK message that is responsive to the first location request message. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the ESRP 7 can directly send the location response to the functional element that requested the location information included in the response.

The first gateway 11 can receive the location response message sent by the ESRP 7. The first gateway 11 can then send the location information included in the location response message to the PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17 that sent the initial first location request. This information can be sent via a forwarding of the received location response message or by the first gateway 11 sending such location information in a different type of messaging format that includes the location information included in the location response message the first gateway 11 received from the ESRP 7. The functional element that initially sent the first location request can receive the location information via the first gateway 11 that is included in the location response provided by the LIS 21. This location information can be utilized by the functional element to convey location information in subsequent output provided via a display or other output device of the functional element (e.g. output device of PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17).

Such location information can also be included in subsequent communications sent by the functional element (e.g. PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17) to provide location information related to a request that emergency services be provided at that particular location. For instance, such information can be automatically included by the PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17 when generating a dispatch order or other communication that may be transmitted to an emergency service provider system, for example, in connection with the handling of an emergency call EC. In some embodiments, a user of the PSAP 15 or remote PSAP 17 can enter input to modify that location information prior to the sending of the dispatch related communication so that a user requesting emergency services via the emergency call EC can promptly receive those services. The location information included in the dispatch related communication can help ensure that one or more dispatched emergency service vehicles and emergency service providing personnel (e.g. police, firemen, emergency medical care provider, etc.) are able to be routed to the correct location for providing the requested services.

As can be appreciated from Figure 3, embodiments of the telecommunication apparatus (10) can be configured to implement at least one method for location request processing. For instance, an embodiment of the ESRP 7 can be configured to facilitate performance of a method by being configured for inclusion in a network and being configured to execute an application 2e stored in the memory 2b of the ESRP 7. Performance of the method can include utilization of at least one data store 2f that is required during executing of the application 2e as well as hardware components of the ESRP used to perform functions defined by the application 2e. An example of such a method is shown in Figure 4.

For instance, in a first step S 101, the ESRP 7 can connect the LIS 21 to a plurality of functional elements (e.g. PSAP 15 and/or remote PSAP 17) of ES network 5 for propagating caller location information in response to an emergency call. The functional elements (can include a first functional element and can also include additional functional elements (e.g.

second functional element, third functional element, etc.). SIP can be utilized for propagating call location information and/or requests for such information. For instance, an SIP Request message can be used to propagate a request for caller location information. In a second step 102, the ESRP 7 can receive a first location request from the first functional element (directly or via the first gateway 11. In a third step SI 03, the ESRP 7 can send the first location request to the LIS 21 in response to receiving the first location request. The first location request sent to the LIS 21 by the ESRP 7 can be in a protocol that the LIS 21 is configured for receiving and responding to (e.g. the protocol of a location request message having the first location request can be modified via translator unit 7a prior to sending the first location request to the LIS 21 as discussed herein). In a fourth step SI 04, the ESRP 7 can receive a location response to the first location request from the LIS 21. In a fifth step S105, the ESRP 7 can send the location information included in the received location response to the first functional element that sent the request that is being responded to or to the first gateway 11 for subsequent routing to the first functional element. An SIP Response message can be utilized by the ESRP for sending the location information to the first functional element.

Other embodiments of the method can be provided that include other steps. For instance, embodiments of the method can include a step in which the first gateway 11 receives a request for location information and subsequently sends that request to the ESRP 7 in a message having a first pre-selected protocol, such as an SIP INFO message, for example, In such embodiments, the ESRP 7 can be configured to translate the SIP INFO message received from the first gateway 11 so that the location information request included therein is within a message formed in accordance with a second protocol to which the LIS 21 is configured for receiving and responding to. The LIS 21 can retrieve location information based on information about the emergency call EC included in the location request and generate a response that includes the retrieved location information to identify a location of a caller of the emergency call EC and/or user terminal 1 of the emergency call EC. The LIS 21 response to such a request for location information, which can include this retrieved location information, can be provided to the ESRP 7 in a message formed in accordance with this second protocol. The ESRP 7 can be configured to translate the location information included in the location response sent by the LIS 21 so it is within a message formed in accordance with the first protocol (e.g. an SIP 200 OK message or an SIP INFO message for embodiments in which the first protocol is SIP). A translator unit 7a can be utilized for such a translation in some embodiments. The ESRP 7 can send this translated message having the location information provided by the LIS 21 to the first gateway 11 for subsequent routing to the functional element that sent the request for the location information (e.g. PSAP 15, remote PSAP 17, etc.) or may directly transmit the location information to the functional element.

Embodiments of the telecommunication apparatus 10 can be configured to help address security vulnerabilities by facilitating a more secure processing of location request/response messaging that can occur in response to the ES Network 5 receiving an emergency call EC from a user terminal 1. For instance, the configuration of the ES Network 5 so that a single dedicated ESRP 7 is configured for directly exchanging communications with at least one LIS 21 in connection with location request/response messaging can help limit the number of connections to an LIS 21 for the ES Network 5. Such a configuration can avoid having at least two connections between an emergency services internet protocol network and a public safety answering point as required by the NENA NG911 i3 specification. This can help avoid a security concern we have determined exists with respect to following this specification as it can limit the number of connections required for a location information server to minimize security concerns associated with such connections. This can also help improve the ability to monitor for security issues that can be associated with connections to a location information server. Moreover, such a configuration can allow for a cost-effective approach for configuring ESRP 7 to be able to better withstand security related issues (e.g. denial of service attacks, other malicious attacks) without numerous other network elements of the ES Network 5 also having to have such costly and/or more sophisticated configurations. This can improve the operational efficiency of embodiments of the ES Network 5 while also reducing the capital and operational costs associated with the ES Network.

It should be appreciated that modifications to the embodiments explicitly shown and discussed herein can be made to meet a particular set of design objectives and functions. For example, embodiments of the ES Network 5 can be configured as an Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESInet) or other type of local area network or wide area network. As another example, the first gateway 11 can be a different type of gateway than the second gateway 13 or each gateway can be configured as the same type of communication device. For instance, in some embodiments, the first gateway 11 can be configured as a legacy public safety answering point gateway (LPG) and/or the second gateway 13 can be configured as an LPG. As another example, the ES Network 5 can include a number of other network nodes, such as session border control devices, monitoring devices, data base servers, document management servers, email servers, text messaging servers, instant messaging servers, at least one private branch exchange (PBX), access points, a number of different terminal devices, routers, and combinations of such additional network elements.

As yet another example, the ESRP 7 can be directly communicatively connectable to a gateway or a communication terminal or may be indirectly communicatively connectable to such devices via one or more network nodes of the ES network 5. As yet another example, a translator unit of an ESRP 7 can be configured as a particular circuit or other hardware element of an ESRP 7 or the ESRP 7 can be configured to include such a translator due to application stored in the memory of the ESRP that is executable by a processor of the ESRP. As yet another example, the location access unit of an ESRP can be configured as a particular hardware element of the ESRP 7 or can be provided by at least one program stored in the memory of the ESRP that is executable by a processor of the ESRP 7.

As yet another example, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein can therefore be combined to provide further embodiments. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of a network, a telecommunications apparatus and methods of making and using the same have been shown and described above, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A telecommunication apparatus (10) for an emergency services network (5) comprising: an emergency service routing proxy (ESRP) (7), the ESRP (7) configured to

communicatively connect a first functional element (15, 17) of the emergency services network (5) with a location information server (LIS) (21) so that a request for location information included in a first location request sent by the first functional element (15, 17) is sendable to the LIS (21) and location information within a location response to the request for location information included in the first location request generated by the LIS (21) in response to receiving the request for location information of the first location request is transmittable to the first functional element (15, 17).

2. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 1, comprising the first functional element, the first functional element being a public safety answering point (PSAP) (15) or a remote PSAP (17).

3. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 2, also comprising:

a first gateway (11) communicatively connected between the ESRP (7) and the first functional element (15, 17).

4. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 3, wherein the first gateway (11) is a legacy public safety answering point gateway (LPG).

5. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 3, wherein the ESRP (7) is configured to translate the request for location information from a first pre-selected protocol to a second protocol before sending the request for location information to the LIS (21).

6. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 3, wherein:

the first gateway (11) is configured to send the request for location information of the first functional element (15, 17) as a first location request message in a first pre-selected protocol; and

the ESRP (7) is configured to translate the first location request message from the first pre-selected protocol to a second protocol before sending the request for location information to the LIS (21).

7. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 6, wherein the LIS (21) is configured to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the second protocol and is not configured to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the first pre-selected protocol.

8. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 7, wherein the first pre-selected protocol is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

9. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 7, wherein the ESRP (7) includes a translator unit (7a).

10. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 7, wherein the ESRP (7) includes a location access unit (9).

11. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 7, comprising a user terminal, the user terminal (1) configured to send the emergency call (EC) to the emergency services network (5), the first functional element (15, 17) configured to generate the request for location information in response to the emergency call (EC).

12. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 7, wherein the first functional element (15, 17) is configured to generate the request for location information in response to an emergency call (EC).

13. A communication network comprising the telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 1.

14. A communication network comprising the telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 7.

15. A method for location request processing, comprising:

an emergency service routing proxy (ESRP) (7) connecting a location information server (LIS) (21) to a plurality of functional elements (15, 17) of an emergency services network (5) for propagating caller location information in response to an emergency call, the functional elements (15, 17), comprising a first functional element (15, 17);

the ESRP (7) receiving a first location request from the first functional element (15, 17) directly or via a first gateway; the ESRP (7) sending the first location request to the LIS (21) in response to receiving the first location request, the first location request sent to the LIS (21) being in a protocol that the LIS (21) is configured for receiving and responding to;

the ESRP (7) receiving a location response to the first location request;

the ESRP 7 sending location information included in the received location response to the first functional element (15, 17) or the first gateway (11) for routing to the first functional element (15, 17).

16. A telecommunication apparatus (10) for an emergency services network (5) comprising: an emergency service routing proxy (ESRP) (7), the ESRP (7) configured to

communicatively connect a first functional element (15, 17) of the emergency services network (5) with a location information server (LIS) (21) so that a request for location information included in a first location request sent by the first functional element (15, 17) is sendable to the LIS (21) and location information within a location response to the request for location information included in the first location request generated by the LIS (21) in response to receiving the request for location information of the first location request is transmittable to the first functional element (15, 17);

a first gateway (11) communicatively connected between the ESRP (7) and the first functional element (15, 17); the first gateway (11) configured to send the request for location information of the first functional element (15, 17) as a first location request message in a first pre-selected protocol; and the ESRP (7) configured to translate the first location request message from the first pre selected protocol to a second protocol before sending the request for location information to the LIS (21).

17. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 16, comprising:

the LIS (21), the LIS (21) configured to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the second protocol and is not configured to respond to a request for location information sent in accordance with the first pre-selected protocol.

18. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 17, wherein the first pre-selected protocol is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

19. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 17, wherein the ESRP (7) includes a translator unit (7a).

20. The telecommunication apparatus (10) of claim 16, wherein the first functional element (15, 17) comprises a processor (2a) connected to a non-transitory readable medium (2b), the ESRP (7) comprises a processor (2a) connected to a non-transitory readable medium (2b), and the first gateway (11) comprises a processor (2a) connected to a non-transitory readable medium (2b).