System and method for communication session correlation

摘要

A system and method for correlating communication sessions. A globally unique correlation identifier is created and exchanged between the parties during Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) session setup to allow for association and correlation of additional SIP sessions between the same parties or with additional parties. The correlation information may then be used by network and session entities to perform different services.

主权项

1. A method of correlating different end-to-end data sessions, said method comprising:
creating a globally unique correlation identifier during establishment of a first end-to-end data session between a first party and a second party, wherein the first party sends a first portion of the correlation identifier including a Call-ID and a From-Tag to the second party in a Same-Session header of a SIP INVITE message, and the second party adds a second, completing portion of the correlation identifier to the first portion and sends the completed correlation identifier to the first party in a SIP 200 OK message responsive to the SIP INVITE message, wherein the second portion includes a To-Tag which uniquely identifies the second party; locally storing the correlation identifier by the first and second parties, wherein each party stores the correlation identifier in a local mapping unit that maps correlation identifiers to session identifiers, said mapping unit being selected from a group consisting of a correlation table, a hash function, and a mapping function; and utilizing the correlation identifier by the first or second party to correlate with the first end-to-end data session, a second, independent end-to-end data session subsequently established by the first or second party.