SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR END-TO-END COMMUNICATIONS TRACING

摘要

Communication system (10) includes endpoints (20), tracing nodes (30), nodes (35), and a management node (40). Tracing nodes (30) and nodes (35) support communication between endpoints (20) by transmitting call signaling messages (50) along a path between endpoints (20). Tracing node (30) and nodes (35) may convey call signaling message (50) on one of multiple protocol paths connecting any two nodes. During operation, management node (40) may request the tracing of calls matching specified criteria. Management node (40) specifies the trace criteria in trace trigger requests sent by the management node (40) to one or more tracing nodes (30). Tracing nodes (30) compare the contents of call signaling message (50) to specified trace criteria included in trace trigger request (70). When the trace criteria matches, the relevant tracing node (30) transmits a trace tag (75) embedded in trace trigger request (70) to other tracing nodes (30). Other tracing nodes (30) then provide tracing information to a designated management node (40) upon receiving a call signaling message (50) that includes the transmitted trace tag (70).