Voice over IP (VoIP) is a rapidly growing industrial sector that comprises a wide range of technologies for voice communication over the Internet. This technology is an enhanced system for handling emergency VoIP calls. It uses Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) data from Cisco network switches and a database that maps switch IDs and ports to physical locations to locate the physical origin of an emergency VoIP caller. Once a caller’s physical location has been identified, a novel Location-to-URL Mapping Protocol (LUMP) routes the call to an appropriate public safety answering point (PSAP). Calls routed to a PSAP can be bridged into conference calls shared by the call taker and emergency responders.
Using CDP to locate a caller enables emergency VoIP services to take advantage of existing Cisco network switch infrastructure without requiring additional communication hardware. In contrast to other caller location solutions that require that location resource data be represented using an unnecessary hierarchical structure, LUMP permits such data to be stored without any hierarchy. The PSAP infrastructure enables emergency callers to immediately interact with both call takers and emergency responders, thereby enabling an more effective response to reported emergencies. PSAP controller software also supports other communication features such as text-based messaging that are needed by disabled callers who cannot communicate by voice.
The enhanced emergency VoIP has been deployed for testing by 911 operators in a live PSAP in two locations.
Tech Ventures Reference: IR M07-045