This record of study documents the experience acquired during my internship at Sonus
Networks, Inc. for the Doctor of Engineering Program.
In this record of study, I have surveyed and analyzed the current standardization
status of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) security and proposed an Internet draft on
secure retargeting and response identity. The draft provides a simple and comprehensive
solution to the response identity, call recipient identity and intermediate server
retargeting problems in the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call setup process.
To support product line development and enable product evolution in the quickly
growing VoIP market, I have proposed a generic development framework for SIP
application servers. The common and open architecture of the framework supports
multiple products development and facilitates integration of new service modules. The
systematical reuse of proven software design and implementation enables companies to
reduce the development cost and shorten the time-to-market.
As the development and diffusion of VoIP can never be isolated from the social
sphere, I have investigated the current status, influence and interaction of three most important factors: standardization, market forces and government regulation on the
development and diffusion of VoIP. The worldwide deregulation and market
privatization have caused the transition of the standards development model. This
transition in turn influences the market diffusion. Other than standardization, market
forces including customer needs, the revenue pressure on carriers and vendors,
competitive and economic environment, social culture and regulation uncertainties
create both threats and opportunities. I have examined market drivers and obstacles in
the current VoIP adoption stage, analyzed current VoIP market players and their
strategies, and predicted the direction of VoIP business. The regulation creates the macro
environment in which VoIP develops and diffuses. I have explored modern
telecommunications regulation principles based on which government makes decisions
on most current issues, including 911 support, mergers and acquisitions, interconnection
obligation and leasing rights, rate structure and universal service fees
