Abstract: A subsystem for communicating a private network signalling message over a packet network and bridges for communicating a Media Access Control (MAC) layer frame over an isochronous channel and for communicating an isochronous signalling frame over a nonisochronous network.

Abstract: A subscriber to a remote call forwarding feature on a wire-line telephone line associated with a PBX (101) or central office (402), hereinafter, a “user”, can enable that feature by entering a feature code from an IP terminal (112, 412). The user enters a feature code from his/her IP terminal (112, 412), which feature code is received by a remote server (for example, server 110) having access to an IP user directory (113, 413), hereinafter, for example, an active user registry (AUR) database, and forwards necessary information for invoking the feature in a determined manner to a Service Control Point (SCP) (106, 406). The SCP recognizes the feature code as a request to invoke the remote call forwarding feature on the user's wire-line telephone so that calls directed to that wire-line telephone are forwarded to, for example, the user's cellular phone.

Abstract: An architecture for connecting a call comprises a call processor, a signaling interface, a call process control system (CPCS), and an interworking unit. The signaling interface receives, transmits, and processes call signaling so that call signaling is received into, or transported from, the architecture through the signaling interface. The call processor processes the call signaling to select connections for calls. The CPCS receives data fills from translations, processes the data to be in a format compatible with the call processor, and fills the data into tables in the call processor. The CPCS also interfaces through the signaling processor with other systems, such as accounting systems and operations centers. The interworking unit interworks user communications between time division multiplex and asynchronous transfer mode connections and between time division multiplex connections and other time division multiplex connections.

Abstract: A service control point comprising multiple interfaces configured to receive multiple query messages from requesting devices using multiple different protocols, wherein all of the interfaces provide access to the call processing applications within the SCP. The service control point is configured to process the query messages and generate response messages, which are transmitted back to the requesting devices using their respective protocols.

Abstract: A system verifies and validates PSTN to IP Network services prior to the availability of the services to a plurality of subscribers. A PSTN call generator services a plurality of callers coupled to the PSTN and to a test database. An IP client simulator is coupled to the test database and to an IP Network. A data bus couples the PSTN and the IP Network to a registration server for registering the client and a heartbeat server for tracking the system for heartbeat message. An application server processes test service calls from the PSTN call generator whereby PSTN-IP Network services can be executed for all clients or individual clients as represented by the IP Client simulator for verification and validation of PSTN services to IP Network clients prior to the availability of the services to the clients.

Abstract: Local signal transfer points (LSTPs) are optimally selected for removal from a Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) network. At least one network element is connected to each LSTP and each LSTP is connected to a parent node. Each LSTP is determined as a flexible LSTP or a fixed LSTP. A potential network configuration is formed with at least one flexible LSTP excluded. Each network element is reconnected to one LSTP in the potential network configuration and each LSTP in the potential network configuration is reconnected to one parent node. A total cost based on the potential network configuration is determined. The potential network configuration becomes the new best network configuration if the total cost is less than any previous total cost. The process is repeated for each potential network configuration resulting from removing a different combination of flexible LSTPs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP) signaling within a switching system. ISUP signaling messages associated with a plurality of ISL trunks are processed within a switching system by provisioning the ISL trunks, identifying the ISUP signaling messages that are associated with the ISL trunks, and routing the identified ISUP signaling messages within the switching system to the far endpoints of the trunks using layers 1, 2, and 3 of Open System Interconnection (OSI) protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for interconnecting a circuit-switched telephone network and a packet-switched data network for communication among them. A signaling trunk of a circuit-switched telephone network is coupled to a signaling access server that is also coupled to a signaling, management and control network. One or more voice trunks of the telephone network are coupled to one or more network access servers, which are also coupled to the control network to thereby receive instructions from the signaling access server. The network access servers are also coupled to a packet-switched data network, such as the global packet-switched network known as Internet. The signaling access server can receive call setup messages and other messages in standard telephone network protocol formats and convert them into call setup messages in a special protocol for communications between the signaling access server and the network access servers.

Abstract: A telecommunication system network having a public telephonic network switch which communicates signaling information in accordance with Signaling System 7 protocol with a signal transfer point. A primary message signaling interface at the public telephonic network switch receives signaling information under normal operating conditions via a link set from the signal transfer point. Another secondary message signaling interface at the same network switch receives signaling information via another link set parallel to the one link set from the signal transfer point upon the occurrence of certain preselected conditions and in which both link sets terminate on the same pair of signaling point codes.

Abstract: A datagram is received from a packet-switched network at a first network node; the first network node may be a node of the packet-switched network or a node of a signaling network associated with a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The datagram includes a destination address of a destination node of the signaling network; the destination address has an address format associated with the packet-switched network, such as that defined by the Internet Protocol. A message is constructed for transmission from the first network node to a node of the signaling network; the message includes an address field containing the destination address and a translation type field containing an indicator that the destination address has an address format associated with the packet-switched network.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (80, 120, 140) for enabling resale of local services includes a distributed switching system (88) owned by an incumbent local exchange carrier which has a call control computing platform (100) coupled to a digital loop carrier (86), where the digital loop carrier (86) is coupled to a plurality of telephone service subscribers (82) of the incumbent local exchange carrier as well as telephone service subscribers (84) of a competitive local exchange carrier. A local switch (104) owned by an incumbent local exchange carrier is coupled to the digital loop carrier (86).

Abstract: A technique of allocating data cells by a segmentation and reassembly (SAR) controller for transmission on a network connection such as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network connection provides a scaleable sustainable cell rate (SCR) when the sum of the SCRs of virtual circuit exceeds the connection bandwidth. In addition, bandwidth can be shifted from a VC which is using less than its allocated SCR to a VC that is exceeding its SCR. In addition, the method enables a VC to exceed it peak cell rate (PCR) to some extent. The method and system of the disclosed embodiment can also be employed to dynamically adjust SCRs and PCRs in a variable bandwidth channel and is programmable and thus more flexible and less expensive than possible hardware solutions.

Abstract: Call queuing is implemented in a telecommunications advanced intelligent network. After a call to a busy subscriber line is queued, information about the queued call is colleted. Utilization statistics based on the collected queue utilization information are then generated and made available to the subscriber.

Abstract: Call queuing is implemented in a telecommunications advanced intelligent network. After a call to a busy subscriber line in queued, a separate call to the subscriber is placed indicating status of the queued subscriber line access call. Call queuing and status notification may be accomplished with an intelligent peripheral. The subscriber notification may be made by placing a wireline call or by wireless notification, such as through a paging system.

Abstract: An enhanced telephone service system including a subscriber service manager and a customization module. The subscriber service manager is configured to receive subscriber transaction-ID requests, supply transaction identifiers and respond to queries for subscriber profile data. The customization module is configured to receive customization messages. When a customization message includes a transaction identifier, the customization module compares the transaction identifier in the customization message with the transaction identifiers generated by the subscriber service manager. Only if there is a match between the transaction identifiers does the customization module register the customization data. Alternatively, if the customization message does not contain a transaction identifier but does contain a subscriber identifier, the customization module temporarily stores the customization data.

Abstract: Call queuing is implemented in a telecommunications advanced intelligent network. A determination is made that the call has been queued for a determined amount of time. The caller is requested to perform an action to remain in a queue. If the caller does not perform the requested action, the call is dequeued.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for dynamically routing selected calls through an intelligent switched telephone network are described. The method leverages the resident switching power in the Public Switched Telephone Network by departing from the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) call model while adhering to the basic principles of ISUP common channel signaling to introduce new flexibility in call routing. Using the method, calls can be efficiently routed and rerouted through the network. Control of a call can be effected by either the called party or the calling party. The method can be practised using either a virtual switching point (VSP) or an ISTP. The VSP is a physical mode in the signaling plane of the network and a virtual node in the switching plane. Calls are routed to the VSP using dedicated trunk groups which may be loop-back ISUP trunks or inter-switch ISUP trunks. Calls are routed to the dedicated trunk groups using standard routing translation tables and methods.

Abstract: A transmitter for transmitting a plurality of digital signals through a plurality of channels, the channels having a predetermined total allocated bitrate, includes a plurality of encoders each associated with one channel, a multiplexer for receiving the encoded digital signals and for transmitting the encoded signals as a stream of data, and operable for adjusting the distribution of the bitrate allocation between and among the encoded signals, and a processing device for providing an indication of a target quality and an actual quality for each channel and for causing the multiplexer to repeatedly adjust the distribution of the bitrate allocation in response to differences between the indicated actual quality and the indicated target quality for each channel so as to equalize differences between the actual and target quality across at least some of the channels.

Abstract: A telephony network that includes a signaling system that provides intelligent network services. The signaling system includes a service control point that interfaces with an application database. The application database includes subscriber defined applications that are associated with an application code. The signaling system includes a service switching point in communication with the service control point through one or more signaling transfer points. Subscribers to the service may communicate through voice traffic and applications over a call connection. The applications may reside in the application database or in a subscriber. A subscriber may utilize a network computer to retrieve platform independent applications and associated initiate applications for execution in a highly secure environment.

Abstract: A communications system including multiple telecommunications networks having common channel signaling hardware is controlled by a hybrid or combination of common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system with a data internetwork to link the signaling points in the telecommunications network via the new hybrid common channel interoffice switching system. Preferably the internetwork comprises the Internet. The internet is used to link signal switching points, signal transfer points, and a signal control point. The signal control point is preferably hierarchical and distributed so as to provide ample power and capacity to supply signal control for multiple telecommunications networks of related or unrelated operating companies.

Abstract: An intelligent network includes service switching points, where the call switching is made and where data relating to calls and signals indicating various events relating to the calls are generated Service control points are connected to the service switching points. A service control point includes a service control function for processing events relating to calls. The service function includes predefined building blocks or control types, which are executed for specific events relating to a call. In order to provide an interface to the exterior allowing some customer design or customer programming, in particular to servers including some service finction which is supplied by the customer running the server, the servers are connected to the network only at a single service control point. The service control function in this service control point includes therefor a remote procedure building block, which transfers, when it is executed for an event relating to call, data relating to the call to a data buffer.

Abstract: A system and method connects a call in a broadband system using the asynchronous transfer mode protocol for switching. Calls are connected over a SONET ring that has SONET multiplexers coupled by SONET paths. The SONET multiplexers are adapted to add calls to, and drop calls from, the SONET ring. An ATM cross connect system that has ATM cross connect devices is coupled to the SONET ring. The ATM cross connect devices provide provisioned ATM connections over the SONET ring. ATM interworking units are coupled to the ATM cross connect system. The ATM interworking units interwork calls with selected ATM connections in response to control messages. The selected ATM connections are provisioned between the ATM interworking units by the ATM cross connect system over the SONET ring. A signaling processor system receives call signaling for the calls, processes the call signaling to select the ATM connections for the calls, and sends the control messages to the selected ATM interworking units.

Abstract: Mobile radio systems with mobile switching centers to which at least one private branch exchange for providing wireline subscriber lines is connected, are known. The branch exchanges require an expensive switching technology and are not capable of providing mobile-radio-specific service features at the wireline subscriber terminals. For the purpose of providing a mobile radio system (MRS) of simple construction accessible also to wireline subscribers, a mobile switching center (MSC) is proposed comprising an interface unit (IF) for interfacing to a concentrator (FSU) which combines a plurality of subscriber lines of wireline subscriber terminals (T1 to Tn). Accordingly, each of the wireline subscriber terminals is connected in such a way that it is treated like a mobile radio terminal, and offered the same available service options.

Abstract: A communication network system comprising telephone networks concatenated with a packet switched data internetwork such as the Internet is provided. The network system transports voice signals therethrough while minimizing circuit overload in the telephone network circuits inputting signals to be transported through the internetwork. The telephone networks have a common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system using signaling system 7 (SS7) signals. The input load to the internetwork from the telephone systems is monitored by monitoring the control signals in the SS7 network. When an overload condition occurs or appears imminent all or part of the load is switched from the trunk circuits of the telephone network to the SS7 network following protocol translation and multiplexing with the control signals in the SS7 network. Provision is made for insuring excess capacity in the SS7 network before load is transferred.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a ported called party is disclosed. Once the dialed digits are received at a switching office serving the calling party, a determination is made of whether the call is a number that has been ported. If the number has been ported, the new routing information is obtained from an enhanced directory number table resident at the originating office. In the event that the originating office is unable to offer LRN service, information is obtained at an alternate office. Routing information is updated automatically and directly from a network Service Management System (SMS) to each telephone exchange.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining and updating routing information in a packet switching network for a set of quasidynamic routes, in which intermittent routing updates are permitted, so that routes are no longer "always static" or "always dynamic", but may change over time between static and dynamic, and are treated accordingly. The invention is particularly applicable to dial-on-demand serial communication links, but is also useful in any situation where it is desired to reduce the overhead from routing updates over a communication link, or where transmission over a communication link is not reliable. A protocol manager for a dynamic routing protocol is modified to determine, for each route, (1) whether to send updated routing information for that route (at the time it would otherwise send an up-date for a particular route), and (2) whether to age that route in its routing tables (at the time it would otherwise age that route).

Abstract: An information matching system having managing equipment and managed equipment which are connected over a network, the managed equipment comprising a state monitor for creating a notice message with a sequence number informing the managing equipment of a change of the own state and a controller for resending a log of a necessary notice message to the managing equipment according to an instruction from the managing equipment, the managing equipment comprising a management information updating unit for checking whether the sequence number attached to the notice message delivered from the managed equipment is successive or not and a controller for giving a resending instruction of a log of a notice message having the missing sequence number to the managed equipment.

Abstract: In order to relieve the loading of a service control point SCP in a telecommunications signalling network, query messages addressed to the SCP are intercepted prior to receipt by the SCP. These intercepted query messages are examined and response data generated, at least for certain query types. For a query message for which response data is generated, the query message is replaced by a response message addressed to the querying entity. The response message is then forwarded on in the same sense as the received query message. In a preferred implementation, the forwarded response message will next be received by a signalling transfer point STP and be directed back to the querying entity.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (10) for providing intelligent network services includes a distributed switching system (19) having a call control computing platform (12) coupled to a digital loop carrier (16), where the digital loop carrier (16) is coupled to a plurality of customer premises equipment (18). A local switch (30) is coupled to the digital loop carrier (16), and at least one service control point (40, 42) is coupled to the call control computing platform (12) and the local switch (30). The at least one service control point (40, 42) contains service definitions and logic of both legacy services and intelligent network services.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a called party is disclosed. An Initial Address Message (IAM) containing the calling and called party's numbers to enable said call to reach said terminating office is forwarded from an originating office to a terminating office. Once the IAM is received at the terminating office, a determination of whether the call is directed to a portable number is made. If the call is directed to a portable number, a release message containing an indication that the called party number is a portable number is forwarded from the terminating office to the originating office. Once the release message is received at the originating office, a TCAP query is launched from the originating office to an SCP if said release message contains an indication that the called party number is a portable number. At the SCP, the called party number is translated to obtain new routing information.

Abstract: A laptop computer contains a built-in modem and has a phone jack for connection to a telephone line while the computer is being operated in a stand-alone mode. A docking station into which the laptop computer may be docked allows the combined unit to be operated in a desk-top mode. The docking station may have a full-sized keyboard and display so that the laptop functions as the main computer a user may employ in the office or home. A telephone connection is already in place at the docking station so that the user need not make a phone line connection to invoke the docked mode, but instead merely nests the laptop in the docking station.

Abstract: An asynchronous transfer mode switching network can be made to look like a synchronous tandem switch to end offices connected to the network by establishing a permanent virtual path through the network that carries information between the end offices. Individual channels to be switched are assigned ATM VCI addresses at both ends that correspond to the time slot channel being sent and a time slot channel being received.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a called party is disclosed. Once the dialed digits are received at a switching office serving the calling party, a determination is made of whether the call is directed to a portable number. In a first embodiment, if the call is directed to a portable number, a TCAP query is launched from the originating office to an SCP. At the SCP, the dialed digits are translated to obtain new routing information. The new routing information, which is returned to the originating office is used to create an Initial Address Message (IAM) containing the calling and called party's numbers to enable said call to reach said terminating office associated with the new routing information. In a second embodiment, the new routing information is obtained from a directory number table resident at the originating office.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling establishment of telecommunications call connections in a telecommunications network. The network comprises a plurality of switches each with its own switching processor means, and a plurality of switching processing platforms each comprising at least one call processor. The switches and switching processing platforms are interconnected by a data network. SS7 signaling messages are received in one of the platforms and a call is assigned to a call processor. The call processor communicates with one or more switching processor means for controlling establishment of the call. Call features are processed under the control of the call processor. Advantageously, any call processor can be used for serving any call in the network and can control all legs of a multi-leg connection. Advantageously, in a large network, the number of platforms may be significantly less than the number of switches which reduces the cost and complexity of administration of the network.

Abstract: A laptop computer contains a built-in modem and has a phone jack for connection to a telephone line while the computer is being operated in a stand-alone mode. A docking station into which the laptop computer may be docked allows the combined unit to be operated in a desk-top mode. The docking station may have a full-sized keyboard and display so that the laptop functions as the main computer a user may employ in the office or home. A telephone connection is already in place at the docking station so that the user need not make a phone line connection to invoke the docked mode, but instead merely nests the laptop in the docking station.

Abstract: A method for preventing circular routing in a telecommunications network, particularly in a common channel signaling network, in which the availability of a particular route is notified by sending particular management message from a node to another. In this case, a node acting as a signal transfer point, sends to its adjacent nodes particular transfer-prohibited messages notifying the adjacent nodes that they must no longer route messages destined to the nodes mentioned in the transfer-prohibited messages via the node that send the transfer-prohibited messages.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a called party is disclosed. An Initial Address Message (IAM) containing the calling and called party's numbers to enable said call to reach said terminating office is forwarded from an originating office to a terminating office. Once the IAM is received at the terminating office, a determination of whether the call is directed to a portable number is made. If the call is directed to a portable number, a release message containing an indication that the called party number is a portable number and containing new routing information is forwarded from the terminating office to the originating office. A new IAM is then sent from the originating office to a terminating office associated with the routing information.

Abstract: A programmable message substitution unit PMSU (60) is provided for modifying signalling messages passing across a link (61) of a telecommunications signalling network without disrupting the link-level procedures operating over the link. In the event of a power failure or upon the detection of an operational anomaly, a bypass relay arrangement (65) is used to bypass the PMSU (60). The PMSU (60) comprises a substitution block for modifying selected messages, a database block for doing database lookups to ascertain new message parameter values to be substituted for existing ones, and a supervision block for checking the operation of the substitution block. The PMSU may be used to implement local number portability or other services.

Abstract: A method and system of managing call forwarding includes establishing criteria for selecting among possible links between nodes for forwarding calls from an originating node to a destination node. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the possible links is made at a called node from which the call is to be forwarded. Based upon the administrable criteria, there is a determination as to whether an intermediate node along the call path between the originating node and the called node is to be selected for initiating the forwarding path. If an intermediate node is selected, a request is transmitted to the intermediate node to initiate the forwarding path to the destination node. On the other hand, if no intermediate node is selected, a determination is made as to whether to initiate the forwarding path from the originating node or from the called node. Again, the determination is made according to the administrable criteria.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for transmitting proprietary parameters in a telecommunications network conforming to the ANSI SS7 ISUP Standard. The method includes the steps of identifying proprietary parameters to be transmitted as part of an ISUP SS7 signaling message that includes a network specific Generic Digits parameter and encapsulating those parameters within the network specific Generic Digits parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for transmitting proprietary parameters in a telecommunications network conforming to the ISUP Standard. The method includes the steps of identifying proprietary parameters to be transmitted as part of an ISUP signaling message that includes a network specific Generic Digits parameter and encapsulating those parameters within the network specific Generic Digits parameter.

Abstract: An intelligent network comprises switching units interconnected to provide connections between originating users and terminating users. The intelligent network includes a set of SCPs which can be accessed by the switching units through a signalling network. The SCPs contain individual service profiles which define the individual services provided to users of the network as originating users and individual service profiles which define the individual services provided to users as terminating users. During call set-up, a service control program which acts as agent for the originating user is generated from the service profile for the originating user as an originating user and a service control program which acts as agent for the terminating user is generated from the service profile for the terminating user as a terminating user. The two control programs then enter a dialogue with each other in order to generate call control instructions.

Abstract: A telecommunications network comprises a virtual transport server (VTS) for making network routing decisions and establishing call connections. Each VTS is interconnected to each signal transfer point in a common channel signaling (CCS) system associated with the network. Each VTS is also interconnected to at least one switch in a transmission network, such as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. The VTS maintains routing tables identifying trunk groups associated with each central office switch in the network. During operation, an initial address message received from a signal transfer point in the VTS is processed and subsequently extended to an ATM switch so that a call connection can be established. Upon completion of the established call, the VTS releases resources associated with the ATM switch.

Abstract: A method (100, 700, 800) for detecting and eliminating circular routed messages in a telecommunications network includes the steps of receiving a message, and determining a derived destination point code for the received message (102). The derived destination point code is then compared with an originating point code in the message (108). A circular routed message is detected if the derived destination point code is the same as the originating point code. This comparison may be disabled and instead the routing information for routing the message indicated by the derived destination code may be compared with the originating point code (706). Alternatively, the network identifiers indicated by the derived destination point code and the originating point code are compared (806).

Abstract: A private communication system and an allocated, private communication terminal equipment that is not directly connectable, i.e. that is "external", has a respective terminal equipment emulation unit allocated to it. This terminal equipment emulation unit pair are connectable to one another at least via a public dialed communication network, where the connection of at least one message path and of an additional signaling path is controlled via the public dialed communication network and the switching of the paths suited to the terminal equipment emulation unit pair is checked. With the assistance of the terminal equipment emulation unit pair, isolated or external communication terminal equipment can be connected without diminishing the scope of performance features of private communication networks. Misconnections and false signalings are avoided by checking the connection suited to the terminal equipment emulation unit pair with the assistance of a specific check procedure.

Abstract: A mobile switching center (MSC) not equipped with the necessary hardware/software devices or modules communicates with a Shared Interworking Function node to provide an Interworking function (IWF) service to a particular mobile station. Control data associated with the requested IWF service are transported from the serving MSC to the SIWF node using basic and supplementary Integrated Service Digital Network User Part (ISUP) signals. Such control data are encapsulated into optional parameters within the transmitted ISUP signals and transparently transported from the serving MSC to the SIWF telecommunications node.

Abstract: The ATM communications network (NW) has a plurality of network nodes (NK1, NK2, NK3) connected with one another via at least one transmission medium, which respectively represent at least one signaling point, corresponding to a defined outband signaling. At least one virtual channel is respectively provided on the respective transmission medium between adjacent signaling points for the transmission of signaling information defined according to a network protocol and of network management information. At least one further virtual channel, allocated exclusively to the network management information, is respectively reserved on the respective transmission medium for the transmission of the network management information between adjacent signaling points.

Abstract: A method of routing a telephone call from a Caller to a Subscriber telephone line in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) equipped with Terminating Attempt Trigger (TAT) and Terminating Next Event List (NEL) functionality and having at least one Central Office Switch (COS) and a Service Control Point (SCP) in electrical communication with a plurality of Subscriber switches via a signalling method and system. The system includes an intelligent peripheral in electrical communication with the COS and the SCP and which is equipped with queuing functionality for each of the Subscribers and operative to place a call to the COS for receipt by a Subscriber having a call placed in queue in response to a determination that the Subscriber's line is idle.

Abstract: A method and system for supporting private branch exchange features over a public switched network is provided. The proprietary private branch exchange call and feature control information is separated into standard ISDN public network protocol elements and proprietary ISDN protocol elements. The interface between the originating private branch exchange and the public switched network inserts the proprietary protocol elements into a UUS service data packet for transparently transmission to the destination private branch exchange. Thus, the proprietary private branch exchange feature control information can be recovered and utilized by the destination private branch exchange, thus permitting PBX-PBX feature transparency through a switched public ISDN network.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient routing of communication paths in a telecommunications system. The system comprises a telecommunications network having a pivot node, a destination node, and a release node connected to the pivot node and having a possible connection to the destination node. The method includes attempting to establish a direct connection between the destination node and the pivot node. An attempt is initially made to establish a direct connection between the destination node and the pivot node. If the destination node and the pivot node can be connected directly, then the connection between the pivot node and the release node is released. If the attempt to directly connect the destination node and the pivot node fails, a direct connection is established between the destination node and the release node. The failure to connect the destination node and the pivot node can be indicated by two methods. In the pivot method, the pivot node sends a failure indication to the release node.