Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting devices via a virtual global network are disclosed. In one embodiment the network system may comprise a first device in communication with a first endpoint device and a second device in communication with a second endpoint device. The first and second devices may be connected with a communication path. The communication path may comprise one or more intermediate tunnels connecting each endpoint device to one or more intermediate access point servers and one or more control servers.

Abstract: A route determining method includes determining a first node which is the closest to a current position, among a plurality of nodes by using a position sensor and moving in a direction of the determined first node, determining a first point included in a radio wave reachable area of the first node by transmitting and receiving data between the moving object and the first node and going through the determined first point, determining a second node which is the closest to the first point by using the position sensor and moving in a direction of the determined second node, and determining a second point included in a radio wave reachable area of the second node by transmitting and receiving the data between the moving object and the second node based on the first node and a position of the first point and going through the second point.

Abstract: A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitating access to a communication session for a client is provided. The method may comprise obtaining one or more call plan proposals, receiving a destination phone number for making a call on a wireless communications device (WCD) when the WCD is in a source country, determining the source country from which the call is to be made, determining a destination country code of the destination phone number, identifying each of the one or more call plan proposals available to the WCD in the source country, selecting a call plan proposal from the identified available call plan proposals, generating a destination number string, and executing the call using the destination number string. The destination number string can comprise the destination phone number combined with the destination country code and the country access code and the discount identifier code of the selected call plan proposal.

Abstract: A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing subscribers of a VoIP service provider to take advantage of wholesale arrangements made by the VoIP service provider with one or more international partner carrier network providers to one or more international countries are disclosed. Specifically, the present method enables a VoIP service provider to display a web page to their subscribers, for each destination country, with one or more international partner network providers and their corresponding calling rates and/or call completion success rates to each particular destination country.

Abstract: Peering partners register with a peering grid for direct broadband routing of call offers. The peering grid terminates call offers on behalf of peering partners, collecting call detail records, summarizing termination usage, and calculating a payment to be provided to the peering partner in return for using the services of the peering grid. A call detail record may be generated for the peering partner, which may include a market value of call traffic, a variable cost of the call traffic, and a determined compensation amount. The market value is based on revenue for terminations of the call traffic from the peering grid, the variable cost is a function of sharing the market value between the peering grid and the peering partner, and the compensation amount due is a function of the variable cost.

Abstract: A telecommunications system utilizes a central database to determine characteristics for international calls, to facilitate call routing for international calls, or both. The central database includes termination information for telephone numbers in multiple nations outside the North American Numbering Plan. In one aspect, an interexchange switch receives a termination number for an international call from a local exchange carrier and uses information from the central database to help complete the call. In another aspect, the central database receives a telephone number from a remote user such as interexchange carrier (IXC) and, in response, transmits termination information to the remote user to identify whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. The remote user may then charge a customer for wireless termination, if appropriate, possibly even before the remote user receives an invoice that reflects wireless termination charges from a foreign wireless carrier.

Abstract: The communication terminal device includes a handset, a central controller, a telephone network adaptor unit for converting analog signals transmitted/received between telecommunication network and the communication terminal device into digital signals, an interface unit physically isolating the central controller from the telephone network adaptor unit, and transmitting/receiving the converted digital signals between the central controller and the telephone network adaptor unit, and a telephone circuit unit which transmits the voice signals generated by processing the digital signals received from the telephone network adaptor unit to a handset through the interface unit and transmits the digital signals generated by processing the voice signals received from the handset to the telephone network adaptor unit through the interface unit.

Abstract: The communication terminal device includes a handset, a central controller, a telephone network adaptor unit for converting analog signals transmitted/received between telecommunication network and the communication terminal device into digital signals, an interface unit physically isolating the central controller from the telephone network adaptor unit, and transmitting/receiving the converted digital signals between the central controller and the telephone network adaptor unit, and a telephone circuit unit which transmits the voice signals generated by processing the digital signals received from the telephone network adaptor unit to a handset through the interface unit and transmits the digital signals generated by processing the voice signals received from the handset to the telephone network adaptor unit through the interface unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system implementing the method for arranging subscriber billing in a multi-provider environment wherein a subscriber desiring a service uses both a first network (A) and a second network (T). In order to bill the subscriber, either a tariff of the second network (T) is transmitted to the first network (A), a tariff of the first network is combined with the tariff of the second network and the subscriber is billed according to the combined tariff, or a billing identifier is generated in the first network (A) to be transmitted to the second network (T), the billing identifier is attached to billing information in both networks and the pieces of the billing information that comprise the same billing identifier are combined in order to bill the subscriber. The invention thus enables a subscriber in a multi-provider environment to be billed using a single bill.

Abstract: A network assurance analytics (NAA) system and method is disclosed. The NAA can be part of a risk analytic for telecom (RAFT) program. The NAA system is configured to monitor telecommunications networks, detect errors or fraud in those telecommunications networks, and provide solutions to resolve the errors or reduce the fraud. Traffic of a telecommunications network is electronically monitored for at least one pattern that is indicative of a telecommunications anomaly. Based on a set of a set of telecommunications profiles stored in a database, a model score representing a value of the telecommunications anomaly is generated. A solution for the telecommunications network to reduce the model score associated with the telecommunications anomaly is then generated for execution on the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring number portability in a communication system, comprising transmitting ported-out information to a network element are disclosed. The system includes an originating network and a recipient network. The originating network includes a first network element for establishing a call to a ported-out subscriber and for transmitting ported-out information.

Abstract: A telecommunications system utilizes a central database to determine characteristics for international calls, to facilitate call routing for international calls, or both. The central database includes termination information for telephone numbers in multiple nations outside the North American Numbering Plan. In one aspect, an interexchange switch receives a termination number for an international call from a local exchange carrier and uses information from the central database to help complete the call. In another aspect, the central database receives a telephone number from a remote user such as interexchange carrier (IXC) and, in response, transmits termination information to the remote user to identify whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. The remote user may then charge a customer for wireless termination, if appropriate, possibly even before the remote user receives an invoice that reflects wireless termination charges from a foreign wireless carrier.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for tracking mobile devices combining packet processing technology with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. A central network system comprising a packet processing subsystem receives transmitted GPS location data from a mobile device transmitting GPS location data, wherein the packet processing subsystem uses a table access scheme to process the GPS location data and produce responsive mapping data, and the central network processing system compares the mapping data to a map and identifies a corresponding map location. Embodiments may also correlate device identification data, tracking table entries, and/or billing zone charges. In some embodiments a look-up key is built responsive to the GPS location data and used to identify map locations. The table access scheme may be a key hashing scheme and, in particular, a longest prefix match type scheme.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing fraud in international calls in a long-distance telecommunications system, where selected customers can avoid fraud control blocks and greater granularity is achieved in blocking international destinations. In the method and device, an override flag is created in the records of the Billing Number Screening (BNS) database. When a call is made using a billing number whose corresponding record has the override flag set, the call is not stopped by fraud control blocks on certain international destinations. In addition, international destinations can be blocked with greater specificity because a Country Set Logic (CSET) field is added to the International City Code Database. The addition of CSET to this database allows particular international city destinations to be blocked from certain origin points.

Abstract: A method and network node are presented to route a signaling message in a SS7/C7 national telecommunication network between a Border Node within a first licensed operator network and a destination node within a second licensed operator network. The first and second licensed operator networks use the same Point Code configuration numbering plan to identify Point Codes of each node into their respective network. The Border Node includes a Message Transfer Part (MTP). Upon receipt of a signaling message, the Message Transfer Part (MTP) of the Border Node maps an Origination Point Code (OPC) and a Destination Point Code (DPC) corresponding to numbering plan values of the one of the licensed operator networks into OPC and DPC corresponding to the other licensed operator network. After that, the MTP replaces the OPC and DPC by the mapped OPC and DPC and the signaling message is sent from the Border Node to the destination node.

Abstract: A system for providing termination information for an international telephone number includes a centralized database of terminating characteristics. The system may also include request processing logic that receives an international telephone number from a user. In response to receiving the telephone number, the request processing logic may automatically query the centralized database to obtain information that indicates whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. In response to obtaining the information from the centralized database, the request processing logic may automatically transmit to the user a response that indicates whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. The system may also include a database engine that uses a tree structure of linked nodes to perform a longest matching prefix search on the telephone number in response to the request processing logic querying the centralized database.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing fraud in international calls in a long-distance telecommunications system, where selected customers can avoid fraud control blocks and greater granularity is achieved in blocking international destinations. In the method and device, an override flag is created in the records of the Billing Number Screening (BNS) database. When a call is made using a billing number whose corresponding record has the override flag set, the call is not stopped by fraud control blocks on certain international destinations. In addition, international destinations can be blocked with greater specificity because a Country Set Logic (CSET) field is added to the International City Code Database. The addition of CSET to this database allows particular international city destinations to be blocked from certain origin points.

Abstract: A method for charging for services in a communication system comprising a charging entity and at least two connection support entities for providing resources to support connection in the communication system. the method comprising: detecting initiation of a connection for provision by the connection support entities; generating a charging identity for identifying the connection: determining according to a first stored tariff a first charge for the support of the connection by the first connection support entity: determining according to a second stored tariff a second charge for the support of the connection by the second connection support entity; transmitting a first charging message from the first connection support entity to the charging entity. the message specifying the first charge and including the charging identity; and transmitting a second charging message from the second connection support entity to the charging entity, the message specifying the second charge and including the charging identity.

Abstract: A model reader reads out provider models from a provider model file on the basis of the types of carriers read out by a type reader. A module reader reads out, in units of planes, charge calculation modules that provide settlement items uniquely set for each carrier from a charge calculation module file. A communication charge calculator calculates a communication charge according to the module that has been read from the module file on the basis of a charge calculation module.

Abstract: A telecommunications system utilizes a central database to determine characteristics for international calls, to facilitate call routing for international calls, or both. The central database includes termination information for telephone numbers in multiple nations outside the North American Numbering Plan. In one aspect, an interexchange switch receives a termination number for an international call from a local exchange carrier and uses information from the central database to help complete the call. In another aspect, the central database receives a telephone number from a remote user such as interexchange carrier (IXC) and, in response, transmits termination information to the remote user to identify whether the telephone number uses wireless termination. The remote user may then charge a customer for wireless termination, if appropriate, possibly even before the remote user receives an invoice that reflects wireless termination charges from a foreign wireless carrier.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods for efficiently identifying international outbound calls, in the telecommunications network (TN) of the outgoing country, which should be screened as possibly requiring processing according to a Global Virtual Network Service (GVNS), as opposed to conventional international long distance (ILD) call processing. In particular, the present invention is directed to outbound international GVNS calls, known as “on-net,” which are from one GVNS location to another GVNS location of the same customer. International calls that are not Outbound International GVNS On-net calls, referred to as Other ILD calls, include at least three types: standard ILD, non-GVNS data and international GVNS off-net calls. Standard ILD, non-GVNS data calls and international GVNS off-net calls all have a routing number which comprises a country code (CC) followed by a national number (NN).

Abstract: A system for analyzing fraud in a telecommunications system, where the system comprises at least one processor, software and calling records stored in a database. The at least one processor has input that receives a user selection of a revenue source and one or more streams of revenue that contribute to the revenue source. The system retrieves and processes the calling records pertaining to the selected revenue source or stream of revenue. The system then generates at least one graphical display pertaining to the revenue generated and losses due to fraud for the selected revenue source or stream of revenue. A method for analyzing fraud in a telecommunications system presents a user with graphic data pertaining to fraud and revenue for a revenue source. The user is then presented with a selection of one or more streams of revenue of an nth level that contribute to the revenue source, where n is greater than or equal to one. The user provides a selection for one of the one or more nth level streams of revenue.

Abstract: A point of presence with data collecting means (24; 43) arranged for collecting predetermined data and having a first output for outputting said predetermined data at a first transmission rate, the point of presence having forwarding means (22, 28(1), 28(2); 44) with a forwarding means output for outputting data to a dedicated telecommunication network (8) at a second transmission rate differing from said first transmission rate, said point of presence also having feedback means (26(1), 26(2), 26(3), 26(4); 46, 48; 46, 48, 26(5), 52) having a feedback input and a feedback output, said feedback means being arranged to receive said predetermined data at said first transmission rate from said data collecting means (24; 43), said forwarding means (22, 28(1), 28(2); 44) being connected to said feedback output for receiving said predetermined data and forwarding these predetermined data to said dedicated telecommunication network (8) at said second transmission rate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making least-cost non-local telephone calls. In accordance with this method, an identification code of a customer and a plurality of carrier codes associated with the identification code are stored in a memory which is accessible by a computer at a universal exchange. Each carrier code identifies a respective one of a plurality of telephone call carriers. Subsequent to the storing step, the universal exchange receives the customer identification code and a destination telephone number by means of a telephone call from the customer. The computer at the universal exchange processes the destination telephone number and the plurality of carrier codes corresponding to the customer identification code in accordance with respective rate schedules for those carriers and a least-cost routing algorithm, thereby determining a least-cost carrier for connecting the customer to the station identified by the destination telephone number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of charging for services in a communications system consisting of two or more communications networks (KN1, KN2, KN3) of different network operators, and to network nodes (N3 to N5) and gateway nodes (GN1 to GN4) for such a communications network. For a connection whose establishment was initiated by a subscriber (A) of a first communications network (KN1) of the communications system, one or more services are provided by network nodes (N3 to N5) of a second communications network (KN2; KN3). Each of the network nodes (N3 to N5) of the second communications network (KN2) which provide services for the connection determines a charge (Waaa to Wccc) assigned to the service.