Abstract: A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which a gateway server provides communications between an Internet Protocol (IP) network and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to enable messaging between an IN server device in the PSTN and a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Application Server (AS) on the IP network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for using an LRN based query and response mechanism (e.g., a switching office number portability processing system) to route calls to IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) subscribers are disclosed. According to one method, an LRN based response message including a communications service subscriber identifier is received. An IMS gateway LRN associated with the communications service subscriber identifier may be determined. The IMS gateway LRN associated with the communications service subscriber identifier may be inserted into the LRN based response message and routing the message.

Abstract: A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for management of optimal voicemail deposit to the voicemail of a currently roaming mobile telephony user during late call forwarding, is located at the user's home network and includes a disconnection unit for disconnecting an international link upon detection of late call forwarding; a triggering unit that ensures that a trigger signal is available for triggering the passing of control of the call to allow direct forwarding of the caller to the voicemail; and a direct forwarding unit that receives the control and carries out the forwarding. Generally the roaming user only generates a single trigger, and this causes difficulties if multiple services need triggering for the same call, such as a prepaid unit and the optimal voicemail deposit. The disclosure teaches methods which when used in combination provide a system that can operate at the home network irrespective of the configuration of the roaming network.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein comprises methods, systems, and computer program products for accessing number portability (NP) and E.164 number (ENUM) data in a combined NP/ENUM database. One method includes receiving a query including a telephone number (TN). A common NP/ENUM data locator structure is accessed to locate a pointer corresponding to the TN. In response to the query being a NP query, the pointer is used to locate NP data, and the NP data is returned. In response to the query being an ENUM query, the pointer is used to locate at least one URI and returning at least one uniform resource locators (URIs).

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method and apparatus for managing a call to a user associated with a destination communications device, the call initiated by a caller at an originating communications device, is described. An indication of the call is received, the indication of the call comprising data associated with the user. A state of the user is determined by processing the data associated with the user and consulting a record of the state of the user. The call is parked if the state of the user comprises a delayed answer state, the delayed answer state comprising the user being available to receive the call, but requiring additional time to retrieve the call using the destination communications device, and a notification of the call is triggered at the destination communications device by transmitting a signal to the address of the communications device.

Abstract: At least one telephone network element receives an attempt of a caller to place a telephone call to a callee. A telephone number for the call is registered in a telephone number mapping (ENUM) database to receive incoming telephone calls via a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network. The at least one telephone network element receives an indication of a preference of the caller to carry the telephone call via one of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a public land mobile network (PLMN), instead of via the VoIP network. Based on the preference, the method inhibits an ENUM query of the ENUM database for the telephone call and forwards the telephone call to a gateway to carry the telephone call to the callee via one of the PSTN and the PLMN instead of via the VoIP network.

Abstract: In accordance with an improved call routing methodology, a call is routed within a communication network by reference to one or more databases. In response to receiving a local number portability request at a service control point (SCP), the SCP accesses one or more databases to determine whether or not to apply custom call routing to a call directed to a called telecommunications number. In response to determining to apply custom call routing to the call, the SCP performs at least a second access to the one or more databases to obtain a local routing number (LRN) associated within the one or more databases with a calling telecommunications number associated with the call. The SCP thereafter provides the LRN to a service switch point in the communication network so that the call is routed to a called station associated with the called telecommunications number.

Abstract: A computer system receives a first message from an originating communication node indicating a telephone number for a user. The computer system processes the telephone number, number portability data, and user mobility data to identify a first route number for a home communication node and a second route number for a visited communication node currently serving the user. The computer system transfers a second message to the originating communication node indicating the first route number and the second route number. The call may be routed from the originating communication node to the visited communication node based on the second route number, but if the visited communication node is unable to complete the call, the call may be routed from the originating communication node to the home communication node based on the first route number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a method for determining the status of allocated phone numbers in a VoIP network by providing a tool to automatically determine whether allocated phone numbers are in service, deactivated, or waiting to be allocated phone numbers are disclosed. The present method enables access into service provisioning systems and their associated database regarding move, add, change, and disconnect operations to make this determination.

Abstract: The subject mater herein relates to voice mail systems and, more particularly, cross-media voice mail notification and delivery. Various embodiments described herein provide systems, methods, software, and data structures that operate to, or facilitate, dispatching of voice mail notification messages to voice mailbox owners. In some embodiments, the notifications are sent to the voice mailbox owners in a text format, such as a short message service text message, email, or other text based service. These and other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: An IP system receives a call placed to an ENUM address. The IP system transfers a signaling message indicating the ENUM address to a processing system. For a call to a ported number, the processing system translates the ENUM address into the LRN for a communication node that serves the called party and returns the LRN to the IP system. The IP system routes the call based on the LRN.

Abstract: A third party tandem provider that intercepts and routes voice and data traffic between telecommunications carriers, e.g., wireless carriers, local exchange carriers, and long distance carriers, by dynamically determining the actual terminating switch for a call using a plurality of proprietary databases versus terminating calls merely based on the switch associated with the terminating telephone number. The tandem services provider Service Control Point (SCP) is arranged to maintain a carrier unit's status in a resident database or secure such information per call from the terminating carrier's database. When a call is placed to a telephone number associated with a carrier connected to the tandem, the tandem platform Service Switching Point (SSP) queries the SCP for availability and routing instructions. In response, the SCP accesses its database and/or the terminating carrier's database to determine the status of the unit.

Abstract: A method and system for providing intelligent network control services in IP telephony, wherein the system includes a location manager and an IP telephony proxy server. The location manager includes an interface to a legacy telephony service control entity and the IP telephony proxy server includes an IP interface to the location manager. If the IP telephony proxy server requires intelligent network services, then the IP telephony proxy server sends an IP telephony session initiation request to the called party at the location manager. The location manager uses the information to query the legacy telephony service control entity for routing information. When the location manager receives a routing response from the service control entity, the location manager maps the response to an IP telephony session control message back to the IP telephony proxy server.

Abstract: A mobility management analysis architecture for call management. Systems and methods are provided for routing of a landline-mobile and mobile-mobile call using a switching network (landline or mobile originating) to serve effectively as the “GMSC/tandem” switching layer for the mobile network, as well as for mobile-mobile calls using an originating switch. When a landline switch issues an local number portability (LNP) query, the response to the query can be intercepted by a preliminary mobility management platform that determines a location routing number (LRN) for a visited mobile switching center (V-MSC) to which a destination mobile handset is currently attached. The LRN for that V-MSC is returned in the LNP response to the switch, which then routes the call to the serving V-MSC based on the LRN. The V-MSC then performs the GMSC (gateway mobile switching center) functionality, for example, for that particular call.

Abstract: A method for using an LRN based query and response mechanism to effect subscriber cutover includes receiving an LRN based response message including a communications service subscriber identifier. The method further includes determining a cutover switch LRN associated with the communications service subscriber identifier. The method further includes inserting the cutover switch LRN associated with the communications service subscriber identifier into the LRN based response message and routing the LRN based response message.

Abstract: A method and system for forwarding information, such as a message waiting indicator (MWI) message, to a telephone number corresponding to a foreign network (e.g., a wireless network) and a shared NPA/NXX—The invention evaluates individual telephone numbers of shared NPA/NXXs to determine to what networks to send messages. A representative embodiment of the invention uses a service control point and service package application to deliver an MWI message from a messaging service provider to a wireless (i e., foreign network) telephone number of a shared NPA/NXX, Shared NPA/NXXs are marked as “portable” in a signal transfer point for forwarding to the service control point, which determines whether the shared NPA/NXX telephone numbers require local number portability global title translation or should be forwarded to an inter-switch voicemail routing (ISVMR) service package application. The ISVMR service package application determines the point code to which the MWI message should be routed.

Abstract: A method and system include obtaining at a first time a first image of a database having number portability records for each telephone number which has been ported between service providers. The first image is indicative of the LNP records in the database at the first time. At a second time a second image of the database is obtained. The second image is indicative of the records in the database at the second time. The first and second images are compared to determine migration of ported telephone numbers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for implementing wireless number portability in a wireless communications network, in which an originating switching component determines whether a called number is ported or not based on profile information from a home location register without querying a number portability database.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for implementing a split numbering plan area code in an IMS network. The IMS network comprises a subscriber server adapted to store a new phone number including a new area code for a subscriber assigned as a result of the split numbering plan area code. The IMS network further comprises a call control system coupled to the subscriber server adapted to register user equipment of the subscriber assigned the new phone number with the subscriber server. The call control system is further adapted to associate an old phone number of the subscriber used prior to the split numbering plan area code with the new phone number in an implicit registration set. The call control system is further adapted to receive a call for the old phone number and identify the new phone number associated with the old phone number in the implicit registration set and to deliver the call to the user equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a gateway component that provides an identifier of a service provider to a sender of a message through employment of a user address associated with the recipient of the message.

Abstract: When a call offer is received by a telecommunications peering network destined for a telephone number maintained within a peering database, the telecommunications peering network attempts to route the call directly to the peering partner telecommunications (e.g., broadband, voice over internet protocol, etc.) equipment. If the route fails with a corresponding destination unreachable failure code, the telecommunications peering network can attempt to determine whether or not the telephone number has been ported to a different provider. If the telecommunications peering network determines that the telephone number has been ported, the telecommunications peering network removes the telephone number from the peering database.

Abstract: When a call offer is received by a telecommunications peering network destined for a telephone number maintained within a peering database, the telecommunications peering network attempts to route the call directly to the peering partner telecommunications (e.g., broadband, voice over internet protocol, etc.) equipment. If the route fails with a corresponding destination unreachable failure code, the telecommunications peering network can attempt to determine whether or not the telephone number has been ported to a different provider. If the telecommunications peering network determines that the telephone number has been ported, the telecommunications peering network removes the telephone number from the peering database.

Abstract: An architecture and accompanying method and apparatus for providing multi vendor administration of telephone numbers being ported from one service provider to another.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for number portability for an IMS network. In one example the method may have the steps of: processing all calls with E.164 numbers in a BGCF (Breakout Gateway Control Function); executing digit analysis on a respective E.164 number in the BGCF; and querying, by the BGCF, a NPDB (portable number database) to retrieve a routing number if the respective E.164 number is ported.

Abstract: The invention concerns a network element (4) for a telecommunication network (1) and a method of mapping address information according to a network numbering plan of the telecommunication network (1) to service access codes or network element addresses. The network element (4) receives address information according to the network numbering plan of the telecommunication network (1) and extracts a search key from the received address information. It provides a memory (42) with a data structure for representing, retrieving and modifying translation information mapping address information according to the network numbering plan to service access codes or network element addresses. The data structure has a tree structure with nodes and leaves operatively chained together wherein at least one of the nodes holds information nominating which part of the search key will be used to determine the branching of the respective node.

Abstract: A method is provided to implement a subscriber local number portability migration request. The method includes sending a trigger signal to a cross-connect device to cause the cross-connect device to switch between a first communication channel and a second communication channel. The first communication channel is between an originating switch associated with a subscriber's directory number and a distribution frame. The second communication channel is between a porting switch and the distribution frame. The method also includes validating that the cross-connect device switched between the first communication channel and the second communication channel.

Abstract: A method and system for providing improved wireless number portability. This invention allows the mobile switching center (MSC) to use a separate database to store the number portability information gathered earlier through sending NPreq messages to the number portability database (NPDB) and various strategies for refreshing or updating the internal database. The invention enables the MSC to use the separate database to check whether a portable number is ported and what the associated location routing number (LRN) if it is ported, so that the MSC does not need to send NPreq messages to the NPDB many times for the same ported number. This invention may apply to any number of switching systems, including CDMA, GSM and UMTS mobile switching systems.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for routing query messages associated with prepaid subscribers in a number portability environment are disclosed. One method may include sending a registration message to an HLR. At the HLR, the ID or address of an STP is inserted as the prepaid SCP ID in a registration response message. The registration response message is sent to the MSC/VLR that originated the registration message. This action forces the VLR to send prepaid query messages to the STP, rather than to the prepaid SCP. When the STP receives a query message relating to call originating from the prepaid subscriber, the STP performs a number portability database lookup and determines the routing number corresponding to the called subscriber and the prepaid SCP corresponding to the calling subscriber. The STP then routes the query message to the appropriate prepaid SCP.

Abstract: To route calls in a wireless network in which an NPA split has been implemented, an intelligent router mediates NPA mismatches by modifying requests for routing information according to a rule set based on the update status of the HLR or other network element to which the routing requests are directed. According to whether the intended network element has been updated to recognize a new NPA in the directory number, the appropriate version of the directory number is included in the routing request, regardless of whether the old or the new version of the directory was actually dialed. In some embodiments, the intelligent router first modifies the routing request to include the new version of the directory number, and upon receiving an error from the intended element, resends the request with the old version. Receiving an error may prompt the intelligent router to trigger an update of the intended element.

Abstract: A communication system is described that comprises a switching system, an SCP, and a customer premises. The customer premises includes a remote processor and a plurality of terminating devices. When in operation, the switching system receives a call. Because of the type of call, the switching system queries the SCP for routing information on where to route the call, and the SCP queries the remote processor in the customer premises. The remote processor processes the query to determine routing information to route the call to a terminating device in the customer premises. The remote processor generates a code that includes the routing information and transmits the code to the SCP. The SCP processes the code to identify the routing information determined by the remote processor. The SCP then transmits the routing information to the switching system to cause the switching system to route the call to the terminating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that establishes a disaster recovery plan to recover from the occurrence of a predetermined event. The plan enables the transfer of communications for at least one phone number from one switch to another switch by changing the local number portability database and programming the second switch to terminate the phone numbers from the first switch.

Abstract: A method to be executed in a session initiation protocol (SIP) environment is provided that includes initiating a conversion process that involves a change from a first communications platform to a second communications platform. One or more routing tables associated with the first communications platform are then dumped. A conversion script is executed such that one or more patterns associated with a dial plan corresponding to the second communications platform are provided in a dial plan format. One or more files associated with the dial plan are loaded into one or more endpoints that are designated to change to the second communications platform.

Abstract: A method for testing a Local Number Portability (LNP) ported telephone number is provided according to the invention. The method includes in a first switch generating a LNP test telephone call to a second switch. The LNP test telephone call is targeted to the LNP-ported telephone number associated with the first switch. The method further includes indicating that the LNP-ported telephone number is being correctly routed in the second switch if the first switch receives the LNP test telephone call back from the second switch. The method further includes indicating that the LNP-ported telephone number is being incorrectly routed in the second switch if the first switch does not receive the LNP test telephone call back from the second switch.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for migrating telephone service. An order is received to migrate telephone service to a competitive local exchange carrier for at least one telephone line assigned to a customer. An account is created for the order. At least one sub-account associated with the account may be created. Each sub-account may be associated with a different combination of a local exchange carrier, from which the telephone service is being migrated, and a billing telephone number. A first telephone migration order may be generated and sent for migrating at least one telephone line associated with a first combination of a local exchange carrier and a billing telephone number.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and article for porting a directory number for a duration of time. A portability component automatically updates one or more provisioning components to port the directory number for the duration of time. The value for the duration of time may be one or more of a period of time, a date in the future, or a permanent status. Upon the expiration of the duration of time, the portability component initiates one or more notifications of the expiration of the duration of time to a management component and/or the provisioning components to remove and/or alter the port of the directory number.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing telecommunication services between a SIP network and an SS7 network are disclosed. In one method, SIP/SS7 gateway receives an INVITE message from a SIP proxy server. The SIP/SS7 gateway extracts a called party number from the INVITE message and determines whether a telecommunications service is required and a type of service required for the INVITE message based on the called party number. The SIP/SS7 gateway then formulates an SS7 query to a database corresponding to the identified service type. The SIP/SS7 gateway receives a response from the database and uses data from the response to facilitate completion of the call. In one example, the SIP/SS7 gateway may forward a routing number extracted from the response back to the originating SIP proxy server. In another example, the SIP/SS7 gateway may generate a new INVITE message and forward the new INVITE message to a terminating SIP proxy server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a network element in a telecommunications system. The telecommunications system comprises at least two telecommunications networks and means for providing number portability service between the networks and also supplementary telecommunications services. The method comprises the steps of initiating a set-up procedure for communications between two stations, sending an enquiry to the number portability service, determining if the called station is a ported station, and informing the supplementary telecommunications service of the results of said determination before initiating an use of said supplementary telecommunications service.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for enabling number portability in a communication session between a caller and a callee in an IMS network. When a caller or callee changes her subscription from a first network to a second network, mechanisms are implemented to have the number portability information provided so that the moved caller or callee can still engage in communication sessions using her original public identification number.

Abstract: A mobile communication system provides a phone number maintaining service. In the system, a first mobile switching center (MSC) receives a call request signal with calling terminal information and called terminal information, detects an initial service provider of a called terminal from the called terminal information, and transmits the call request signal to a communication network formed by the detected initial service provider of the called terminal. A second MSC detects a changed service provider of the called terminal based on the called terminal information included in the call request signal transmitted from the first MSC, and transmits the call request signal to a communication network formed by the detected service provider. A third MSC transmits the call request signal received from the second MSC to the called terminal so that the called terminal can communicate with the calling terminal over a communication network formed by the changed service provider.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for triggering SIP nodes to include SS7 routing information in response messages including information requested by SS7 nodes. A message having SS7 routing information is received from a remote SS7 node. A corresponding SIP message is generated that includes the SS7 routing information and a parameter for triggering the SIP node to include the routing information in a response message. The corresponding SIP message is forwarded to a remote SIP node.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for minimizing call setup delay in a network. The system includes a central node that may be connected to multiple home location registers (HLRs) and a number portability database (NPDB). The central node may also be associated with two tables. The first table includes mobile station identifiers and associated location routing numbers (LRNs), and the second table includes mobile station identifiers and associated home location registers (HLRs). The method searches the first and second tables for a mobile station identifier that matches a mobile station identifier associated with a call. If a match is found, the method uses the associated LRN or HLR to continue with the call setup or to obtain further information. If no match is found, the method sends a query to the NPDB. The method may also dynamically update the first and second tables as current information is obtained.

Abstract: A tandem switch migration method is provided according to the invention. The tandem switch migration method migrates at least some end users from an old tandem switch of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to a new tandem switch using a Local Number Portability (LNP) capability. The method includes configuring a Local Routing Number (LRN) information of the PSTN in order to direct inbound cells from the PSTN through the new tandem switch and to an old node. The method further includes programming routing information of the new tandem switch to direct inbound calls from the PSTN to a new node after at least a portion of end users of the old node have been physically moved from the old node to the new node.

Abstract: A system and method for redirecting incoming calls is disclosed. When the status of a wireless or mobile phone meets a predetermined condition or set of conditions, the LNP database is updated to redirect an incoming call to a phone number, such that the incoming call is redirected to the wireless or mobile phone.

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 mobility management analysis architecture for call management. Systems and methods are provided for routing of a landline-mobile and mobile-mobile call using a switching network (landline or mobile originating) to serve effectively as the “GMSC/tandem” switching layer for the mobile network, as well as for mobile-mobile calls using an originating switch. When a landline switch issues an local number portability (LNP) query, the response to the query can be intercepted by a preliminary mobility management platform that determines a location routing number (LRN) for a visited mobile switching center (V-MSC) to which a destination mobile handset is currently attached. The LRN for that V-MSC is returned in the LNP response to the switch, which then routes the call to the serving V-MSC based on the LRN. The V-MSC then performs the GMSC (gateway mobile switching center) functionality, for example, for that particular call.

Abstract: A method of determining a telephony network node for routing a call is disclosed. The method includes receiving a call request at a service provider node, the call request including a called number to reach a called party. The method further includes sending a combined telephone number mapping (ENUM) and local number portability (LNP) query from the service provider node to a remote ENUM database, the combined ENUM/LNP query including the called number. The method further includes receiving a response to the combined ENUM/LNP query at the service provider node. The response includes one of an internet protocol address that identifies a node of an internet protocol network, a local routing number (LRN) to be used to route the call to a uniquely identified switching node of a circuit-switched network, or a return of the called number to indicate that the called number can be used to route the call to the called party.

Abstract: A method for implementing a number portability (NP) service includes: by a local NP database, receiving a called user number from a switching device; determining an NP database storing NP data of the callee according to a preset correspondence between the called number and identifiers (IDs) of NP databases storing the NP data of the callee; and obtaining the NP data of the callee from the determined NP database and returning the obtained NP data to the switching device so that the switching device routes a call to the callee according to the returned NP data. In addition, a system for implementing an NP service is provided, including an NP database and a switching device. Two types of NP databases are also provided. With the present invention, each NP database only needs to store partial NP data, which lessens the load of each NP database in storing and updating NP data.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable medium system, and method which provide a ENUM specification in an LNP environment where an originating device of a first service provider dials a dialed call for forwarding to a terminating device of a second service provider. There is provided a combined LNP and ENUM database having a central location which is in communication with both an originating office and a terminating office. Both the originating office and the terminating office can look up and use LNP and ENUM information from the combined database.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a number portability call between homogeneous or heterogeneous telephone networks having a number portability supporting system (NPSS) and an implementation method thereof are provided. More particularly, provided are an apparatus and a method of supporting number portability, by which a number portability database (NPDB) for a variety of telephone networks is established in an NPSS, and number portability among wired telephone networks, mobile telephone networks, and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) networks is commonly supported and processed. The apparatus for processing number portability includes: an NPSS formed using computer systems including an NPDB, a router for allowing access by wireline telephone companies, mobile communication companies or VoIP companies, and a number portability main server (NPMS); and computer systems and exchanges of telephone networks accessing the NPSS, querying the NPDB, or relaying and connecting a telephone call.