Abstract: When telephone calls are placed by dialing a special number such as an “800” number, the dialed number is converted to a specially configured translation number that includes a destination output set of digits which are preferably the last four digits of the dialed number. This translation number is transported over the network from an originating switch to a terminating switch which then outputs the output set to the destination. Advantageously, the terminating switch also replaces the prefix portion of the translation number with an output prefix consisting of at least the NXX portion of the dialed number and outputs this prefix along with the output set to the destination for use in call tracking.

Abstract: An improved workstation for use in a telecommunications fraud detection system is disclosed. The workstation provides a fraud analyst with streamlined access to case records defining one or more subcases or fraud analyses associated with specified calling card numbers. Additionally, the workstation is preferably interconnected to a customer information database and may display a variety of detailed customer information on monitor together with associated case or subcase information. Through the use of assorted tools provided by the workstation, a fraud analyst may efficiently study instances of possible telecommunications fraud on a case-by-case basis.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring telecommunications traffic is disclosed. When a switch receives a call request, the switch sends a query message to a service controller. The service controller identifies the call request as a request to place a special service call and therefore returns to the switch a special service code, which causes the switch to route the call via a special looparound circuit to a destination. A signaling path associated with the looparound circuit passes through a designated network entity, which can therefore monitor the start and end of the call. An SCP or other network entity can then take appropriate action in response to the status of the call. The invention is particularly useful in facilitating robust account balance service such as prepaid calling.

Abstract: A prepaid service assurance system provides service assurance for a prepaid telecommunication system by generating a call to the prepaid telecommunication system. In response to the call, the prepaid service assurance system then receives an actual response from the prepaid telecommunication system and automatically compares the actual response with an expected response for the prepaid telecommunication system. In other embodiments, the prepaid service assurance system determines whether a modification action is needed based on the comparison of the actual response and the expected response. If the modification action is needed, the prepaid service assurance system identifies the modification action based on the determination that the modification is needed. Once the modification action is identified, the prepaid service assurance system transmits an instruction to provide the modification action for the prepaid telecommunication system.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, system, and apparatus for providing communication control. The invention includes a method in which signaling is processed externally to a switch before it is applied by the network elements. The processor is able to select network characteristics and signal the network elements based the selections. A network employing the processing method is also included, as well as a signaling system that employs the processing method.

Abstract: The invention is a test system that gives the user a single point of control to generate calls and run tests on a switching system for use in a communications network. The test system is capable of generating calls through a tandem switching system without using a local access switch. The test system is operationally coupled to the switching system by a signaling link and a call connection. The test system receives a first user request to generate a call. The test system transfers signaling to the switching system over the signaling link to cause the switching system to extend the call connection. The test system receives a second user request to run a test, and applies the test to the call connection. In some embodiments, the test system includes a web server that interfaces with a web browser operated by the user. The web server transfers information for screen displays to the web browser. The web server collects user requests from the web browser to generate calls and run tests.

Abstract: The invention authenticates processes and inter-process messaging. In some examples of the invention, security is performed in three layers—the application layer, the middleware layer, and the transport layer. Some examples of the invention include software products. One software product comprises security software and middleware software stored on a software storage medium. The security software directs a processor to receive a log-in request for a process, generate a request to authenticate the process, transfer the request to authenticate the process, receive a security association for the process, and transfer the security association. The middleware software directs the processor to receive the security association from the security software, receive a message from the process, insert the security association into the message, and transfer the message. Another software product comprises security software stored on a software storage medium.