Abstract: A method for automatically updating shared secret data stored in a mobile terminal comprises initiating a shared secret data update procedure upon receipt of an access attempt by a mobile terminal in a mobile switching center. The shared secret data update procedure is initiated in accordance with a schedule determined by the wireless service provider. Reporting of the outcome of the shared secret data update attempt is issued by the mobile switching center to wireless service provider personnel for telecommunications system maintenance purposes. Advantageously, shared secret data updates occur automatically without intervention by wireless service provider personnel.

Abstract: A method for automatically updating a central local number portability (LNP) database shared among a plurality of central office switches is instigated when a message from a provisioning system to add a directory number is received by a central office switch. In response to the message, a first central office switch accesses the central LNP database by sending a query message which contains the directory number to be added and routing data specific to the central office switch. Responsive to the query message, the LNP database searches for the directory number received from the first central office switch. If the directory number is found, the database queries a second central office switch to determine if the directory number is in use. If the number is in use, the central LNP database returns a failure message to the first central office switch.

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 for determining the operational status of base stations deployed in a cellular telecommunications system comprises continually sharing operational status data with adjacent base stations in accordance with a primary diagnostic protocol. Upon non-receipt of an operational status message, a supplemental diagnostic protocol is executed to identify a malfunctioning base station. The failed status of an identified malfunctioning base station is extended to a mobile switching center over an established data interface. In some circumstances, the mobile switching center extends radio allocation information to a functional base station so that the functional base station may perform temporary administrative services for the adjacent failed base station until permanent repairs can be made.

Abstract: A method for reducing frequency-related power losses in a telecommunication line interface circuit comprises operating a switching converter circuit at an optimum frequency. Determination of the optimum frequency is based upon a subscriber loop length. Particularly, the subscriber loop voltage is detected at a battery feed circuit of the line interface circuit, and used to access an optimum frequency stored in an initialized database. The optimum frequency information is received in the switching converter circuit, and determines its operating frequency.

Abstract: A device for securing a telecommunications cable includes a mid-section and side sections extending from the mid-section for receiving a telecommunications cable. During installation, a "base" cable securing device is positioned on a telecommunications cable and adheres to a stationary object. A "grow" cable securing device surrounds a portion of a second telecommunications cable and is positioned to interlock with the base device to form a stable bundle of telecommunications cables.

Abstract: In an automatic message accounting (AMA) record distribution network, a method and system for sorting AMA records by using an area code or numbering plan area (NPA) data array and directory number bit maps to identify AMA records which are of interest to an operation center. Operation centers have access to every AMA record generated by a toll switching network and are initialized with a table of AMA structure and call-type codes, an NPA data array and directory number bit maps. NPA entries in the data array which are of interest to a particular operation center contain pointers (i.e., memory address locations) of the directory number bit maps. As AMA records are received by the operation center, directory numbers which have NPAs of interest to the operation center are compared to directory number bit maps. A directory number of an AMA record which corresponds to a numbered bit position of the directory number bit map is processed by the operation center.

Abstract: A line interface circuit (LIC) used in telecommunications networks operates in either a high frequency mode or a low frequency mode, depending upon the status of its associated customer premises equipment. A LIC main controller detects a change in state of customer premises equipment via a battery feed circuit. If the customer premises equipment is off-hook, a switch associated with a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit is activated to lower the resistance value of the RC circuit, and thereby, increase the operating frequency of the LIC. During on-hook intervals, the main controller deactivates the switch, and the LIC operates at a lower, default frequency.

Abstract: A method for providing narrowband-related service features to subscribing broadband lines comprises establishing a composite voice path interconnecting a narrowband server and the subscribing broadband line via a broadband switching fabric. Particularly, a call set-up signal is received in a broadband call processor, converted to narrowband signaling format and extended to a designated narrowband server. Responsive to receipt of the call set-up signal, the designated narrowband server establishes a narrowband voice path interconnecting a narrowband network element to a synchronous-asynchronous converter. Subsequently, the broadband call processor establishes a broadband segment interconnecting the subscribing broadband line with the synchronous-asynchronous converter. The broadband segment corresponds to the narrowband voice path to form a composite voice path. The composite voice path is used by the designated narrowband server to provide narrowband-related service features to the subscribing broadband line.

Abstract: A method for identifying damaged cable pairs in a pulp cable comprises arbitrarily attaching proximal ends of damaged cable pairs to ports on a first connector block of a service restoration system (SRS), and arbitrarily attaching distal ends of damaged cable pairs to ports on a second connector block of the SRS. Directory number information associated with each damaged cable pair is retrieved by the SRS from affected subscribers, and the serving switch. If a match of directory number information is found, the proximal damaged cable pair end is interconnected to the distal damaged cable pair end of a single cable pair via SRS switch fabric. The SRS periodically generates a status report including port locations of corresponding ends of a damaged cable pair so that the ends may be permanently spliced together.

Abstract: A method for changing the call handling capacity of a telecommunications switch requires authorization from an external source, such as a telecommunications equipment manufacturing company (TEMC). Each switch purchased from the particular switch manufacturer includes a customized upgrade security protocol which limits access to data bus blocks associated with integrated digital carrier units of the switch. To alter the upgrade security program, an authorization code must be retrieved from the TEMC. The authorization code is then entered into the switch, and used to automatically alter the upgrade security protocol so that previously blocked data buses may be activated.

Abstract: A method for delivering enhanced caller identification (ID) service including geographic location information comprises initializing an originating switch with geographic identification data (GID). The GID is stored in each switch module memory, and is accessed by the originating switch each time a calling party initiates a call to a called party. If the called party subscribes to caller ID service, the calling's party directory number, and the GID associated with the switch is delivered to the called party as part of caller ID service so that the true geographic location of the caller can be ascertained.

Abstract: A method for controlling power losses associated with the operation of line interface circuits in telecommunications networks comprises detecting a loop current of at least one subscriber loop interconnected to at least one line interface circuit. The detected loop current is used to access a threshold voltage value from a line interface circuit database. A threshold voltage based on the threshold voltage value retrieved from the database is compared to a feedback voltage to control a duty cycle of a switching converter circuit in the line interface circuit. Controlling the duty cycle of the switching converter circuit enables control of battery voltages based on the comparison of the threshold voltage and the feedback voltage. In the preferred embodiment, the battery voltage is controlled to be a minimum voltage needed to provide a predetermined magnitude of the minimum loop current.

Abstract: A caller who calls an 800 number is given an audible or visual indication that the call will not incur any charges for services provided on that call by the called party. If such charges will be incurred the caller is warned and may terminate or continue the call. For certain classes of telephone subscribers such as coin stations wherein the caller is not always the same person as the one who pays the bills, calls wherein the caller may incur charges for services provided on the call are automatically routed to an operator; such calls can then be completed using credit or calling cards in order to transfer the charges from the owner of the telephone station to the caller who made the specific call.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system to recognize arbitrary words, by accessing information in a supplemental data base. A supplemental data base is accessed to retrieve supplementary textual information, such as a proper name. A text-to-speech means is used to generate a phoneme transcription of the text retrieved from the supplemental data base, so that the transcription may be used as a speaker independent template by the ASR system for recognizing a spoken word.

Abstract: A method for detecting translation data error in a central office switch comprises: receiving a call directed to a ported directory number in a switch; retrieving translation data from the switch memory to connect the call to a customer line; and determining that the call cannot be completed to a customer line served by the switch. Upon determining that the call cannot be connected to a customer line served by the switch, a translation data error (TDE) indicator is set in the switch memory so that the instant call, and all subsequent calls directed to the same ported directory number, are connected to an announcement circuit. An translation data error message is also sent to a central switch maintenance and control center by the switch.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimum database query point during call delivery in a telecommunications network comprises a local number portability traffic analysis system (LNP-TAS) in communication with at least one originating central office switch and one standard terminating central office switch in the telecommunications network. The LNP-TAS receives LNP database-related query statistics from each central office switch at predetermined intervals to determine an optimum database query point based upon predefined optimization criteria. Upon determination of an optimum database query point, the LNP-TAS updates the appropriate switches with switch control update messages in accordance with the optimization determination.

Abstract: A method for automatically transferring customer data among a plurality of central office switches comprises receiving a work order message from a central provisioning system at a message directing switch. The message directing switch is in communication with at least one message receiving switch in a local telecommunication network. Upon determining that a particular work order message received from a central provisioning system requires a coordinated data transfer, a data query is formulated in the message directing switch to retrieve specific data, such as data relating to a customer directory number, from a message receiving switch. Once the data is received in the message directing switch, the data is processed and retained in the message directing switch or delivered to another switch in the telecommunications network. The method and system alleviates the need for manual retrieval and installation of specific customer line data when a directory number is moved from one central office switch to another.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using information about a calling party's identity or the importance of a call to control the call waiting signal played to a called party that is busy on another call. Upon determining that a called communication station is busy on another call, information about the identity of the calling party is obtained from the calling station. This information is processed to determine call routing treatment, and particularly to determine whether a call waiting signal is to be played for the call and, if so, what type of call waiting signaling is to be played. The called party can determine information about the identity of the calling party from the call waiting signaling, and thus determine whether to interrupt the call in progress to respond to the call waiting signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a message lamp on analog customer premises equipment (CPE) under the control of a digital switch. A message conversion circuit (MCC) which is positioned intermediate to the digital switch and the analog CPE controls an on-hook isolation and relay circuit to selectively connect the subscriber line associated with the analog CPE with a voltage supply to illuminate the message lamp.