Abstract: A system and method of updating radio network data in a plurality of devices deployed in Base Stations (BSs) in a radio telecommunications network. Each BS is interfaced with a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) through an Internet Protocol (IP) packet data network. Device update data is sent in an IP message from the MSC to the BS where the plurality of devices are simultaneously updated. Device updates can be performed at the cell level, the location area level, or the exchange level. In one embodiment, the BS joins a multicast group, and the device update data is sent in an IP multicast message. In another embodiment, the BSs monitor predefined User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports for particular types of device update data, and the device update data is sent in an IP broadcast message.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting a volume of data transferred between a Mobile Station (MS) and a data network during a data session. A Prepaid Server (PPS) maintains an MS account and informs a AAA Server of a predetermined volume of data that may be transferred during the session. A Packet Data Service Node (PDSN) sends interim accounting messages to the AAA Server which determines when the predetermined volume of data has been transferred, and notifies the PPS. When the account balance goes below a threshold volume, the data session is terminated. During handoff of the MS from a first PDSN to a second PDSN, a data tunnel is established between them. When the handoff is complete, the tunnel is torn down. The first PDSN reports the volume of data transferred through the tunnel to the second PDSN which reports the volume to the AAA Server.

Abstract: A generic call server in a hybrid 2G/3G telecommunications network having a plurality of network components that utilize a plurality of different signaling protocols. The call server performs call-control functions and interfaces between any two network components selected from the plurality of components. A Generic Call-control State Machine (GCSM) performs call-control functions that are common to all of the protocols. A plurality of external signaling systems interface between the GCSM and the network components and perform call-control functions that are specific to each protocol. The generic call server may also include a Media Gateway (MGW) Handler that acts as a media signaling protocol handling server and interfaces between the GCSM and a media gateway.

Abstract: A system and unified method of address resolution in an IP-based network. A Resolver determines whether an input address is a URL/URI, and if so, extracts a domain name. If the input address is an E.164 number, the Resolver converts the E.164 number into a domain name in ENUM format. The Resolver then sends a domain name query to a DNS which, if able, returns the IP address for either a Global MGCF or a destination server along with a supported Application protocol. If the DNS is unable to perform the translation, or the Application protocol returned is not supported by the requesting application, the Resolver sends a domain name query to an extended Location Server (LS) to obtain an IP address of a gateway function capable of interfacing with the destination server.

Abstract: A method of delivering data and real-time media from a first mobile terminal to a second mobile terminal when the data is transferred through a packet-switched network, and the real-time media is transferred through a circuit-switched network. The real-time media is passed from the first mobile terminal to the second mobile terminal in a circuit-switched call, and the data is passed in a packet-switched data session. The second mobile terminal associates the circuit-switched call with the data session using binding information, such as an identifier of the first mobile terminal, passed to the second mobile terminal from the first mobile terminal. The real-time media and the data are then presented simultaneously to a user of the second mobile terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the use of packet-resources by releasing a hanging packet-data connection when a Mobile Station (MS) performs a power-down while involved in a dormant packet-data session. A Base Station Controller (BSC) sends a message to a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) indicating that the MS has powered down. The MSC determines that the packet-data session is dormant, and sends an instruction to the BSC in a class-0 connectionless transaction to release network resources associated with the packet-data session. The BSC then sends an instruction to a Packet Control Function (PCF) to tear down the associated resources, and the packet-data connection is released by a Packet Data Service Node (PDSN) in response to the tearing down of the resources by the PCF.

Abstract: A system and method in a packet-switched radio access network of sending data packets over a radio interface from a Mobile Station (MS) to a Radio Network Controller (RNC) using multiple data transmission paths. When the MS launches a new application through a first base station (BS1), a Multi-path Context Activator (MCA) in the RNC determines whether the bandwidth required by the new application exceeds the bandwidth capacity of the radio interface portion of the first data transmission path. If so, the RNC identifies a second BS (BS2) that has the capacity to provide a portion of the radio interface bandwidth required. The MS then transmits separate data streams to BS1 and BS2 as over the radio interface. The MCA combines the separate upstream data portions. For downstream packets, the MCA separates the packets into two streams which are sent to an MCA in the MS via BS1 and BS2.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up a multi-party conference call in a packet-switched radio telecommunications network in which a Gatekeeper (GK) has established an on-going two-party call between a first party and a second party. The first party sends an enhanced Facility message to the GK that indicates a multi-party conference call is desired, and includes a globally unique conference identity and a list of telephone numbers for third parties to be joined. A Multipoint Controller (MC) provides an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a Multipoint Processor (MP) to each of the parties, and provides the IP addresses of the parties to the MP. The MC then negotiates media sessions with each of the parties, and sends the negotiation results to the MP. Each of the parties then sends its media payload to the MP where the payloads are mixed and forwarded to the other parties.

Abstract: A system and method of paging mobile stations in a cellular telecommunications network that reduces signaling traffic by reducing the number of page messages sent from a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) to Base Stations (BSs) in the network. The MSC sends a single Internet Protocol (IP) broadcast page message over an IP network to which the BSs are connected. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports in each BSs are dedicated to listening for IP broadcast page messages directed to a given BS's associated location area, location area group, or the network service area.

Abstract: A Call State Control Function (CSCF) and method of processing a call to a called mobile station (MS). The method is performed in all of the CSCFs in a third generation Internet Protocol (3G.IP) network. When an incoming call setup message such as a Fast Setup or Location Request message is received in the CSCF, the CSCF first determines with a relationship function, whether the CSCF is the Home CSCF for the called MS. If so, a first set of call processing steps are performed. If the CSCF is not the Home CSCF, the CSCF determines if it is currently serving the called MS. If the CSCF is the Serving CSCF, a second set of call processing steps are performed. If the CSCF is neither the Home CSCF nor the Serving CSCF for the called MS, a third set of call processing steps are performed.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether at least one telephone subscriber participating in a communication session is marked for monitoring by a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and, if so, for automatically marking for monitoring all remaining participants in the communication session. In a presently preferred exemplary embodiment, the subscribers are marked for monitoring their communications for a selected period of time by a starting the timer each time a new subscriber is marked. In another preferred exemplary embodiment, the subscribers marking level is detected and verified to determine if the marking level satisfies a pre-defined condition associated therewith. If so, the corresponding subscriber is marked for monitoring and the subscriber's subsequent communications are monitored.

Abstract: An integrated radio telecommunications network which integrates an ANSI-41 circuit switched network and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) packet data network to support a mobile station which operates in both the ANSI-41 network and the GPRS network. An interworking function interfaces a mobile switching center (MSC) in the ANSI-41 network with a serving GPRS switching node (SGSN) in the GPRS network by mapping circuit switched signaling utilized by the MSC into GPRS packet switched signaling utilized by the SGSN, and mapping GPRS packet switched signaling into circuit switched signaling. An interworking GPRS base station controller interfaces the SGSN with a GPRS/ANSI-136 base station which supports both ANSI-136 operations and GPRS operations. The interworking GPRS base station controller adapts the traffic signaling format utilized by the SGSN into an air interface traffic signaling format utilized by the GPRS/ANSI-136 base station.

Abstract: A method of supporting functionality for roamer port calls in a radio telecommunications network in which Number Portability (NP) is implemented, the network having a plurality of mobile switching centers (MSCs) and home location registers (HLRs). The network includes a roamer port MSC having a roamer port which is shared with at least one neighboring MSC. A number portability database (NPDB) associates a location routing number (LRN) with each distinct MSC/HLR pair in the network. When a roamer port call, which includes the mobile directory number (MDN) of the called mobile station, is received in the roamer port MSC, the roamer port MSC determines whether the MDN falls within a ported range. If so, a request is sent to the NPDB to retrieve a LRN for the called mobile station. From the LRN, a HLR associated with the mobile station is identified.

Abstract: A system and method for the stabilization of battery temperature by alternating airflow through an internal ductwork of a cabinet housing electronic equipment and circuitry. Ambient air is drawn through one or more intake vents or louvers provided with the cabinet housing. Regulated airflow through the ductwork allows the cabinet housing's thermal management system to direct either cooler ambient air during warm periods or heated air during colder periods through the cabinet to stabilize the battery temperature as well electronics equipment and circuitry housed in the cabinet. At least a portion of the heated air is expelled through one or more exhaust vents. Because no active components are used for stabilizing battery temperature, thermal regulation is achieved even during utility power outages. Further, thermal energy is provided without the possibility of igniting hydrogen gas products generated by the battery units present in the cabinet.

Abstract: A method of writing additional foreign data either to a blank magnetic card and/or to an existing magnetic striped card is used to consolidate information from possibly multiple credit type cards onto a single card. The additional data that may be from multiple cards or that may be generated or gathered from other sources can then be written to a single card for example to consolidate the information.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing control message signaling load in a radio telecommunications network. When an authentication request is issued by the mobile switching center (MSC), the home network performs authentication of the visiting subscriber. When authentication fails the home network determines if a threshold value is reached. If so, a suitable authentication code portion is included in the return message so that local authentication of the visiting subscriber may be performed. The MSC is able to locally authenticate a visiting subscriber trying to access the network thereby suppressing the transmission of additional authentication requests and failure reports to the home network. For failed authentications, the VLR transmits authentication failure reports to the home network. If a threshold value is reached the MSC locally authenticates the mobile subscriber's subsequent attempts so that the VLR is precluded from sending additional authentication failure reports to the home network.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the delivery of an incoming call in a radio telecommunications network based on the location of a roaming mobile subscriber. The radio telecommunications network includes a home network which comprises a Home Location Register (HLR) and a Service Control Point (SCP). The geographic area covered by the network comprises a plurality of regions, including the home area covered by the home network. Each of the regions comprises one or more service areas, each of which is served by a mobile switching center (MSC) having an identification indicator (MSCID). The plural MSCIDs are clustered into groups, each of which covers a corresponding region. The HLR keeps a subscriber profile which includes a termination service trigger, in addition to keeping track of the subscriber's location. The SCP includes a service profile record which comprises one or more call delivery/termination service options.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacture and testing of semiconductor chips (14) is disclosed. The invention comprises the use of an interposer (22) having a plurality of electrical contact pads (26) on each surface connected by a plurality of conductors (32, 34). After assembly of the interposer (22) to a semiconductor wafer (12), the wafer-interposer assembly (10) is attached to a testing unit (46) wherein the semiconductor chips (14) on the wafer (12) are tested. After testing, the interposer-wafer assembly (10) is singulated into a plurality of chip assemblies (62), each chip assembly (62) comprising a silicon chip (64) and the permanently attached interposer (66).

Abstract: A vehicle status device and system for remotely updating and monitoring the status of a vehicle. The vehicle status device is located in a vehicle and reports status information for the vehicle and an owner to an interrogating unit. The device includes a database of status information for the vehicle and owner. An update receiver in the device receives updated information from a wide area paging network for storage in the database. An interrogation receiver receives an interrogation signal from the interrogating unit, and a response transmitter transmits encoded status information, including a vehicle identification (VID), to the interrogating unit in response. The updating and monitoring system also includes an interrogating unit which includes an interrogation transmitter for transmitting the interrogation signal to the vehicle status device, and a response receiver for receiving the encoded status information from the vehicle status device.

Abstract: An optical filter having a wide tuning range and a method of making the same. A fiber Bragg grating member having a selected grating pitch is coupled to a plurality of actuating members such as Shape Memory Alloys. A current source or thermal source is included for providing a controlled amount of current or heat so as to cause a change in the length of the actuating members. The length of the fiber Bragg grating member is accordingly changed also. The grating pitch is correspondingly altered, thereby causing a change in the Bragg resonance wavelength of the grating. In response, a reflected optical signal selected from incoming multiplexed optical signals tunes to a different wavelength. A closed-loop controller is provided for controlling energy inputs to the actuating members to modulate the tuning of the reflected optical signals.