Abstract: A transport adapter layer interface (TALI) includes messages, processes, and packet structures for sending and receiving SS7 information over a stream-oriented connection, such as a TCP/IP connection. For example, the TALI interface includes test messages for testing the status of a connection and allow and prohibit messages for enabling and disabling service data communications without invoking a TCP handshaking procedure. The TALI interface also includes SYNC and LENGTH fields for facilitating extraction of individual message packets over a stream-oriented connection.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for offloading call control services from a first network of a first type to a second network of a second type are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes detecting a call originating from a calling party in a first network of a first type. A database may be queried using information identifying the calling party. In response to the query, routing information may be for a node in a second network of a second type. Call control services may be offloaded for the call to the second network using the node.

Abstract: A duplicate point code routing node is capable of routing messages to nodes having the same point code but being located in different national networks. The duplicate point code routing node associates a group code with received messages and uses the group code to route the messages to the appropriate national network. The group code may be determined based on the link or linkset from which a message is received or from the message itself.

Abstract: A transport adapter layer interface (TALI) includes messages, processes, and packet structures for sending and receiving SS7 information over a stream-oriented connection, such as a TCP/IP connection. For example, the TALI interface includes test messages for testing the status of a connection and allow and prohibit messages for enabling and disabling service data communications without invoking a TCP handshaking procedure. The TALI interface also includes SYNC and LENGTH fields for facilitating extraction of individual message packets over a stream-oriented connection.

Abstract: A network element provides service control point or database node front end processing functionality, as well as routing functionality for routing data packets through a network. The network element includes a first communication module for receiving data packets from a first communication network. A second communication module transmits data packets over a second communications network. A database access control (DAC) process queries a DAC database and modifies received packets to include information returned by the database lookup.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing stateful signaling transactions in a distributed processing environment are disclosed. A method for performing stateful signaling transactions in a distributed processing environment includes receiving a signaling message at a routing node, such as a signal transfer point. The signaling message is distributed to one of the plurality of stateful processing modules. The receiving stateful processing module buffers the signaling message and initiates a stateful transaction based on the signaling message. Initiating the stateful transaction may include generating a query message and inserting a stateful processing module identifier in the query message. The query message is sent to an external node, such as an SCP, which formulates a response. The SCP may insert the stateful processing module in the response and send the response back to the signal transfer point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically correlating signaling message priority and IP priority are disclosed. A priority level of a signaling message may be determined based on a priority parameter in the signaling message or a user based priority. The signaling message is encapsulated in an IP packet. A priority level in the IP packet is set based on the priority level determined for the signaling message.

Abstract: A transport adapter layer interface (TALI) includes messages, processes, and packet structures for sending and receiving SS7 information over a stream-oriented connection, such as a TCP/IP connection. For example, the TALI interface includes test messages for testing the status of a connection and allow and prohibit messages for enabling and disabling service data communications without invoking a TCP handshaking procedure. The TALI interface also includes SYNC and LENGTH fields for facilitating extraction of individual message packets over a stream-oriented connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interconnecting SS7 signaling points include connecting an edge device to a plurality of SS7 service switching points using fixed-bandwidth SS7 links. The edge device is connected to an SS7/IP gateway using a variable-bandwidth signaling link. The edge device multiplexes SS7 messages received over the fixed-bandwidth signaling links and transmits the message over the variable-bandwidth signaling link.

Abstract: Methods and systems for triggerless prepaid short message service (SMS) screening and accounting in a signaling message routing node are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter herein includes a prepaid SMS screening and accounting module. The prepaid SMS screening and accounting module includes a prepaid SMS screening function, where the function is an application program for receiving SMS messages and determining whether the SMS messages are associated with prepaid subscribers. The prepaid SMS screening and accounting module further includes a prepaid SMS accounting function, where the function is an application program co-located with the prepaid SMS screening function for determining, for the prepaid SMS messages associated with prepaid subscribers, whether the subscribers have sufficient credit for delivery of the SMS messages, and, in response, for sending the SMS messages to their intended destinations. At least one processor executes the prepaid SMS screening and accounting functions.

Abstract: A multi-port link interface capable of high-speed time division multiplexed communications at a signal transfer point is disclosed. In one implementation, the multi-port link interface module is located in the signal transfer point, terminates two or more high-speed TDM links and generates internal data. Data received on one high-speed communications link is combined with the internal data used to fill outbound timeslots in an outgoing high-speed link. The data may include signaling data, bearer data, or signaling and bearer data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signaling connection control part (SCCP) loop detection and prevention are disclosed. A signal transfer point (STP) receives a message and performs global title translation (GTT) for the message. The STP compares the originating point code (OPC) in the signaling message with the post-GTT destination point code (DPC) in the message. If the incoming message OPC matches the post-GTT DPC, SCCP looping is detected and the message is discarded. If the incoming message OPC does not match the post-GTT DPC, the STP may correlate the incoming message OPC or the DPC to one or more additional point codes to identify the presence of SCCP looping.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for offloading prepaid credit status queries from prepaid credit status databases for unlimited-plan prepaid in-network calls is provided. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method that includes intercepting, at a signaling message routing node, a prepaid status query associated with a call originated by a calling subscriber and directed to a called subscriber. The signaling node then determines whether the calling subscriber is associated with an unlimited calling plan, unlimited text messaging plan, unlimited multimedia messaging plan, or a combination of plans based on the intercepted prepaid status query. The node also determines whether the call is an in-network call based on the intercepted prepaid status query, where an in-network call includes a call between a calling subscriber and a called subscriber belonging to the same network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for time-based setting and removal of alarm inhibits are disclosed. In one method, a command is provided that allows a user to specify a time period with which an alarm generated within a telecommunications signaling platform will be inhibited. Once the command is received, alarms associated with the specified device are suppressed. When the time period expires, the alarm inhibit is automatically removed and alarms associated with the specified device can be generated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a WLAN-BTS gateway are disclosed. A handset registers with a WLAN-BTS gateway. The handset then initiates a call by initiating layer 3 air interface signaling with a BTS. The gateway forwards the layer 3 air interface signaling between the gateway and the handset. The gateway learns the control channel and traffic channel allocated to the call, either directly from the layer 3 signaling or from a separate message received from the handset. Once the call is connected, the gateway listens on the traffic channel and forwards voice packets between the handset and the BTS. Communications with the BTS occur over the allocated traffic channel. Communications with the handset occur over a WLAN.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically populating a signaling-based access control database based on output from a fraud detection application are disclosed. According to one method, a fraud detection application detects fraud based on call information received from monitoring points in a network. The fraud detection application produces output for identifying a calling party making a fraudulent call. The output is used to automatically populate a signaling-based access control database. A signaling-based access control application screens call signaling messages and performs a screening action, such as rerouting a call, using the information received from the fraud detection application.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing messages of a ring-topology-based link level communications protocol over a star-topology using a star-topology-based link level communications protocol are disclosed. According to one method, when a packet of the ring-topology-based link level communications protocol is received, it is determined whether the packet is to be sent to a number of destinations and returned to a sender. If the packet is intended for distribution to a number of destinations and return to the sender, the packet is encapsulated in a frame of the star-topology-based link level communications protocol, the destination address in the frame is set to a next destination address in a virtual ring topology, the frame is forwarded to a switch. The switch forwards the packet to the next destination in the virtual ring based on the input port and the destination address of the star-topology-based link level communications protocol.

Abstract: A method for screening mobile application part (MAP) messages in a transit network is provided. Signaling messages are received from a first network. SCCP called party address information is extracted from each signaling message. If the called party address matches first SCCP screening criteria, it is determined whether the signaling message is a targeted MAP message type. If the signaling message is a targeted MAP message type, a screening action is performed. Different MAP screening criteria may be applied for different destination networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and mitigating telecommunications management message security threats are disclosed. A distributed security screening platform receives management messages from external sources. The distributed security screening platform identifies messages affecting the status of the same managed resource and applies a time-based security policy to these messages. If the messages are determined to violate the time-based security policy, a mitigating action is performed to protect the managed resource.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic, distributed link table consistency management are disclosed. A method for dynamic, distributed link table consistency management includes requesting, from each link interface module that maintains a link table in a distributed routing system, a link table checksum from the other link interface modules in the system. The requesting link interface module computes a checksum for its local link table and compares the computed checksum to the received checksums. In response to detecting a mismatch between the local checksum and one of the received link table checksums, the link interface module requests individual entry checksums from the link interface module with which a mismatch was detected. Inconsistencies between individual entries may be automatically corrected and/or reported to an operator.