Abstract: The present invention provides a Universal Signaling Point (USP) that acts as a liaison between a call signaling network and a number of switching entities, which support lines, trunks, or a combination thereof. During a transition of the lines or trunks from a donor entity to a host entity, call signaling between the host and donor entities and the SS7 network is routed through the USP. When transitioning the lines or trunks from the donor entity to the host entity, call signaling messages intended for the donor entity are routed to either the donor or host entity, whichever actually supports the lines or trunks. The USP is provided information indicative of whether a line or trunk has been transitioned to the host entity. The USP can compare information provided in the call signaling message with the transition information and route the message to the appropriate donor or host entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Universal Signaling Point (USP) that acts as a liaison between a call signaling network and a number of switching entities, which support lines, trunks, or a combination thereof. During a transition of the lines or trunks from a donor entity to a host entity, call signaling between the host and donor entities and the SS7 network is routed through the USP. When transitioning the lines or trunks from the donor entity to the host entity, call signaling messages intended for the donor entity are routed to either the donor or host entity, whichever actually supports the lines or trunks. The USP is provided information indicative of whether a line or trunk has been transitioned to the host entity. The USP can compare information provided in the call signaling message with the transition information and route the message to the appropriate donor or host entity.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transmitting SS7 signals between a single node (such as, for example, Service Control Points (SCPs), Service Switching Points (SSPs) and Signalling Transfer Points (STPs)) and a plurality of other nodes is disclosed. The method involves connecting a node to an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network through a High Speed Link (HSL). A virtual channel for each of the other nodes connected to the ATM network is provisioned on the HSL. Each channel is identified by a Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) and Virtual Channel Identifier (VCI) pair. SS7 signalling data from the single node will be encapsulated with the VCI+VPI pair in an ATM cell and transmitted on the HSL to the ATM network where the ATM cell is transmitted to another node over a Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) or Switch Virtual Channel (SVC).