Abstract: A softswitch interconnecting networks of different transport protocols is provided. The softswitch includes a signaling agent coupled to the networks and operable to receive incoming signaling messages, translate the incoming signaling messages to a call model event, and route the call model event. The softswitch further includes a call agent in communication with the signaling agent and operable to receive the call model event, request outgoing resources for establishing data sessions, generate outgoing signaling messages, and send the outgoing signaling messages to the signaling agent. The signaling agent then terminates the data sessions on the requested outgoing resources.

Abstract: A method for routing a telephone call originating at a first network that utilizes a first signaling protocol to a termination in a second network that uses a second signaling protocol includes receiving a services request associated with a calling party from the first network and translating the service request. The method also includes determining a route for processing the service request over the second network and generating signaling specifying the determined route. Determining the route for processing the request over the second network includes determining an address for the calling party and accessing a table associated with the address. The table includes a plurality of pointers to a plurality of additional tables.