Abstract: A system and method for routing calls in a distributed mobile switching center environment involves receiving a call at a first node (115(1)) in a telecommunication network (100). The first node is associated with multiple trunks (430, 445). A constraint relating to selection of a circuit for routing the call is identified (320). The circuit is associated with one of the trunks that is associated with the first node. The call is routed (350) to a trunk in accordance with the constraint.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for enabling packet-based tandem free operation C(FO). In one example, the method includes monitoring packets sent between network elements to identify a TFO request message and a TFO acknowledgement message. A substitute TFO acknowledgement message is sent from an intermediate network element if no TFO acknowledgement message is identified, and both TFO and non-TFO call legs may be established.

Abstract: Geographical redundancy and an efficient switchover process to redundant equipment (210) is achieved by separating active main equipment (220) and standby redundant equipment in different geographical locations so that failures can be avoided in the event of a natural disaster or other event that affects an entire building or region. In addition, partial switchover can be performed for components or functions that become inoperative to corresponding redundant components in the standby equipment. To provide further redundancy and prevent unneeded switchovers, status or heartbeat messages are transmitted between the active main equipment and standby redundant equipment over two different networks.

Abstract: A temporary directory number is assigned (225, 240, 250) in a distributed mobile switching center environment in response to receiving (205) a request for routing information at a signaling node (110) in a telecommunication network (100). The request for muting information is associated with a call to a mobile station (140), and the signaling node handles signaling in a geographical area for multiple geographically distributed switching nodes (115(1), 115(2)). A location of the mobile station is determined (210), and a pool of directory numbers (175) associated with a particular node is identified (215). The particular node is associated with a portion of the geographical area that includes the location. A directory number from the pool of directory numbers is assigned for use in connecting (265) the call to the mobile station.