Abstract: A “generic” switch messaging protocol is disclosed for message handling and switch supervision in conjunction with a number of switching engines, each of which is conversant with the generic messaging protocol, each switching engine also being conversant with a specific switch messaging protocol. An object oriented development system is also disclosed utilizing a “generic” switch messaging protocol and a plurality of switching engines, each of which is conversant with the generic messaging protocol and each of which is conversant with a specific switch messaging protocol. Certain switch messages are not “genericized” because their functionality is different from the functionality of other switches. These messages generally include initialization and maintenance messages which are hardware specific and have no counterpart in another switch from a different vendor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the lawful intercept of mobile telecommunication are provided. The A Interface at a base station subsystem is bridged with a Y-cable, and a copy of the data on the telecommunications lines are forwarded to a switch. The out-of-band control information such as SS7 signalling information is forwarded to a processor which continuously monitors the mobile identification numbers and/or telephone numbers of called and calling parties and compares the numbers to a database of to-be-tapped numbers. Upon finding a match, the processor causes the switch to provide the copy of the channel on which the call is being carried to a listening device.