Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for interworking the public telephone network and the IP network. The public telephone network transports a TCAP message in a first format, and the IP network transports an encapsulated TCAP message in a second format. A first interface communicates with the public telephone network, and exchanges TCAP messages therewith. A second interface communicates with the IP network, and exchanges encapsulated TCAP messages therewith. A processor operably connected to at least one of said first interface and said second interface translates TCAP messages in the first format to/from the encapsulated TCAP message in the second format. The processor is further adapted for forwarding TCAP messages in both formats to the respective network. The first format can be an SS7 protocol format, while the second format can be an IP protocol format as used in the IP network. Various message structures and encapsulation techniques are provided.

Abstract: Computer program products, related methods, and a protocol for interworking services between a public telephone network, including an Intelligent Network, and an internet protocol network are provided. A public telephone network transports a TCAP message in an SS7 protocol format, and an internet protocol network, or IP network, transports an encapsulated TCAP message in an IP protocol format. A STIPP (Simple TCAP-IP Interworking Protocol) protocol, represented as a computer data signal including a plurality of bits, is used for exchanging TCAP messages between IP network entities. The computer data signal comprises an internet protocol portion, a transport portion, and a STIP (Simple TCAP Interworking Part) portion. The STIP portion includes a STIP header for encapsulating the TCAP message therein for transmission between IP network entities. Various computer data signal embodiments are provided.