Abstract: Systems and methods for relating network elements to customers in a communications network using an object-oriented relational structure. The present invention is directed to systems and methods for relating network elements to customers in a communications network using an object-oriented relational structure. According to one embodiment, the object-oriented system, for relating network elements to a customer or for relating a customer to the network elements, includes a network element data module containing network element data arranged in a form that can be manipulated using an object-oriented application; a customer data module; and a mapping module in communication with the network element data module and the customer data module for creating an object-oriented model of the network elements.

Abstract: In an intelligent switched telephone network, a telephone polling method is provided wherein a call made in response to a telephone based polling service is processed and disconnected without connection of the call to the subscriber of the polling service. A call received in the network and directed to a number associated with a telephone polling service has its identification information read and compared to entries in a database of subscriber information for a matching entry. The call is tabulated in the database as a response to the polling service poll or survey. If desired by the polling service subscriber, the calling party may be provided with a caller interaction program through which the calling party may select from a variety of responses. If desired, the calling party may be provided with a call termination announcement.

Abstract: A method of mediation of data packet traffic across an interface between the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) operated by a local exchange carrier and a non-local exchange carrier service provider is disclosed. The interface is defined between a service provider's network device, such as a service control point (SCP), that has access to the AIN through SS7 protocol data links connected to a local exchange carrier device, such as a service transfer point (STP). Gateway screening at the STP is used to perform certain mediation steps with respect to data packets that originate with non-local exchange carrier network elements. An invalid data packet is rejected, but a valid data packet is passed for further mediation steps to a mediated access SCP. Prior to further routing of the data packet (other than rejection), the mediated access SCP removes information from the data packet regarding the source of the data packet.

Abstract: A method of playing a recorded message to a caller when a called line is busy without actual connection of the call is disclosed. Utilization of the Advanced Intelligent Network is used to place calls attempting to reach a busy line into a queue in a service control point. The call is then connected to an intelligent peripheral, such as a service node, and plays a recorded message of the called party's choice. When the called party's line become idle, a call chosen from the established queue is then connected to it based upon a prioritization system established by the called party.

Abstract: A method of mediating message traffic across interfaces open to third parties in an Advanced Intelligent Network for a switched telephone system is disclosed. Network utilization is monitored by maintaining message counts at the open interfaces and rejecting messages or terminating access via the interface when an excessive rate of traffic is detected. Access to data bases stored in service control points is used to determine if the sender identified in the contents of the message is the same as the entity authorized to use the physical port upon which the message was received. Also, customer records in the service control point are tested to determine if the sender of the message is authorized to affect the call progress of an affected customer directory number identified in the message. Upon termination of the message traffic across a port, a default application is activated so that other network elements do not have to rely on timeouts to continue processing of calls.

Abstract: A method of mediation of traffic across a particular interface between the Advanced Intelligent Network operated by a local exchange carrier and an outside service provider is disclosed. The particular interface is defined between an application by a non-local exchange carrier service provider for some form of enhanced telephone service requiring use of the Advanced Intelligent Network and a shared execution environment interpreter on the other side of the interface. Mediation is conducted by the shared execution interpreter that is run on a local exchange carrier operated service control point. The shared execution interpreter enforces sufficient rules so that the local exchange carrier does not require knowledge of the details of implementation of the service provider's application.The method defines a unique transaction identifier that is defined and known on the local exchange carrier side of the interface.