Abstract: The present invention presents a flexible method for source-based message routing in a network node, particularly also suitable for flexible load distribution of the traffic via a number of link sets terminating directly at an adjacent first network element. The method uses data structures which are often already available in existing systems or are simple to set up, of providing a number of link sets between two signaling points. A two-stage routing process is initiated based on the setting up of a message node, which supports a number of logical networks or signaling point codes. In the first stage a logical network is selected, in which the message is to be routed further. In the second stage the message is routed in the selected network.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for converting point codes in a signal transfer point, STP, in a telecommunications signaling system. The STP includes a point code conversion function (500) which converts point codes designating the origination and destination signaling points for a signaling message. The conversion function can be incorporated between the signaling link layer (200) and the network layer (300) of the message transfer part, MTP, functionality of the STP.

Abstract: There may be applications where for IN-calls, one SCP begins processing a transaction for supporting a service but another SCP continues processing said transaction. The invention shows how such a continuation of processing can be carried out in cases where this can be solved in terms of protocol.

Abstract: The present invention presents a flexible method for source-based message routing in a network node, particularly also suitable for flexible load distribution of the traffic via a number of link sets terminating directly at an adjacent first network element. The method uses data structures which are often already available in existing systems or are simple to set up, of providing a number of link sets between two signaling points. A two-stage routing process is initiated based on the setting up of a message node, which supports a number of logical networks or signaling point codes. In the first stage a logical network is selected, in which the message is to be routed further. In the second stage the message is routed in the selected network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting signalings in different networks which is characterized in that at least two signaling gateways are interlinked using a point-to-point protocol for symmetric and quasi-associated signaling.

Abstract: According to the invention, a connection is routed both via a slow, but broad-band path and via a high-speed, but narrow-band path. The slow path is used for the primary transport of the message. The second path is used for the retransmission requests and/or the retransmissions. There is thus little traffic on this path. The entire connection however has the delay characteristics of the slow path for a faultless transmission.

Abstract: Both user data and monitoring information are transmitted in communication protocols. While (message) packets with user data are successively numbered in many protocols, thus ensuring that the user data are transmitted completely and with a protected sequence to the receiver, messages which contain only monitoring information are not normally successively numbered. This situation can lead to monitoring messages being overtaken, and thus to the rejection of current monitoring information. The invention describes how the rejection of current monitoring information can be avoided.