Abstract: A routing element passes messages between an application server and a plurality of signalling gateways.

Abstract: A signalling gateway for connecting a first network to a second network, the signalling gateway being operable to, receive a signalling message from the first network, the message comprising destination information, read the destination information and, where the destination information corresponds to a predetermined value, forward the message to one of a first entity on the first network and a second entity on the second network in accordance with a distribution rule.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method for operating a signaling gateway process determines routing information enabling an application server process to discriminate a signaling message and makes the routing information available to the application server process together with the signaling message payload.

Abstract: A method for routing short messages using a router in a mobile telecommunications network. The method comprises: receiving a short message from a short message element; attempting to deliver a short message without passing through a store and forward function; and if said attempted delivery fails, directing said short message using a mobile originated procedure to a short message service center having a store and forward function.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a gateway to act as a conduit for a structured transaction between a first transaction peer and a second transaction peer, the structured transaction having at least a begin message for opening a logical communication path, a continue message for maintaining a logical communication path and an end message for closing a logical communication path. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a first begin message from the first transaction peer; receiving from the first transaction peer a continue message having a request element; determining a routing key identifying the second transaction peer from the continue message; constructing and sending a second begin message, including the component, to the second transaction peer; receiving a first end message including a response element from the second transaction peer; constructing and sending a second end message including the response element to the first transaction peer.

Abstract: Gateway apparatus is described for interconnecting at least first and second signalling networks with an application server process via a third network, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of signalling gateways, with at least one signalling gateway coupled to each signalling network; and a proxy element for transferring signalling messages between the signalling gateways and the application server process via the third network. The first and second signalling networks may be separate signalling system 7 (SS7) networks and the third network may be an internet protocol network.