Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a network assisting switch function are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query for feature processing for a call from a switch deployed in a switched network, and determines if the feature processing for the call requires one or more switching services. The method determines if the switch is able to provide the one or more switching services, if the one or more switching services are determined to be required, and initiates a temporary connection to a network assisting switch function in a packet network, if the switch is unable to provide the one or more switching services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a network assisting switch function are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query for feature processing for a call from a switch deployed in a switched network, and determines if the feature processing for the call requires one or more switching services. The method determines if the switch is able to provide the one or more switching services, if the one or more switching services are determined to be required, and initiates a temporary connection to a network assisting switch function in a packet network, if the switch is unable to provide the one or more switching services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a network assisting switch function are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query for feature processing for a call from a switch deployed in a switched network, and determines if the feature processing for the call requires one or more switching services. The method determines if the switch is able to provide the one or more switching services, if the one or more switching services are determined to be required, and initiates a temporary connection to a network assisting switch function in a packet network, if the switch is unable to provide the one or more switching services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a network assisting switch function are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query for feature processing for a call from a switch deployed in a switched network, and determines if the feature processing for the call requires one or more switching services. The method determines if the switch is able to provide the one or more switching services, if the one or more switching services are determined to be required, and initiates a temporary connection to a network assisting switch function in a packet network, if the switch is unable to provide the one or more switching services.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the use of an Intelligent Peripheral Concentrator (IPC) in a network that enables more efficient use of intelligent peripheral (IPe) resources. In particular the present invention discloses a method of managing intelligent peripherals, where the IPC receives at least one request for an IPe service from at least one network element, determines necessary IPe resources to satisfy the request(s) and establishes at least-one connection between at least one intelligent peripheral and at least one network element based on the necessary resources.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for the use of an Intelligent Peripheral Concentrator (IPC) in a network that enables more efficient use of Ipe resources. In a first embodiment the IPC receives at least one request from at least one network element, determines necessary resources according to the request(s) and establishes a connection with an intelligent peripheral based on the necessary resources. A second embodiment is a concentrator for connecting intelligent peripherals to a network, having a connection point for connecting an intelligent peripheral, a connection point for connecting to a network and a switch for directing information from the network to the intelligent peripheral. A third embodiment is a system for utilizing intelligent peripherals having a device connected to a first switch, the first switch connected to a second switch, an intelligent peripheral concentrator connected to the first switch and the intelligent peripheral connected to the intelligent peripheral concentrator.

Abstract: A protocol independent and platform independent message format is provided for the transmission of messages between network elements. Service providers are providing multimedia services over broadband networks to customers, and a generic message format is provided to accommodate communication between network elements facilitating the multimedia services. The generic message format includes at least one 32-bit media identifier (MID) identifying a type of media file associated with a message using the generic message format. A message having the generic message format may include up to 32 MIDs, each having two sections. The first section of an MID preferably includes 8 bits and has a media file descriptor (MFD). The MFD may be mapped for accommodating multiple types of media. The second section preferably includes twenty-four bits and has a media file identification (MFI).

Abstract: A method for providing communication service in an Advanced Intelligent Network environment comprises receiving an alert message the originates from a database, the alert message including a protocol parameter; identifying a protocol that controls communication between the intelligent peripheral and the database in a protocol identifying by the protocol parameter, the protocol being stored in a database in the IP containing a plurality of protocols and a plurality of protocol parameters, each protocol in the plurality of protocols being correlated with a unique protocol parameter from the plurality of protocol parameters; and executing the protocol.

Abstract: A method for providing communication service in an Advanced Intelligent Network environment comprises receiving an alert message that originates from the database, the alert message including a protocol parameter; identifying a protocol that controls communication between the intelligent peripheral and the database in a protocol identified by the protocol parameter, the protocol being stored in a database in the IP containing a plurality of protocols and a plurality of protocol parameters, each protocol in the plurality of protocols being correlated with a unique protocol parameter from the plurality of protocol parameters; and executing the protocol.

Abstract: This invention provides a telecommunications routing system and method that allows a switch (e.g., an intelligent peripheral) to control the routing to a special applications device, which results in savings of time, cost and capacity throughout the entire network. Control of the routing lies within the Service Switching Point (SSP) which reduces the need to requery a Service Control Point (SCP) in error situations. This invention incorporates into the SSP a remote IP routing table containing routing instructions for IPs. The SSP will know if an alternate route is possible, based on the error from the IP. The SSP will have a rudimentary intelligence about routing which allows it to reroute when necessary, without requerying back to the SCP. The remote IP routing table will also allow the SSP to route to a successive IP if the local IP, although operative, cannot process the request.

Abstract: A communications network includes plural intelligent peripherals, a single announcement management system, a service provisioning platform and plural service control points controlled by corresponding application programs. A method of provisioning a service in the network includes recording an announcement at an intelligent peripheral, receiving an ID number associated with the announcement from the announcement management system at the intelligent peripheral, sending the ID number from the intelligent peripheral through a switch to a service control point, distributing the ID number from the service control point to all other service control points, and distributing the announcement and the ID number from the intelligent peripheral to all other intelligent peripherals.