Abstract: A generic call server in a hybrid 2G/3G telecommunications network having a plurality of network components that utilize a plurality of different signaling protocols. The call server performs call-control functions and interfaces between any two network components selected from the plurality of components. A Generic Call-control State Machine (GCSM) performs call-control functions that are common to all of the protocols. A plurality of external signaling systems interface between the GCSM and the network components and perform call-control functions that are specific to each protocol. The generic call server may also include a Media Gateway (MGW) Handler that acts as a media signaling protocol handling server and interfaces between the GCSM and a media gateway.

Abstract: The invention comprises a telecommunications signaling processor that processes Signaling System #7 (SS7) telecommunications signaling messages to select Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) virtual connections and provide control messages indicating the selected ATM virtual connections.

Abstract: A two-wire field-mounted process device with multiple isolated channels includes a channel that can be an input channel or an output channel. The given input or output channel can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered by the two-wire process control loop. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input channel and to control actuators coupled to an output channel. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the two-wire loop.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing telecommunications service to a customer while charging the customer based on one rate or tariff. The rate is set by the Telephone Company based on the distance between the endpoints of the services provided and the bandwidth specified by the customer for a particular end user. The customer simply chooses the type of handoff that it prefers for a protocol and the telecommunications company routes the data or telephone call in the most efficient means available while providing a throughput in accordance with the bandwidth that has been selected by the customer. Thus, using the method and apparatus of the current invention, the Telephone Company can take advantage of the parts of its infrastructure which are not currently being utilized efficiently in order to transport the data or voice call from the end user to the customer's point of presence.

Abstract: A system and methods are shown for selecting a packet data serving node (PDSN) for a mobile node in a mobile Internet Protocol network. One method includes responsively to receiving on a first foreign agent control node (FACN) from a radio node a registration request message and determining that a mobile profile associated with a mobile node specified in the registration request is not available at the first FACN, sending from the first FACN to a second FACN a query request message including a request for the mobile profile. If the second FACN includes the requested mobile profile, the second FACN sends it to the first FACN using a query response message. When the first FACN receives the query response message, the first FACN makes a determination that the mobile profile includes a network address of the last serving PDSN.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and method for retransmitting data according to a radio link protocol in a mobile communication system. In the method of requesting frame retransmission, a receiver stores the sequence numbers of a plurality of RLP (Radio Link Protocol) frames that are not received from a transmitter and transmits a retransmission request frame including fields that indicate the sequence numbers. Then, the transmitter sequentially transmits the requested RLP frames in the order of the sequence numbers to the receiver. The receiver compares the stored sequence numbers with the sequence numbers of received RLP frames and if it receiver fails to receive one of the requested RLP frames, the receiver requests retransmission of the lost RLP frame upon receipt of an RLP frame of a higher sequence number than the sequence number of the lost RLP frame.

Abstract: A resource management strategy for a network controller device such as an SVC (Switched Virtual Circuit) controller that interprets and processes call messages transported in a connection-oriented network by means of high-capacity switching devices. The call record of given call is compressed or expanded depending upon the transition in phase that a call is undergoing, if any. The strategy is applicable to both point-to-point and point-to-multi-point calls.

Abstract: An access network for mobile terminals includes a switch arranged to be connected to at least one external network and a local access network connected to a plurality of radio base stations. Each base station is arranged to enter into communication with mobile terminals, each terminal being arranged for receiving or sending user cells on a virtual channel identifiable by a fixed virtual path identifier and a specific virtual circuit identifier allocated thereto at the time a call is established. Signaling cells on a virtual channel are identified by a specific virtual path identifier and a specific fixed virtual circuit identifier. The switch allocates a virtual path identifier and a virtual circuit identifier to each user channel. To each signaling channel, the switch allocates a virtual path identifier equal to the virtual path identifier of the user circuit and a fixed virtual circuit identifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to telecommunications equipment including a service unit. According to the invention, the service unit includes a driver core and modules connected to the driver core and adapted to process signaling, and the driver core: receives signaling messages from one or more signaling networks, and sends the signaling messages to the modules in accordance with a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A softswitch interconnecting networks of different transport protocols is provided. The softswitch includes a signaling agent coupled to the networks and operable to receive incoming signaling messages, translate the incoming signaling messages to a call model event, and route the call model event. The softswitch further includes a call agent in communication with the signaling agent and operable to receive the call model event, request outgoing resources for establishing data sessions, generate outgoing signaling messages, and send the outgoing signaling messages to the signaling agent. The signaling agent then terminates the data sessions on the requested outgoing resources.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for changing the quality of service (QoS) and/or type of service for voice over IP communications. A system for changing quality of service for voice over IP communications includes a signal monitoring module for monitoring subscriber inputs representing requests for a QoS change; and a controller for implementing subscriber inputs representing requests for a QoS change. A method for changing the quality of service (QoS) during an ongoing voice over IP communication is featured. A subscriber line is monitored for a subscriber originated request for a change in QoS. When a request is received, QoS of a subscriber communication is converted utilizing codec algorithms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided improving data access efficiency in a storage area network. Mechanisms are provided to allow a virtual disk address to be efficiently mapped to a particular physical partition in a virtual disk while recognizing the mirroring, striping, and concatenation characteristics associated with the virtual disk. A variety of indices are used to allow direct access of a physical partition upon identification of a virtual disk address.

Abstract: A method of optimizing access network utilization is provided. The access network includes a plurality of integrated access devices coupled to a segment and reassembly device, where each segment and reassembly device has a plurality of channels, X. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of subscriber lines, ?mi, coupled to the integrated access devices, providing a plurality of integrated access device lines, ?ni, between the integrated access devices and the segment and reassembly device, multiplexing the plurality of subscriber lines by the integrated access device onto the plurality of integrated access device lines, such that ?mi>?ni=X, and providing a reorder tone to any subscriber whose call is blocked.

Abstract: A network system comprises a network of data sources interconnecting plural clients by way plural network devices. A data server achieves flexibility in its use of network resources by altering the attributes of one or more network devices along the communication channels between the data server and the plural clients. This is accomplished during the normal course of data transmissions to the plural clients, thus providing real time control over the network device attribute. The invention is particularly useful in data servers, such as a video server system, in which data transmissions are characterized by a long sequence of data packets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interconnecting SS7 signaling points include connecting an edge device to a plurality of SS7 service switching points using fixed-bandwidth SS7 links. The edge device is connected to an SS7/IP gateway using a variable-bandwidth signaling link. The edge device multiplexes SS7 messages received over the fixed-bandwidth signaling links and transmits the message over the variable-bandwidth signaling link.

Abstract: A device for data communications between a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) terminal and a WAP server, and a data communication method thereof.

Abstract: To provide a method and network system, wherein the proper VPI values are allocated, after the user devices are connected with the network device. A user device transmits a first specific ATM cell, while a network device receives the first specific ATM cell and transmits toward the user device a second specific ATM cell which carries a proper VPI value in the information field of ATM cell. The proper VPI value in the second specific ATM cell is memorized and used by the user device for its own VPI value for communication.

Abstract: A mobile IP communication scheme in which the mobile computer can be operated using the mobile communication protocol such as Mobile IP even in the case where the home network is operated by the dynamic address allocation protocol such as DHCP is disclosed. The current location registration message to be transmitted by the mobile computer from the visited site to the mobile computer management device contains an information indicating that the dynamic address allocation has been received at the home network and an information capable of identifying the mobile computer, and the mobile computer management device carries out exchanges with the dynamic address management server on behalf of the mobile computer, so that the mobile computer which has received the dynamic address allocation at the home network can be operated at the visited site by using the mobile communication protocol.

Abstract: The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates control messages that identify the selection and transfers the control messages to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the control messages.

Abstract: Communication network and a corresponding method are disclosed for operating the communication network that has a packet switched protocol based cellular telephone network comprising a first layer for transferring signalling information assigned to a telephone call being processed by the communication network, a second layer for transferring payload information assigned to the telephone call and an interface for coupling the cellular telephone network to a further network, the interface comprising a signalling information exchange function between the cellular telephone network and the further network and a payload information exchange function between the cellular telephone network and the further network, the first layer and the second layer of the cellular telephone network being coupled to the interface, wherein the second layer of the cellular telephone network transfers the payload information of the telephone call to and from the interface on a direct route assigned to the telephone call within the sec

Abstract: In a system having at least a first slot (104) and a first header (106), at least one field is provided in the first header (106). The first slot (104) is configured into at least a first segment and a second segment or into at least a signaling communications path comprising a plurality of messages, based on a value associated with at least a portion of the at last one field associated with the first header. The first segment/message is address to a first subscriber unit and the second segment/message is addressed to a second subscriber unit.

Abstract: A CAS data processing apparatus of an STM-1 interface block which is capable of processing CAS signaling data in real time is disclosed. The CAS data processing apparatus of the STM-1 interface block preferably includes a plurality of framers, which separately read signaling data streams from 21 E1 links, a CPU, which outputs a start signal in the CAS signaling data processing, a CAS signaling processing unit, which reformats the signaling data streams inputted from the plurality of the framers into report data in order of the each link, and a Common Memory, which stores the report data outputted from the CAS signaling processing unit.

Abstract: An ATM communication system has a connection setting section for controlling a plurality of ATM switches to set an n:n bidirectional ATM connection having n terminals of a plurality of constituent terminals as terminal points and using the VPI/VCI for identifying the n terminal points, and a process ID allocating section for allocating an MID as a process ID to a plurality of processes, executed by the n terminals for sending a message to the bidirectional ATM connection. The ATM communication system migrates a process executed on an arbitrary terminal to another terminal while keeping the process ID allocated to the processes. Where a dead-lock occurs due to that a process becomes a sleep state for the reason of that the bandwidth of a physical link is insufficient for executing in parallel the processes on the ATM communication system, the bandwidth of the physical link that a sleeping process occupies is intercepted to avoid a CAC dead-lock.

Abstract: A method for controlling connections in a communication network including setting up a signaling connection between a subscriber of the communication network and a service access system based on a service connection request by the subscriber; and setting up a payload connection associated with the signaling connection only between the service access system and the subscriber given data traffic for the service and clearing down the payload connection after the data transmission.

Abstract: A wireless data discarding request is transmitted by a first station to a second station for requesting the second station to discard at least a layer 2 service data unit (SDU). A layer 2 data discard acknowledgment protocol data unit (PDU) is generated by the second station. The layer 2 data discard acknowledgment PDU has a first field that enables the first station to determine the SDUs actually discarded by the second station. The layer 2 data discard acknowledgment PDU is then transmitted to the first station. The first field may contain the discard indication of each requested discarding SDU, the number of SDUs discarded by the second station, the number of SDU-terminating PDUs discarded, or the total number of PDUs discarded.

Abstract: The subject invention enables enhanced service nodes to interface to wireless intelligent network enabled switch networks in a way the minimizes the cost of network resources while also allowing the wireless intelligent network enabled enhanced services applications to be distributed across multiple geographically dispersed enhanced services nodes. Each of these nodes can have one or more enhanced services applications which can be either or both wireless and wireline enabled. The invention provides a method and apparatus for creating and managing signals in an advanced intelligent telephone network, such as Signaling System 7, resulting from a wireless subscribed in order for the subscriber to access enhanced services.

Abstract: A system and unified method of address resolution in an IP-based network. A Resolver determines whether an input address is a URL/URI, and if so, extracts a domain name. If the input address is an E.164 number, the Resolver converts the E.164 number into a domain name in ENUM format. The Resolver then sends a domain name query to a DNS which, if able, returns the IP address for either a Global MGCF or a destination server along with a supported Application protocol. If the DNS is unable to perform the translation, or the Application protocol returned is not supported by the requesting application, the Resolver sends a domain name query to an extended Location Server (LS) to obtain an IP address of a gateway function capable of interfacing with the destination server.

Abstract: A method of communications employs a communications protocols defining respective responses to predetermined events. The protocol is separated into a first group of behaviours defining responses to corresponding first, relatively frequently occurring, events, and a second group of behaviours defining responses to corresponding first, relatively frequently occurring, events, and a second group of behaviours defining responses to corresponding second, relatively infrequently occurring events. The first group is stored at a user communications terminal. At least the second group is stored at a store remote from the user terminal, and interconnected therewith via a communications channel. Communication is established from the user terminal using first events. On detecting an event other than one of said the first events at the user terminal, event holding data is signaled from the store to the user terminal; and communication is established from the user terminal using the event-handling data.

Abstract: State information for a call between a calling party and a called party is established without maintaining the state information at a gate controller. A setup request for the call is received at an originating gate controller. The originating gate controller is connected to a trusted network. The calling party is associated with an originating interface unit coupled to an untrusted network. The setup request for the call is authorized. The authorized setup request is sent to the called party. State information for the call is formatted based on a setup acknowledgment message received from the calling party. The state information for the call is sent from the originating gate controller to the originating interface unit without maintaining the state information at the originating gate controller.

Abstract: In a portable subscriber unit (200) a processor (204) is arranged and programmed to maintain (302) in a memory (208) a list identifying a plurality of devices which are to be connected quickly through a communication network, and to establish (304) a new connection with the communication network. The processor is further arranged and programmed to perform, in response to establishing the new connection, when necessary for pre-programming the communication network to minimize the connection setup time for subsequent connections with the plurality of devices, at least one of the steps of (a) sending names of the plurality of devices to a domain name server (DNS) of the communication network to obtain IP addresses corresponding to the names, thereby causing the DNS to cache the IP addresses of the plurality of devices for faster servicing of subsequent connections, and (b) transmitting a dummy Internet Protocol (IP) packet to said plurality of devices.

Abstract: A communication system, such as an H.323 system, in which a gatekeeper (108) may support a plurality of virtual private networks or virtual domains. Endpoints (102a, 102b, 106) are provided with communication domain identifiers (CDI) which identify the endpoints' domain. The CDI is provided during call setup and used during address resolution. In particular, H.323 endpoints according to the present invention are provided with a control layer which provides a communication domain identification (CDI) assigned to a user during call setup or other situations in which it is desirable to have domain-restricted functionality. In the call setup embodiment, the CDI may be used, during the address resolution phase of the H.323 direct signaling mode, to determine whether the call is to a user at another extension of the same company. In the direct signaling mode, the communication domain identification control layer accesses a local database to make this determination.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, an applications programming interface (API) implements and manages isochronous and asychronous data transfer operations between an application and a bus structure. During an asynchronous transfer the API includes the ability to transfer any amount of data between one or more local data buffers within the application and a range of addresses over the bus structure using one or more asynchronous transactions. An automatic transaction generator may be used to automatically generate the transactions necessary to complete the data transfer. The API also includes the ability to transfer data between the application and another node on the bus structure isochronously over a dedicated channel. During an isochronous data transfer, a buffer management scheme is used to manage a linked list of data buffer descriptors.

Abstract: A method for improving signaling efficiency and load balancing in a non-broadcast, multiple access network environment. The standard next hop resolution protocol (NHRP) essentially is extended to provide peer to peer, i.e., source station to destination station, communication regarding resource availability and intemetwork layer address to NBMA subnetwork layer address resolution, rather than client-server communication between a source station and a server that communicates with the source station on behalf of the destination station, as is the case in standard NHRP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for frame-level, sub-second error reporting is disclosed. Trouble profiles are compiled using synchronous constant-frame error detection and, during a transmission hiatus, pseudo-synchronous constant-frame error detection so as to describe transmission integrity down to the millisecond. This provides profiles that can be used to trace the cause(s) of outages to complex networks including outages from network activity. The outage profiles obtained from the described device can be used to determine and confirm the source of sub-second, or more, transmission outages.

Abstract: A subscriber network system is provided with is capable of reducing the response time and reducing the device cost. In the subscriber network system, a control cell is generated which includes modified information when modification is caused for the filter table 230 of the cell filter 24-1 to 24-n in the ATM concentrator 200. The cell filters 24-1 to 24-n of the ATM concentrator 200 distribute the cells input through the cell inserting and dividing portion 210 to the subscribers. The control cell terminating portion 220 terminates the control cell supplied from the ATM exchange 100. The filter table 230 stores the setting information for the cell filters 24-1 to 24-n in the control cell terminated at the control cell terminated at the control cell terminating portion 220.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tunneling operating codes to and from a call server in a packet network. A signaling package for the Megaco/H.248 protocol is provided which encapsulates or “tunnels” control and signaling codes for an endpoint device so that the codes can be communicated between a call server and the device. Only the call server and the endpoint device need have the intelligence to interpret the operating codes. Where the device is a programmable phone, the call server can be provisioned to understand and control specialized functions of the phone without adding new, telephone specific signaling to the standard Megaco/H.248 protocol for each type of phone to be supported. The media gateway that serves the specific telephone in question simply passes on any operating codes received.

Abstract: A system and method connect a call in a broadband system using the asynchronous transfer mode protocol for switching. Calls are connected over a SONET ring that has SONET multiplexers coupled by SONET paths. The SONET multiplexers are adapted to add calls to, and drop calls from, the SONET ring. An ATM cross connect system that has ATM cross connect devices is coupled to the SONET ring. The ATM cross connect devices provide provisioned ATM connections over the SONET ring. ATM interworking units are coupled to the ATM cross connect system. The ATM interworking units interwork calls with selected ATM connections in response to control messages. The selected ATM connections are provisioned between the ATM interworking units by the ATM cross connect system over the SONET ring. A signaling processor system receives call signaling for the calls, processes the call signaling to select the ATM connections for the calls, and sends the control messages to the selected ATM interworking units.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmission between subscriber terminals and digital switches that employ a 4:1 time-division-multiplexing scheme includes a main path for carrying signals between the subscriber terminals and digital switches, a control path which is separate from said main path and carries control information for maintenance purpose, and an interface-&-control unit which converts the control information so as to conform to specifications of the said digital switches wherein the conversion of the control information is based on switch settings made to said interface-&-control unit.

Abstract: A virtual private network includes an internet protocol (IP) network and a public switched telephone network (PSTN). An enterprise gateway is operably connected to the IP network. The enterprise gateway is operably connected to a switch of the PSTN through a direct access line (DAL). The set-up signaling for virtual private network calls and the calls themselves are transported across the internet protocol network and the public switched telephone network through the direct access line.

Abstract: A first ATM multiplexing node is connected to a second ATM multiplexing node via an ATM network. A number of calls detecting unit detects the number of voice calls set up on the transmission path that connects the first ATM multiplexing node to the second ATM multiplexing node. A signal VC capturing unit captures signal VCs in accordance with the additional number of voice calls detected by the number of calls detecting unit. A signal VC releasing unit releases signal VCs in accordance with the decrease in the number of calls detected by the number of calls detecting unit.

Abstract: A method of filtering data packets in a network device is disclosed. An incoming packet is received from a port and the incoming packet is inspected and packet fields are extracted. The incoming packet is classified based on the extracted packet fields and action instructions are generated. The incoming packet is then modified based on the action instructions. Further, the inspection and extraction includes applying inspection mask windows to any portion of the incoming packet to extract programmable packet fields.

Abstract: An intelligent network service control point, which is connected with a plurality of switching systems in a transport layer network over a common channel signaling network and with an Internet protocol network through a service control gateway, stores information for indicating that a first terminal is being connected to the Internet in a user information management table when the service control point receives a call waiting service request from the first terminal connected with the transport layer network. When one of said switching systems notifies that the first terminal is called from a second terminal, the service control point sends an incoming notification message to the first terminal through the gateway by referring the user information management table.

Abstract: A method for controlling customers' access to services on a broadband network. The method uses a circuit identifier, unique to each customer, to compare service requests with service entitlements. The network provider flows the circuit identifiers to the service providers where relationship between the circuit identifiers and the service entitlements is established in service orders. Service providers flow the service orders back to the broadband network though a standard business system interface. The relationship between the circuit identifiers and the service requests is accomplished at the Broadband Digital Terminal that interface the customers to the broadband network. The circuit identifiers also permit sorting of data bases containing logs of service requests and logs of maintenance actions.

Abstract: A controller that monitors usage status of trunk lines associated with a switch that operates to handle call connections between calling devices and called devices on trunk lines associated therewith. An exemplary controller comprises N call application nodes capable of executing trunk idle list server applications that allocate ones of the trunk lines to the call connections, wherein a first trunk idle list server application is executed on a first call application node and is associated with a second trunk idle list server application executed on a separate second call application node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi-media communication includes transmitting a first session invite request (300) having a plurality of first call transaction identifiers (302), wherein each of the first call transaction identifiers (302) has a first call transaction value (303). Thereupon, the method and apparatus engages in a first communication session using the first session invite request (300). Concurrently, a second session invite request (400), having a plurality of second call transaction identifiers (402) having a second call transaction value (403), is also transmitted. A determination is made if the second session invite request (400) is duplicative by comparing the first and second call transaction values (303, 403) of the first and second call transaction identifiers (302, 402). A second communication session is engaged if the second session invite request (400) is not duplicative such that the first communication session and the second communication session create a multi-media session.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information includes evaluation regarding routing of calls performed at a call control point in an ITSP and/or wireless network. A PIC identity associated with another party's preferences is acquired and sent to the call control point. The PIC identity identifies the type of the carrier network (e.g., circuit switched or VoIP) and is used to make further routing decisions. If a circuit-switched carrier is identified, the IP homing leg is terminated at the voice gateway in the recipient's HPLMN and information is sent over to the GMSC where normal, circuit-switched routing procedures. If a VoIP carrier is identified then the called user's roaming number is retrieved from the HLR, and the call is further routed directly over the IP domain towards a voice gateway at the visited network minimizing the number of transcodings. Additional transcoding steps can be avoided if a single encoding is agreed upon according to “tandem free operation” (TFO).

Abstract: A method and system performs parallel processing of asynchronous processes on ordered entities. A system focuses on the average time and variance of the variable time process. Each processor can run multiple contexts. The processing may be divided into a number of stages, each of which can be performed by each of the processors. A system also needs to ensure that the order of the entities is preserved as desired. This order may be maintained by performing some type of pre-processing on the entities to determine their order, and then not starting processing on an entity until the processing of any entity which must precede that entity has been completed. For processing of packets in a network, it may be needed to ensure that packets in the same flow maintain their order after processing. A system also may determine the number of processors that optimally are needed in order to process an incoming stream of entities at a desired speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data transmission method, terminal equipment and data transmission system which comprises a first transceiver (299) and a second transceiver (201). The first transceiver comprises a transceiver (141a) which is arranged to receive a broadband xDSL signal, to modulate a carrier with the received xDSL signal, and to transmit the modulated carrier over the air path to the second transceiver (201). The second transceiver (201) comprises a transceiver (141b) which is arranged to receive the carrier transmitted by the first transceiver and to demodulate the xDSL signal modulated into the carrier. The second transceiver (201) comprises a DSL block (196) which is arranged to remove the xDSL format of the demodulated xDSL signal.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a call comprises a signaling interface to receive and process call signaling and transmit call signaling between a call processor and communication devices such as a local number portability service control point. A call processor processes call signaling to determine call connections. A local service control point (local SCP) provides information such as, for example, for N00 routing and virtual private network (VPN) routing. The local SCP resides with the call processor on a single platform so that they are connected, for example, through a backplane or bus architecture. In this configuration, transaction capabilities application part messages do not have to be transmitted between the signaling interface and the local SCP. Instead, direct communication can occur through control messages transmitted between the local SCP and the call processor thereby realizing increased speed and processing efficiency.