Abstract: A method and system are provided for routing a call to a common number from a calling party, where the common number corresponds to a plurality of users. The method and system determine whether availability of unique identification information for the calling party in response to receiving an indication of the call to the common number, and correlate the unique identification information when it is available to a destination number associated with one of the plurality of users in order to route the call to the destination number.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing SS7 messages based on DPC-based routing rules and non-DPC-based routing rules are disclosed. For a message containing signaling system 7 (SS7) information, a message routing function at an SS7 signaling message routing node searches a list of message routing rules using a search key including a DPC parameter extracted from the signaling message. If a matching entry is not located in the first routing rule list, a default SS7 routing rule may be used to route the message. The default routing rule may include wildcard values for each of the network ID, network cluster, and cluster member components of the DPC address field. Multiple default routing rules may be defined using various SS7 discriminator parameters. In addition, new DPC-based routing rules can be created and added to the list of DPC-based routing rules based on lookups in the set of non-DPC-based routing rules.

Abstract: A system and method for numbering plan area (NPA) split processing is disclosed. In one implementation, a query is received during a permissive dialing period. The query comprises a destination location that is associated with a first NPA. It is determined whether a first call processing record identifies a service that is NPA sensitive. The first call processing record is associated with a destination location that is undergoing a NPA split. The first call processing record is identified by the destination location and the destination location is associated with a first NPA. A second call processing record is then used for processing in place of the first call processing record when the first call processing record identifies a service that is NPA sensitive. The second call processing record is associated with the destination location that is undergoing an NPA split. The second call processing record is identified by the destination location and the destination location is associated with a second NPA.

Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the various functions of the telecommunications network, such as call processing and routing, automatic fault detection and correction, providing services to customers in an interactive manner, fraud detection and control, identification of patterns of abuse of the network, collecting data regarding call activity at each network element, and producing a record of each call placed within the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying and activating services in a communications network. In the context of a communications network that deploys service functionality by distributing managed software objects to service processing nodes, the present invention relates to selectively dispensing managed objects from a central repository and coordinating the instantaneous activation or deactivation of services throughout the network. Furthermore, where a managed object service creation environment is coupled to such a network, the method and apparatus of the present invention provides security, hack-up, and version control of managed objects and other network data stored in the repository.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a service for providing call reports to a subscriber related to non-answered calls for calls attempted between at least two parties. Using telecommunications switch triggers, call status related to answered, busy, and unanswered calls is collected in a record and used to populate a report. The report is then provided to a report formatter that formats the report so that it is suitable for presentation to a subscriber. The reported call information can be provided to the report formatter in near real time.

Abstract: A network-based announcement and message delivery service for providing a landline customer with information of interest such as weather, financial market data, time/temperature, sporting event results, etc. The information is provided to the subscriber by way of information displayed on a caller-ID display and/or by way of talking caller-ID.

Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

Abstract: A communication network includes a switching system, an application server, and a softswitch that communicatively couples the application server to the switching system. The switching system is configured to detect a first call to a primary directory number associated with a phone line and to forward the first call to the application server. The application server is configured to instruct the softswitch to generate a second call to a RingMaster directory number associated with the phone line. And the softswitch is configured to bridge the first and second calls responsive to detection of a communication path completion to the phone line.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more intelligent network platforms that serve to provide feedback to be played to a calling communication device during a call from the calling communication device for a called communication device. One or more of the one or more intelligent network platforms allow a user of the called communication device to preselect one or more portions of the feedback. One or more of the one or more intelligent network platforms employ signaling to connect the call from the calling communication device to an intelligent network platform of the one or more intelligent network platforms.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) telephony service provided in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) is controlled based on instructions from a subscriber, browsing a packet switched data network using a voice browser. A voice extensible markup language (VXML) platform is connected to a web server and a service control point (SCP). The web server stores announcements that can be easily created and modified by a subscriber. When the VXML platform receives an announcement ID from the SCP, the VXML platform determines a location where the announcement is stored based on the ID, and then plays the remotely stored announcement. Thus, the announcements can be easily changed without affecting the SCP and other AIN network elements.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for vote processing in concert with a PSTN. In accordance with the present invention, a method for vote processing in a PSTN can include receiving a vote from a calling party over the PSTN. Caller information for the calling party can be retrieved from the PSTN. Subsequently, the vote can be validated based upon the caller information. Finally, the vote can be processed based upon the validation. For instance, the vote can be tallied if the calling party is validated as not having previously voted. In contrast, the vote can be rejected if the calling party is determined to have previously voted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for establishing a connection to a terminal device, wherein a user capability information defining supported types of information streams is set in a compatibility information element within an outband signaling message, and a capability negotiation is performed by transmitting said outband signaling message via an outband control channel. The code or user capability information may be set at the terminal device or at an intermediate network element based on a subscriber profile information obtained from a subscriber database. Thereby, the user capability, such as a multimedia session composition, can be already negotiated or handled during the outband call setup phase, and a corresponding inband negotiation can be avoided.

Abstract: A method and system for treating telephone calls at a services node prior to completing the telephone call. The services node may provide a variety of services to treat the telephone call such as a Personal Access Service or playing a pre-recorded message. After treatment at the services node, the system recognizes that the telephone call has already been treated at a services node and the call is completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically discovering the configuration of network and/or communication facilities are provided. The determination generally involves receiving and/or sending at least one test message or packet with special characteristics that normally would be filtered by filtering/forwarding entities in connectionless routed cores, but normally would be forwarded by connectionless communication facilities. If the communication facilities do not contain the filtering/forwarding entity, the at least one test packet will be forwarded or passed through the communication facilities. If the at least one test packet is filtered or not passed, then at least two scenarios are possible. First, the at least one test packet may be filtered and may be silently discarded in which case a determination that the network did not pass the at least one test packet may be made based upon a timeout of a counter.

Abstract: A call is routed to a wireless mobile station from a wireline network while bypassing a host mobile switching center (MSC) of the mobile station when the mobile station is registered at an MSC other than the host MSC. In particular, a service control point (SCP) in the wireline network receives a query from a tandem switch, associated with a trunk group of the host MSC, in response to an attempted termination of the call at the trunk group. Based on information from the query, the SCP retrieves registration data from a home location register of the host MSC, using IS-41 signaling. When the registration data indicates that the mobile station is registered at the alternate MSC, the SCP instructs the tandem switch to route the call directly to a trunk group of the alternate MSC, i.e., without passing through the host MSC.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for playing an advertisement to a telephone subscriber prior to call completion in a telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to provide an advertisement. A switch in the telecommunications network detects an off-hook condition at the subscriber's telephone and interprets the digits of the telephone number of a called party dialed by the subscriber. The switch then retrieves an advertisement and plays the advertisement to the subscriber instead of generating a ringing tone prior to call completion. The switch may also play the advertisement instead of a dial tone. The advertisement may be stored in an advertisement module in the switch or in a network component in the telecommunications network. The period for playing the advertisement may be extended by delaying call processing at the network component. Once the advertisement begins playing, the subscriber may terminate the advertisement by depressing a key on a telephone keypad.

Abstract: A method of negotiating a call capability between signalling points in a telecommunications system. The method comprises sending a capability preference or prioritised list of preferences from an originating signalling point to a terminating signalling point or signalling transfer point, at the Call Control level. A capability acceptance is returned from the terminating signalling point or signalling transfer point to the originating signalling point at the Call Control level, if the terminating signalling point or signalling transfer point accepts a preference sent by the originating signalling point.

Abstract: Location-based communications routing includes determining whether a network apparatus which receives a communication, from a calling party attempting to contact a service corresponding to at least one predefined service area, provides service to at least one of the at least one predefined service area. When the network apparatus provides service to multiple of the predefined service areas, the location-based communications routing includes determining whether the calling party is in one of the at least one predefined service area. When the calling party is in one of the at least one predefined service area, the location-based communications routing includes determining which predefined service area the calling party is in. The communication is routed based upon determining whether the network apparatus provides service to at least one of the at least one predefined service area.

Abstract: A method, telecommunication system and a network node for controlling processing of a connection, particularly when information necessary for the controlling is available at an early stage. At least one processing instance is formed for the connection to control event processing of the control. The processing instance is also associated with a functional connection to at least one control function of the telecommunication system, the control function giving instructions related to processing the connection in response to requesting the instructions. In the processing instance are defined at least one interactive event of a delayed request, in which interactive event instructions from the processing instance are requested and, after requesting, processing the connection is continued, and at least one interactive event of a delayed response, in which interactive event the instructions requested in the interactive event of the delayed request from the control function are processed.

Abstract: A method and system include routing telephone calls from multiple private networks via public lines and trunks in a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a host switch, at which the connections would begin to run parallel. The host switch routes the telephone calls via a private trunk group to a private facility, such as an electronic tandem network (ETN) node or an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. If the private trunk group is full or unavailable, the host switch routes the telephone calls over alternate private or public trunk groups and selected carriers.

Abstract: Locating a lost or misplaced mobile station. A user may dial a designated number, enter the phone number of the misplaced or lost mobile, and the network responsively plays a message to the user informing the user of the geographic location of the cell and sector, typically including city and state information, as well as boundary information of the sector, such as street boundaries. In an alternative embodiment, a user may input the MIN of the lost mobile to a web-based form, and thereby retrieve a map of the cell-sector location of the MS. A service node (SN) is configured to receive a request from a user trying to locate a mobile device. The SN either prompts the user to provide the phone number of the mobile device via an IVRU or through a web-based form sent to a web server connected to the SN. The SN then initiates a call to the mobile device. The standard network processing of such a call includes sending a facilities available (FAVAIL) message to the service control point (SCP).

Abstract: A service indicator SI field is used for load sharing in SS7 networks, in addition to the service link selection SLS field. If there are only two links or connections between two points of the SS7 network, load sharing can also be performed on the basis of the SI field only.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring calls routed to a telephone network-based voice mail system. When a subscriber receives a telephone call, a determination is made as to whether the call should be routed to the voice mail system. If call monitoring services are activated, a three-way communication is set up between the calling party, the voice mail system and the subscriber. The subscriber is bridged into the call on a listen-only basis, but upon command by the subscriber, the subscriber may answer the call.

Abstract: A telecommunications system determines a telecommunications service provider's routing preference for routing a call for a subscriber. The telecommunications system includes a storage that stores call routing data and a call routing service application for determining the routing preference using the call routing data. The call routing data includes an indicator that indicates when the subscriber subscribes to resold local switching services and when the subscriber subscribes to unbundled local switching services. The telecommunications system also includes a processor that executes the call routing service application, and that generates call routing instructions for routing the call according to the determined routing preference.

Abstract: A system and method include implementing and accessing a subscriber's telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The system and method enable a subscriber to review, schedule and modify call forwarding information stored and implemented by a service control point (SCP) through a common server from any dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) telephone and IVR system via the PSTN or any GUI and Web client via the Internet. The subscriber is able to build and edit call forwarding data, such as a scheduler and priority and rejection screening lists, by the GUI via the Internet for subsequent implementation.

Abstract: A method for providing the names of the city and state of a calling party to a called party when the calling party's name is unavailable. The method utilizes the calling party's telephone number to determine the names of the city and state from which the calling party is calling. The method incorporates a database that contains combinations of telephone numbers and the names of the cities and states that correspond to the various combinations of numbers. In response to an indication that the name of the calling party is unavailable, the method accesses the databases and searches for the matching telephone number and corresponding city and state names. If the names are found, they are delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: An inexpensive alternative for call queuing is provided by queuing calls at an intelligent peripheral within an AIN telecommunication system. A call to the subscriber line is detected at a local switch supporting the subscriber line. If the subscriber line is busy, the call to the subscriber is queued in the intelligent peripheral.

Abstract: System and methodology for providing real-time call processing services received at a switch in an intelligent network having one or more service nodes having originating switches for receiving a call event. The system includes a platform-independent communication system for enabling communication between object instances executing at service nodes in the intelligent network. An operating system agent object instance executing in an execution environment associated with an originating switch communicates call origination information corresponding to a call event received at the switch to one or more object instances executing in an execution environment provided at a service node in the network; the object instances including a line object instance for maintaining the state of a communications line associated with a call origination, and, a service object implementing methods for performing a service according to a customer request.

Abstract: A method for providing a telephony service, the method including coupling an interface device directly between a network switch of a public intelligent network and a computer telephony integration server, the network switch being coupled to a service switching function device having service switching functionality; at the interface device, handling call handling messages between the service switching function device and the computer telephony integration server.

Abstract: A method of communication among telephony services using an event context cache can include, in a messaging telephony service, receiving a telephony event from a node in the public switched telephony network specifying a called directory number, a calling directory number, and service context data. The service context data can be stored as an entry within the event context cache. The event context cache can be accessible by at least one other telephony service. The entry can be associated with a key for the event context cache. The key can be specified by the called directory number and the calling directory number.

Abstract: In a telecommunications switching network having a resource complex including network switches, an intelligent service platform for providing intelligent call processing and service execution for call events received at the switches and requiring call processing services. A centralized administration system is provided that comprises a system for storing one or more reusable business objects that each encapsulate a distinct call-processing function, and any associated data required by the business object; a system for distributing selected business objects and associated data to selected nodes in the switching network based on pre-determined node configuration criteria; and, a system for activating the business objects in preparation for real-time use. A computing platform is provided within each node for executing those business objects required to perform a service in accordance with an event received at the network switch.

Abstract: An automatic call distribution system is adapted to connect a telephone call of a caller to an agent station through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) where call information identifiers received from the PSTN are repopulated. The method includes the steps of receiving the incoming telephone from the PSTN, transferring the incoming call to a voice response unit (VRU), requesting, by the VRU, predetermined data from the caller, receiving, by the VRU, the requested predetermined data, repopulating a portion of the call information identifiers with repopulated data corresponding to the predetermined data, transferring the incoming telephone call back to the automatic call distribution system from the VRU along with the repopulated data retained within the call information identifiers, routing the transferred call to the agent station, displaying the repopulated data.

Abstract: In a communication system, call tones are individually associated with call messages. The communication system comprises a wireless communication system and a wireless user device. The wireless user device transfers a call tone request to the wireless communication system over a wireless link. The wireless communication system transfers one of the call tones to the wireless user device over the wireless link in response to the call tone request. The wireless communication system processes signaling for a call to select one of the call messages associated with the one call tone. The wireless communication system transfers the one call message to the wireless user device over the wireless link. The wireless user device processes the one call message to select the one call tone and audibly plays the one call tone.

Abstract: At least one call is routed based on a location of a calling party. A calling party calls a service corresponding to at least one predefined service area, and it is ascertained whether the calling party is within the at least one predefined service area. When the calling party is within the at least one predefined service area, it is determined which at least one predefined service area the calling party is in, and the routing for the call is determined based upon determining which at least one predefined service area the calling party is in. A route for the call to a destination for the service that corresponds to the determined predefined service area is identified based upon determining that the calling party is within the determined predefined service area.

Abstract: A service management system and/or method allows call distribution using a call plan to be executed using several service execution platforms from different manufacturers, which may be associated with different network types.

Abstract: A system and method allow PBX features to be extended through the public network. A teleworker calls into a PBX system and is assigned a fictitious port. The fictitious port is controlled by a telework server and appears to the PBX to be a local device. PBX features are invoked by particular sequences of DTMF tones or by voice prompt, or another data input system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an advantageous SAS Service Architecture. The inventive SAS service architecture has a layered structure including a set of software modules, at least: ASTP dispatcher, SCCP transcoder, TCAP, TCAP user service distributor, at least two TCAP user services; ASTP=specific advanced signaling transfer protocol including routing information, etc. Within the SAS service architecture at least two different types of interactions can be configured: interaction Type A between ASTP dispatcher and TCAP user service, interaction Type B1 between TCAP user service 1 and TCAP user service 2.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for translating a GT (global title) in a No.7 signaling network, the apparatus includes a general GTT module performing a general GTT function of a specific signaling point, a pre-fetch GTT module distributing the general GTT function to another signaling point before the general GTT function is performed, and a post-fetch GTT module providing the general GTT function to the another signaling point when the general GTT function has failed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide various GTT types to a signaling network and control a GTT type of a specific signaling point in signaling network operation by controlling a pre-fetch GTT module and a post-fetch GTT module of each signaling point.

Abstract: A Service Control Point (SCP) has a call list associated with the main telephone number of a called party. When a calling party attempts to contact the called party by calling the main number, but cannot reach the main number, a Service Switching Point (SSP) fires a trigger. One trigger is a T_No_Answer trigger, which is fired in response to a call to the main number that is not answered within a predefined number of rings. Another trigger is a T_Busy trigger that is fired in response to a call to the main number that is made when the main number is busy. Each trigger causes the SCP to access the call list and to cause the SSP to ring an alternative telephone number associated with the main telephone number. If this attempt to reach the called party also fails, then the SSP again fires the trigger and an attempt is made to connect the calling party to the next number on the call list.

Abstract: This invention relates to user access device to intelligent services of an intelligent network (IN) comprising a service control point (2) that communicates with at least one group of physical entities (4, 6, 8) designed to provide at least one initial service element, and with several auxiliary platforms (10i) designed to provide users with additional service elements for completing the initial service element. According to the invention, the device also comprises a communication interface (12) that allows an auxiliary platform (10i) to send the service control point (2) service element execution queries in real time, and receive the data for executing these additional services from this service control point (2) as a response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling network calls that require the support of an intelligent network. From a query by the switching center, an intelligent network is being determined based on which basis network the received call is being initiated from. The network calls' handling is then supported by the determined intelligent network.

Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

Abstract: A communication network includes a Security Gatekeeper that authenticates and validates network control messages within, transiting, entering and leaving an overlying control fabric such as an SS7 network. The Security Gatekeeper incorporates several levels of checks to ensure that messages are properly authenticated, valid, and consistent with call progress and system status. In addition to message format, message content is checked to ensure that the originating node has the proper authority to send the message and to invoke the related functions and that the message, itself, is appropriately coded. Predefined sets of templates may be used to check the messages, each set of templates being associated with respective originating point codes and/or calling party addresses. The templates may also be associated with various system states such that messages corresponding to a particular template cause a state transition along a particular edge to a next state node for which another set of templates is defined.

Abstract: In a service control point (SCP) having logic normally dictating that a call destined to a called party should be routed instead to a service node for handling, a method includes making a determination that the service node has become unavailable. The method thereafter includes receiving, into the SCP, a signal from a switch, the signal indicating that the switch has received a request to set up a call to the called party. In view of the determination that the service node has become unavailable, the method then includes the SCP instructing the switch to treat the first call in a manner other than routing the call to the service node.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring calls routed to a telephone network voice mail system from a variety of remote telephone locations. When a subscriber receives a telephone call, a determination is made as to whether the subscriber's line is busy or whether the call goes unanswered. If remote call monitoring services are activated, a three-way communication is set up between the calling party, the voice mail system and the subscriber via a remote call monitoring directory number provided by the subscriber. The subscriber is patched into the call on a listen-only basis, but upon command by the subscriber, the subscriber may answer the call. The subscriber may set up a number of remote call monitoring filters, including an “always monitor” list, a “never monitor” list, and a schedule of days or times during which the subscriber allows or excludes remote call monitoring.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for post global title translation load sharing include receiving a plurality of signaling messages sent route on global title. Global title translation is performed for the signaling messages to result in multiple global title destinations for at least some of the signaling messages. One of the destination addresses is selected using the parameter in the signaling messages and the load sharing algorithm so that messages that are part of the same transaction are sent to the same destination address and messages related to different transactions are load shared among different destination addresses. Sequencing may also be performed so that sequenced messages are transmitted in the same order that they are received.

Abstract: The invention includes a router and adapter enabling to receive any type of vendor Intelligent Network protocol message, then to direct the message (according to predefined rules) and ultimately, to translate one type of message into a unified format in order to meet with the destination protocol requirements and the mediating method according to the present invention enable communication between different (SSP) telephone message switching protocols and different control point system (SCP) message protocols; the method is based on conversion processes that enable identification of message definitions and information and the creation of unified message records.

Abstract: A method for restricting the completion of a call made to a subscriber is disclosed. The method includes activating a termination attempt trigger, requesting call-processing instructions in response to detection of the activated termination attempt trigger, receiving call-processing instructions, and redirecting the call responsive to the call-processing instructions.

Abstract: A communications manager in a telecommunications transaction server communicates service request messages and service response messages between one or more remotely executing service request processes and one or more service applications executing on the transaction server. A main thread in the communications manager monitors connections requests and initializes other threads. A unique logical communications connection is established between one of the service request processes and the communications manager. The communications manager creates both a read thread and a write thread for each logical communication connection that is validated and active. The read thread communicates service request messages from a service request process to an appropriate service application. The write thread communications service response messages from the service application to the service request process that issues the service request message.