Abstract: The inventive SS7 signaling server for routing SS7 links, includes a signaling transfer point (STP) and a signaling application server (SAS). STP and SAS have different functionalities. The STP has at least one external interface to connect the STP via at least one SS7 link to at least one telecommunications unit, and an internal interface to connect the STP to the SAS. The STP processes incoming SS7 messages, e.g. in the SCCP layer. The SAS is capable to process at least one, advantageously at least two different application service requests. The STP identifies a single application service request in one incoming SS7 message and provides the identified single application service request to the SAS for further processing. The SAS has e.g. two TCAP processes to identify two different application services, e.g. INAP and MAP. STP and SAS are interconnected via an internal interworking protocol, e.g. using TCP/IP.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent signaling-router-based surveillance are disclosed. A surveillance and signaling router receives call signaling messages, identifies call signaling messages associated with users under surveillance and determines a surveillance type for the call signaling messages. If the surveillance type is content-related, the surveillance and signaling router forwards the message to a call server. The call server replaces parameters in the message and in subsequent messages so that the call is transparently set up through a media proxy server. The media proxy server copies the media stream to a delivery function. If the surveillance type is non-content-related, the surveillance and signaling router sends a copy of the message or information extracted from the message to an external device.

Abstract: A PSTN service control point including multiple subsystems, a memory storing inbound SS7 messages and a SS7 module which internally routes outbound messages directed to the same point code. On receipt of an inbound SS7 message, a SS7 controller stores the complete message in the memory. The SS7 module routes the message to a first subsystem which processes the message and adds new information to the stored message in memory. If the first subsystem needs to collaborate with a second subsystem, it routes the SS7 message through the SS7 module which checks the outgoing message point code. If the destination point code matches the first subsystem point code, the SS7 module treats the message as an inbound message and routes it internally to the second subsystem.

Abstract: A short message gateway may include signal transfer point (STP) functionality, mobile originating short message service center (SMSC) functionality, and short message delivery point-to-point (SMPP) gateway functionality. The short message gateway may receive an SS7 message including a short message payload. The short message gateway may formulate an SMPP message including the short message payload and access one or more internal address resolution and/or number portability databases to determine the destination address for the SMPP message. The short message gateway may then forward the SMPP message to its destination.

Abstract: A bus control module as a terminal stage for a multi-stage clock/alarm distribution scheme in a signaling server organized into addressable shelves. A system timing generator provides a framed serial control signal, SFI, addressing hierarchically arranged clock distribution modules and the bus control modules, to distribute a system clock to the bus control modules. Each bus control module provides a copy of the system clock to line cards with which it interfaces. The bus control module reports alarms and status signals from its line interface cards to the system timing generator using another framed serial signal. The bus control module forwards upstream towards the system timing generator a clock signal selected from clocks signals recovered by its line interface cards from received network signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently utilizing resources in a switched telephone network by providing call treatment at the closest available resource to the calling party preventing holding up network connection through to the terminating location if resources are not available at call termination equipment to handle a call. The selected calls are locally parked pending the availability of service termination resources to handle the call. The availability of service resources at the termination is determined before a selected call is extended through the network. Advantageously while the call is parked call treatment discrimination can be performed.

Abstract: A multiple point code routing node is configured to recognize multiple point codes as true point codes. The multiple point code routing node originates, terminates, and processes messages having any of its any of its true point codes. As a result, the multiple point code routing node can replace two or more signal transfer points in a conventional telecommunications network without requiring reconfiguration of other nodes in the telecommunications network. Multiple point code routing node may also recognize multiple adjacent point codes or secondary adjacent point codes of a mated multiple point code routing node. Because the multiple point code routing node can associate multiple point codes with its mate, the number of logical or physical signaling links between adjacent multiple point code routing nodes can be increased.

Abstract: An intelligent network comprising service switching points (2) and at least one service control point (1), whereby for one or more call state models there are two or more service logic programs located at the service control point (1), the intelligent network being arranged to direct the call state model to a certain detection point or call phase in response to an operation sent by the intelligent network service, wherein at the service switching point at least one operation is defined, for the execution of which the service switching point can select from two or more alternative routes or detection points to which the service switching point can direct the call state model whereby the service control function is arranged to indicate the route or detection point to which the service switching point is to direct the call state model in connection with said sending of an operation.

Abstract: Migration of a circuit-based-switch to a packet-based-soft-switch in a SS7 telecommunications network is accomplished with no disruption to subscriber service and retains and reuses the assigned signaling point code (SPC) of the existing circuit-based-switch. The system and method inserts a new soft-switch between an SS7 signaling transfer point (STP) and the existing circuit-based-switch in a way where traffic is split incrementally off the circuit-based-switch to the soft-switch so that no administrative changes are required at either the STP or the existing circuit-based-switch. The soft-switch is gradually cutover to act as a proxy STP and tandem switch for the existing circuit-based-switch and routes all calls to and from the network on behalf of the existing switch. The system makes use of multiple internal networks of the soft-switch to accomplish the controlled routing of bi-directional traffic.

Abstract: A method of routing signalling information at a signalling transfer point of a telecommunication network. A Global Title Routing Case (GTRC) table is provided for mapping Global Titles to GTRCs, where each GTRC is allocated a primary and secondary destination signalling point. At least one peak time period is predefined, and said primary and secondary destination signalling points are swapped for a fraction of said GTRCs during said peak period to allow for load sharing during this period. For a signalling transfer request received at the signalling transfer point, the Global Title associated with the request is mapped to a GTRC using the GTRC table, and the destination signalling point is determined in dependence upon the primary and secondary destination signalling points allocated to the mapped GTRC and signalling point availability, and, in the case of said fraction of GTRCs, the time at which the request is received.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing signaling messages among multiple processors for stateful processing and/or sequenced processing of the messages on a per sequence basis are disclosed. A signaling message is received and it is determined whether the signaling message requires stateful and/or sequenced processing. If the signaling message requires stateful and/or sequenced processing, a sequence identifier is computed for the signaling message. The sequence identifier is unique on a per sequence basis. The sequence identifier is then used to distribute the signaling message to an application processor for stateful and/or sequenced processing.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for redirecting caller identification in an advanced intelligent network. The system comprises a service switching point and a service control point. When a redirected call is received at the service switching point, the service switching point places the call on hold and forwards a request to the service control point. The service control point recognizes that the call has been redirected and formats the caller identification information associated with the call to identify the telephone number from which the call was redirected. The re-formatted caller identification information is returned to the service switching point. The service switching point forwards the call to the destination telephone station using a distinctive ring to identify that the call has been redirected. The reformatted caller identification information, including the number of the telephone station from which the call was redirected, is forwarded to the destination telephone station.

Abstract: A signal transfer point-like network routing element capable of providing call signaling services required in a mobile communications network is disclosed. A mobile services routing node can be configured to provide the functionality of a Home Location Register (HLR), a Visitor Location Register (VLR), an Equipment Identification Register (EIR), and an Authentication Center (AuC). As such, the mobile services routing node is adapted to receive mobile service related signaling messages, perform the necessary mobile service processing, and route response messages as required.

Abstract: Operators of transfer points in the signalling network number 7 wish, on the one hand, to protect themselves against unauthorized use; on the other hand, these operators want to require fees for the use of the STP. The present invention solves this demand in a simple way in that it unites MTP charging with incoming linkset/DPC (desination point code) screening such that the accounts and their respective sub-accounts could be managed according to the evaluations of the covered traffic.

Abstract: An improved method and system for handling a call from a mobile station within a wireless communication network is disclosed. The mobile telephone communication network includes a mobile switching center (MSC) and a service control point (SCP). After a call has been initiated from a first mobile station to a second mobile station, the MSC sends an initialDP message to the SCP. The initialDP message preferably includes a classmark field. In response to the call from the first mobile station to the second mobile station, the MSC sets up the call to the second mobile station. The MSC then notifies the SCP that the call to the second mobile station has been initiated. Finally, the MSC receives a request from the SCP to inform the SCP when the call being answered by the second mobile station.

Abstract: A multiple point code routing node is configured to recognize multiple point codes as true point codes. The multiple point code routing node originates, terminates, and processes messages having any of its any of its true point codes. As a result, the multiple point code routing node can replace two or more signal transfer points in a conventional telecommunications network without requiring reconfiguration of other nodes in the telecommunications network. Multiple point code routing node may also recognize multiple adjacent point codes or secondary adjacent point codes of a mated multiple point code routing node. Because the multiple point code routing node can associate multiple point codes with its mate, the number of logical or physical signaling links between adjacent multiple point code routing nodes can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement, a network and methods for identifying the relevant SDP for a question from an SCP in a telecommunication network with a large amount of subscribers and handling and administration of a large amount of subscribers by introducing a function for intelligent routing. The intelligent routing between SCP and SDP can be handled by a node standing by itself in the network or as a part-function in an already existing node, for example an SCP. When a new subscriber shall be stored in an SDP subscriber data is transferred from the service administration to a master IRF (Intelligent Routing Function). The IRF comprises a function for determining which SDP that shall store the subscriber data and the IRF thereafter transfer the subscriber data to the SDP. The IRF also stores this information. The information is also transferred to the other IRFs. When an SCP gets a call from an SSP, the SCP contacts an IRF which contacts an SDP.

Abstract: A call treatment service implementation in a telecommunications network without triggering. Upon intercepting an incoming signaling message received at an STP on a selected linkset, a database provided with the STP is queried based on subscriber number information in the incoming message. Service logic at STP is operable to provide call treatment, including termination, based on the results obtained from the database.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) directly in an SS7 protocol stack enable SS7 network layer protocols to interface, via MPLS, with literally any link layer technology. As a result, label switching can be used seamlessly throughout a collection of heterogeneous networks, including both IP-based and SS7-based networks. An exemplary method of routing SS7 data packets through a heterogeneous packet-switching network using MPLS includes the steps of: establishing an MPLS forwarding equivalence class (FEC), at least one element of the FEC being an SS7 destination; associating a label with the FEC at a first router in the heterogeneous packet switching network; attaching the label, at the first router, to a data packet belonging to the FEC; and forwarding the labeled data packet from the first router to a second router in the communications network.

Abstract: A multiple point code routing node is configured to recognize multiple point codes as true point codes. The multiple point code routing node originates, terminates, and processes messages having any of its any of its true point codes. As a result, the multiple point code routing node can replace two or more signal transfer points in a conventional telecommunications network without requiring reconfiguration of other nodes in the telecommunications network. Multiple point code routing node may also recognize multiple adjacent point codes or secondary adjacent point codes of a mated multiple point code routing node. Because the multiple point code routing node can associate multiple point codes with its mate, the number of logical or physical signaling links between adjacent multiple point code routing nodes can be increased.

Abstract: A signal transfer point (STP) includes a plurality of control and sense points that enable the STP to collect sensory information of all types and to provide control of individual pieces of equipment. The STP is operable to generate reports that record the activity of external devices that are either being monitored or where operation is being controlled. Each sense and control point board provided within the STP is operable to provide up to 32 sense points and twenty-four control points in one described embodiment of the invention. The sense points are operable to detect either a low voltage condition or a high voltage condition. The sense points are operable to monitor up to 60-volt signals and thus may monitor telecom voltage levels for US (48 volts) as well as European systems (60 volts). The sense points are optically isolated to eliminate the possibility of unwanted current flows. The control points are relays capable of handling up to a 60-volt difference in potential in its switching operations.

Abstract: A system and method for application location register routing at a signal transfer point (26) are provided. The signal transfer point (26) includes processor clusters (64, 66, 68) and databases (236, 238) for processing queries including global title translation, local number portability, and application location register routing. A query message is received by the signal transfer point (26), a first database residing in the signal transfer point (26) is accessed to determine the location of a second database (238) also residing in the signal transfer point for processing the query message. The second database (238) is then accessed to obtain the network address of a home location register or short message service center, which is then used to deliver the query message to the network node specified by the network address.

Abstract: In a telecommunications network (1), a signal transfer point (10) receives an Initial Address Message (IAM) generated by an originating service switching point (12) according to a call from an originating subscriber (20). The IAM includes a destination number associated with a destination subscriber (22). If the destination number has not been ported, the signal transfer point (10) sends a return message to the originating service switching point (12) indicating that no changes are to be made to the IAM. As a result, the originating service switching point (12) forwards the IAM to a destination service switching point (13) for processing of the call. If the destination number has been ported, the signal transfer point (10) performs a local number portability look-up in a database (24). The signal transfer point (10) obtains a redirection number from the database (24) for transfer in a return message to the originating service switching point (16).

Abstract: A method of auditing a first local number portability database (31) associated with a first signal transfer point (22) includes sending, by a first audit manager (26), a request to the first signal transfer point (22), the request specifying at least one ported telephone number. A first audit agent (30) receives the request at the first signal transfer point (22), looks up the specified at least one ported telephone number in the first local number portability database (31), and obtains at least one corresponding local routing number. The first audit agent (30) then sends the at least one corresponding local routing number to the first audit manage (26). The audit manager (26) then compares the received at least one corresponding local routing number to data local to the first audit manager (26). The audit manager (26) then reports the result of the comparison.

Abstract: If, during the initialization of an MTC service for a subscriber (TNB) to a telecommunications network which is in the form of a an overlay network, the performance required to carry out the service exceeds the performance level supported by the access SSP node (SS1), the service control point (SCP) uses the call address to produce a routing address which contains information relating to further routes of the call to a second SSP node (SS2) which supports the required performance level, and transmits (5) this to the first SSP node (SS1) for passing it on.

Abstract: A multiple point code routing node is configured to recognize multiple point codes as true point codes. The multiple point code routing node originates, terminates, and processes messages having any of its any of its true point codes. As a result, the multiple point code routing node can replace two or more signal transfer points in a conventional telecommunications network without requiring reconfiguration of other nodes in the telecommunications network. Multiple point code routing node may also recognize multiple adjacent point codes or secondary adjacent point codes of a mated multiple point code routing node. Because the multiple point code routing node can associate multiple point codes with its mate, the number of logical or physical signaling links between adjacent multiple point code routing nodes can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a circular routing in No. 7 signaling network by detecting the circular routing occurred when operating the signaling network, thereby preventing a congestion of links by the circular routing and finding out any reasons of the link congestion. In the prior art in which the circular routing is detected by using the MRVT message of the Operation and Maintenance Application (OMAP), all signal routes are tested as to DPC of the MRVT message. Thus, it has the problems of causing unnecessary load in the whole signaling network and making a required time for the test longer, thereby making it impossible to prevent a congestion of links.

Abstract: An intelligent network in which the service switching points (SSPs) consult a lookup table for services which require the use of a service control point (SCP), and send respective request messages containing a service type field. If such a service is one which can be handled by an SCP whose LAN (for the intercommunication of its various data processors) has become partitioned because of, say, a LAN fault, the SSP writes a first value for service type into the field, and if the service is one which must not be handled by a partitioned SCP, the SSP writes a second value. The request messages are sent via service transfer points (STPs). The network includes a transmission controller which has first and second states. Any SCP which detects that its LAN has become partitioned commands the transmission controller to enter the second state.

Abstract: An enhanced application switched telephone network and a method of completing calls using the network are described. In the enhanced application switched telephone network, every switching office is connected to at least one enhanced ISUP voice-grade trunk. A link set and a route set associated with the enhanced trunk route common channel signaling messages associated with calls directed to the enhanced trunk(s) to a call control node. The call control node is thereby enabled to exercise control over those calls. The advantages include point of origin call control, enhanced application service development, rapid service, deployment and significantly more efficient use of PSTN facilities.

Abstract: A method of auditing a first local number portability database (31) associated with a first signal transfer point (22) includes sending, by a first audit manager (26), a request to the first signal transfer point (22), the request specifying at least one ported telephone number. A first audit agent (30) receives the request at the first signal transfer point (22), looks up the specified at least one ported telephone number in the first local number portability database (31), and obtains at least one corresponding local routing number. The first audit agent (30) then sends the at least one corresponding local routing number to the first audit manager (26).

Abstract: The common channel signaling (CCS) system of the public switched telecommunication network involves digital call routing information that is communicated between the switches of the network and signal transfer points (STPs) of the CCS system and among the STPs themselves. The CCS system causes the network switches and the trunks that connect them to be so interconnected as to complete a connection between a calling party and a called party. The STPs are kept as close as practicable to the network switches so as to minimize the length of the digital transmission links between them. This results in a proliferation of less-than-optimally utilized STPs.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for establishing calls to wireless directory numbers (DNs) in a telecommunications network. When a call is directed to a wireless DN, a first node in the network identifies a signaling node associated with the wireless DN and sends the identified signaling node a request for a route to the wireless DN. If the wireless device associated with wireless DN is outside of its home area and is served by a visited node in the network, the signaling node determines a route that excludes the home node associated with the wireless DN and returns a temporary location directory number (TLDN) to the first node. Using the TLDN, the first node then establishes a connection to the visited node.

Abstract: A system and method for effectuating selective triggerless local number portability (TLNP) processing in a telecommunications network having a cellular network portion and a wireline network portion. When an IAM message is received at a signaling node from an MSC on a TLNP-enabled link set, a determination is made at an STP associated therewith whether the NPA-NXX of the received dialed number is marked as portable. If not, the TLNP processing is discontinued and the message as originally received is forwarded to the wireline network portion for further processing. Otherwise, another determination is made if the dialed number is a ported number. If it is determined that the dialed number is not a ported number, the IAM message is marked as dipped and forwarded to the wireline network portion based on the Destination Point Code (DPC) associated with the message.

Abstract: Local signal transfer points (LSTPs) are optimally selected for removal from a Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) network. At least one network element is connected to each LSTP and each LSTP is connected to a parent node. Each LSTP is determined as a flexible LSTP or a fixed LSTP. A potential network configuration is formed with at least one flexible LSTP excluded. Each network element is reconnected to one LSTP in the potential network configuration and each LSTP in the potential network configuration is reconnected to one parent node. A total cost based on the potential network configuration is determined. The potential network configuration becomes the new best network configuration if the total cost is less than any previous total cost. The process is repeated for each potential network configuration resulting from removing a different combination of flexible LSTPs.

Abstract: A signal transfer point distributes a plurality of messages to a plurality of service control points in accordance with a distribution plan. The distribution plan includes each of the service control points. Each of the plurality of messages from the signal transfer point is distributed to a corresponding one of the plurality of service control points in accordance with the distribution plan.

Abstract: A method for identifying a route of a call in a telecommunication system (10) comprises the steps of routing the call from a telephonic calling device (12) via a telephonic switch (14) to a telephonic terminating device (56) and disconnecting the telephonic call. After the telephonic call is disconnected, a call trace is established to identify a called line number of a terminating line in response to a call trace request from the telephonic calling device (12) after the telephonic call is disconnected.