Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for connecting an out-of-market customer to a desired telephone number. The method comprises receiving a customer validation request from a foreign market provider and, in return, providing a random or designated toll-free telephone number to the foreign market provider. Upon receiving a call request from the foreign market provider, the call request is directed to the desired telephone number. The customer validation request may include the desired telephone number and/or a mobile identification number. The call request is based on the provided toll-free telephone number, which is owned by a home market provider.

Abstract: Methods and systems for load sharing signaling messages among signaling links in a network utilizing an international signaling protocol are disclosed. A routing node receives a signaling message formatted according to an international signaling protocol. The routing node generates a signaling link selection parameter for the signaling message. The routing node selects an outbound signaling link based on the generated signaling link selection parameter. The number of bits in the generated SLS value is user-configurable, thus allowing load sharing among arbitrary numbers of signaling links.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a telephone call between a trusted Internet Protocol (IP) telephone and an untrusted device. The method includes receiving a call initiation request from the untrusted device that indicates a desired communication with the trusted IP telephone. The method evaluates the call initiation request, and establishes a telecommunication link between the untrusted device and the trusted IP telephone in response to a positive evaluation of the call initiation request.

Abstract: A method of detecting circular routing in a No. 7 signaling network is provided which detects circular routing that occurs when operating the signaling network, thereby preventing congestion of links by circular routing and finding out any reasons for the link congestion. The method detects a circular routing that occurs in three or more signaling transfer points, by transmitting a message transfer part routing verification test (MRVT) message through the signal route of the highest priority among the signal routes in an available state which go to a specific destination point code (DPC), only when a link is in an unavailable state, thereby preventing congestion of links by circular routing and finding out any reasons for the link congestion.

Abstract: A method and system of receiving, storing, and delivering customer comments, including qualitative and quantitative feedback, over a communications network, such as the Internet. Also, the present invention relates to a method and system of rating and ranking companies, including individual merchants and both buyers and sellers, and their products and services based upon comments received and then awarding the companies points based upon their rating.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems can be used to avoid a hairpin loop scenario. For example, in a system involving a redirecting switch and a service platform switch, correlation between calling party identities for outgoing and incoming call legs can be done to identify a potential hairpin loop scenario. Upon detection of such a scenario, appropriate call legs can be released while routing the call to its destination. Correlation information can be collected from available call setup signaling parameters. The methods and systems can be applied, for example, to systems involving directory assistance call completion, voice-activated dialing, voicemail callback, and prepaid services.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and redirecting messages of different SS7 protocol variations are disclosed. A screening function receives SS7 message and identifies candidates for redirection. An SS7 variation identifier/redirection function identifies the SS7 protocol variation of incoming SS7 messages identified as candidates for redirection. The redirection candidates are encapsulated in SCCP messages. The SCCP messages are then forwarded to an application. The SCCP messages preferably include indicators identifying the protocol variations of their payloads. Upon receiving the SCCP messages, the application decodes the payloads using the protocol variation indicator.

Abstract: A method for providing a feature in a telecommunications network is disclosed. Signals representing a call are received at a call agent to generate a detection point. The call is associated with a service identifier corresponding to a set of features. A feature server is identified from a number of feature servers. The identified feature server is notified of the detection point. The signals are processed in response to the detection point to provide a feature from the set of features.

Abstract: A PSTN (Public Switching Telephone Network) device includes a Dynamically Configurable Signaling State Machine (DCSSM). The DCSSM can be programmed to recognize multiple signaling templates. The DCSSM can also be programmed to modify existing recognized standardized signaling templates. Programming is accomplished via a configuration interface. Commands are sent to the DCRSSM via the PSTN device's configuration interface. When the trunk controller receives a signal or is required to transmit a signal, the DCSSM executes the directives configured with the programmed signaling templates within a signaling state machine.

Abstract: A system having at least two communication systems which manage resources in each case, in which in each case an identification code is assigned to the resources for identification, and in which the resources managed by a single communication system can be differentiated on the basis of their identification codes, and having at least one application for controlling and/or monitoring the resources by transmitting messages comprising the identification code of the respective resource between the at least one application and the communication systems, characterized in that an extension of all identification codes is provided for differentiating the resources, which extension is performed at least by every communication system when sending messages and comprises an unambiguous identifier of the sending communication systems, at least whenever a plurality of resources have the same non-extended identification code in each case.

Abstract: A signaling network node is configured for identifying a received signaling message as belonging to one of a plurality of prescribed originating node groups, based on prescribed message class selection criteria. Each originating node group has at least one originating node and is assigned at least one congestion threshold relative to a message rate (e.g., messages per unit time or number of bytes per unit time). The signaling network node determines the message rate for each corresponding originating node group; if the message rate for an originating node group exceeds the corresponding at least one congestion threshold, the signaling network node outputs a congestion signaling message to the originating node having sent the signaling message, for reduction of the corresponding message rate.

Abstract: A control interface for linking a computer supported telephony application with a PBX switch utilizing CSTA protocols utilizes ActiveX properties, methods, events, and pages to access all of the events and services provided by the CSTA protocols. Common paradigms such as Invoke—ID and timers are built in to the interface. The interface further provides statistics and diagnostics via property pages.

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: The invention relates to a method for implementing a service in a digital multiple-service network comprising an exchange, a first telecommunication terminal connected to the multiple-service network via a first interface and a second telecommunication terminal connected to the multiple-service network via a second interface. In the method, the service is implemented using a server connected to the multiple-service network via a third interface, and the service information is transmitted to the second telecommunication terminal using channels reserved for signalling and a signalling protocol between the terminals and the exchange and between exchanges that comprises a limited amount of information not belonging to the call.

Abstract: In an Intelligent Network, a Service Interaction Media (SIM) device comprising a call handler and a plurality of service code tables manages multiple and simultaneous communications between a service input node such as a Service switching Point (SSP) and at least one network element. The service code tables contain decision information and lists of service interaction scenarios to enable the call handler to manage queries and sessions with network elements. An incoming query is presented from the switch to the SIM through the call handler and the SIM derives a service code based on query information to apply appropriate features and services to the query.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network system for managing and routing telephone calls from a calling party to a subscriber to a privacy screening service. The system routes the calls according to whether the calling party number is known and public, in which case the call is terminated in a routine manner; unknown, in which case the system plays an announcement asking the calling party to record his or her name; or known and private, in which case the system asks the caller for permission to override his or her privacy before routing the call to the subscriber. The advanced intelligent network system stores the subscriber's number in a display text field, thus enabling termination of the call to the subscriber irrespective of whether the subscriber number is private or public.

Abstract: A method and system for routing data across heterogeneous networks. In one embodiment, a heterogeneous network comprises a specialized in-band network that is privately accessible within the heterogeneous network, as well as an out-of-band network that is coupled to the in-band network by a switching platform. A client on the out-of-band network is configured to transmit a request for server data to the switching platform. The request is formatted according to the protocol of the out-of-band network and may take the form of a uniform resource locator (URL). The switching platform is configured to recognize the request as one which is directed to a server on the in-band network. The switching platform parses the request to determine the requested data and reformats this information as a new request that is transmitted to the server according to the protocol of the in-band network.

Abstract: A method for using alphanumeric characters for a call number to establish a phone connection and for internal signaling in and between telecommunication networks. An alternative additional dialing method on an alphanumeric basis by using the complete character set of the ASCII character set with its national embodiments (alphanumeric subscriber call number ATR) with any length of the ATR freely set by the subscriber as an optional alternative that coexists with the current dialing method with a decimal number system (NTR). The ATR is sent from the terminal to the switching center and used preferably to establish a connection or converted to an NTR that is used to establish the connection with the target subscriber. The method may be introduced as an overlay process for the existing dialing method within existing networks.

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: 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 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: 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: Method and apparatus for providing provisioning parameters to a mobile device. A short messaging service message is used to send bootstrap data sufficient to establish communication between an Internet Protocol-based server and a mobile device. The mobile device then establishes such communication and the provisioning parameters from the Internet Protocol-based server.

Abstract: In a gateway system for connecting a telephone network utilizing a common channel signaling system No. 7 to an IP (Internet Protocol) network, the gateway system includes a media gateway and a media gateway controller group including a plurality of media gateway controllers which are assigned a common point code. Any one of the media gateway controllers is for terminating a No. 7 signal representative of a control signal of the common channel signaling system No. 7 in the telephone network and for carrying out call control and connection control to the IP network by controlling the media gateway through the IP network so that a communication path is established between the telephone network and the media gateway. Each of the media gateway controllers comprises a No. 7 signal processing portion for terminating the No.

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 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: Providing a roaming service among private mobile switching centers (MSCs) interconnected to one another via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) includes connecting the private mobile switching centers to a virtual private network (VPN) via the PSTN; storing information about a mobile station registered for a private mobile communication service and associated mobile station location information in a selected private mobile switching center upon a mobile station sending a private mobile communication service registration request to the selected one of the private mobile switching centers; transmitting the mobile station information and the mobile station location information to other private mobile switching centers via the virtual private network; and the selected private mobile switching center the private mobile communication service using the stored mobile station information and mobile station location information upon the mobile station sending a private mobile communication service request to a s

Abstract: For communications interface across the line of demarcation between the customer premises media and a link of a public digital broadband communication network, a network interface device is “soft” in that it is adaptable to different service applications and readily programmable from both the network-side and the customer-side. A network-side interface provides a communications connection to a broadband network link at an edge of the digital broadband network. A customer-side interface provides communications connection to one or more media in the customer premises, for example, to telephone and LAN wiring within the premises. The soft network interface device also includes a data processing system, for controlling at least some of the communications through the interfaces. The data processing system is capable of being programmed with network service provisioning data from the public network as well as with user programming received from the customer premises.

Abstract: A signalling switch for use in information protocol telephony is provided, which can initiate, sustain, and terminate a plurality of discrete voice and data calls simultaneously. A plurality of cards are mounted on a computer bus, where the first card is a single board computer whose function is to act as the operations and maintenance control card for the switch. A non-system card functions as a message transport controller card; and there is at least one further non-system card which functions as a master application controller card. Local bus communication among the non-system cards is provided by a local bus found on the message transport controller card. Telephone routing information protocol software is resident in the switch, and the switch communicates externally via Ethernet interfaces.

Abstract: A system for providing services in a communications network includes a service processing function, a universal directory function, and a nodal resource manager. The service processing function receives service requests, formulates requests for interworking functions based upon service requests, and formulates resource requests based upon service requests and interworking functions. The universal directory function receives addresses from the service processing function and returns interworking functions based upon addresses. The nodal resource manager receives resource requests and allocates resources to the service processing function in response to resource requests. The nodal resource manager maintains a resource database that includes an entry corresponding to each network resource managed by the nodal resource manager.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network telephone system for terminating calls to subscribers to a privacy screening service, when the calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party dials the telephone number of a subscriber to a privacy screening service, the system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If the calling party is known and private, the call is routed to a service node, which plays an announcement to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method and apparatus are disclosed for providing multiline telephonic and data services over a single access facility. In one embodiment of the present invention, a wall unit is located at a customer premises which terminates a single analog phone line and adaptively encodes using Voice over Internet Protocol technology and multiplexes a plurality of telephonic and data calls over the single analog phone line. A corresponding gateway server (or a plurality of gateway servers), which supports one or a plurality of wall unit calls, is located in the public switched telephone network (“PSTN”), or possibly in a private telephone network. The gateway server communicates with one or more active wall units to extract one or more telephonic and data calls from the analog signal produced from a wall unit, and to appropriately route the telephonic calls over the PSTN and the data packets over the Internet or to other data services.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method comprising establishing a connection between a software communication channel and a media server, wherein the software communication channel is presented to the server as a media stream; transmitting to the media server a call object including a media handle; attaching a media application to the media handle; and establishing a connection between the media application and the software communication channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and redirecting messages of different SS7 protocol variations are disclosed. A screening function receives SS7 message and identifies candidates for redirection. An SS7 variation identifier/redirection function identifies the SS7 protocol variation of incoming SS7 messages identified as candidates for redirection. The redirection candidates are encapsulated in SCCP messages. The SCCP messages are then forwarded to an application. The SCCP messages preferably include indicators identifying the protocol variations of their payloads. Upon receiving the SCCP messages, the application decodes the payloads using the protocol variation indicator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for signaling connection control part (SCCP) loop detection and prevention are disclosed. A signal transfer point (STP) receives a message and performs global title translation (GTT) for the message. The STP compares the originating point code (OPC) in the signaling message with the post-GTT destination point code (DPC) in the message. If the incoming message OPC matches the post-GTT DPC, SCCP looping is detected and the message is discarded. If the incoming message OPC does not match the post-GTT DPC, the STP may correlate the incoming message OPC or the DPC to one or more additional point codes to identify the presence of SCCP looping.

Abstract: In case that a call connection request message is transmitted from an originating call side and in case that a user on a termination call side cannot make a response over the telephone due to his or her absence, the call connection request message is stored on the termination call side, and in case that the user on the termination call side returns to his or her seat and selects folded communication processing of the received call connection request message, the call connection request message is transmitted by return by means of an address on the companion originating call side, which is included in the received call connection request message, and on the originating call side, in case that call connection cannot be established due to absence of the user on the termination call side, an address of the originating call side is stored, and in case that a folded call connection request message is received from the originating call side, a previously selected response processing is conducted.

Abstract: A distributed local services telecommunications switching system (10, 50) is comprised of loosely coupled components, including a digital loop carrier (14, 56), an intelligent peripheral (12, 54), and a general purpose computing platform (12, 52). The digital loop carrier (14, 56) provides subscriber line interfaces (120, 150), network trunk interfaces (122, 152), and a cross-connect matrix (124, 154). The intelligent peripheral (12, 54) is coupled to the digital loop carrier (14, 56) for performing call processing functions. The general purpose computing platform (12, 52) is coupled to the digital loop carrier (14, 56) and intelligent peripheral (12, 54) for controlling and managing call processing operations thereof. The general purpose computing platform (12, 52) may be integrated or co-located with the intelligent peripheral (12, 54).

Abstract: Method for operating a private telecommunications network which is connected via at least one multichannel private branch exchange or a comparable device, in particular a call server or a voice-over IP Gateway, with a plurality of real call numbers to a public telecommunications network, the private branch exchange or comparable device for a multiplicity of real call numbers being assigned a common virtual call number for access from the public network to which a call via a free real call number to the internal terminal of the direct dialing number is switched through.

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 messaging system component provides for a screening of an incoming call from a telephony device of a plurality of telephony devices. The messaging system component is associated with a network and conforms to a signaling protocol of the network to communicate with the network. The messaging system component is located in a peripheral relationship to the network which allows for the addition of providing for the screening of the incoming call from the telephony device without modification to an architecture associated with the network.

Abstract: In a call park and call park pickup system, a plurality of network devices have local call park functionality. For call park of a call between two network devices initiated at one of the network devices and call park pickup of the call at a third network device, the local call park functionality is used to provide messaging between the three network devices for parking and picking up the call without the need of central processing equipment for providing call park and call park pickup functionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating a first number (e.g., a number dialed by a telephone subscriber) to a second number (referred to as a routing number) is disclosed. An example of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes two broad functional components: 1) tables of translation information stored within a database and 2) application software. Upon receiving a query requesting the translation of a dialed number to a routing number, the application software uses information within the received query to query the tables of translation information in order to find the correct routing number. The routing number is then sent to the requester.

Abstract: A distributed features system is disclosed which permits a telecommunication network to accommodate the creation of open multimedia services. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, protocol extensions for a distributed feature system are disclosed which accommodate a broader range of media choices than conventional telephony. Protocols are disclosed for internal calls between modules in the distributed feature system that permit a module to open and close any number of media channels to be utilized in the communication usage. A protocol is also disclosed for internal calls between modules in the distributed feature system that is more appropriate for a packet-switched reference implementation.

Abstract: A service is provided not only by an internally preset fixed function but also by an externally provided function which can be altered by a user side. An exchange apparatus provided with a service process section for providing a service associated with a control signal comprises a process location determination section for determining a location of execution of a process associated with the control signal, a control signal notice section for issuing a notice on the control signal to the outside when the determination section has determined that the process is to be executed outside, a data storage section for storing data to be used when the process is executed, a data interface section for reference of data stored in the data storage section in accordance with a request arising from the externally executed service process, and service providing section for providing services based on a result of the externally executed process.

Abstract: Call detail service is provided using a trigger that only activates after the disposition of a telephone call is known, for example, a T-Busy and/or a T_NoAnswer. When a telephone call encounters the T-Busy or T_NoAnswer trigger a terminating central office switch attempts to complete the call. If the call is not completed because it is busy or not answered, the information related to the call is sent to a service control point. The service control point creates a call information record. The call information record is sent to a service management system that used the call information record to create a call detail report. Using the T_Busy and/or T_NoAnswer triggers eliminates the need to collect data for every telephone call to determine which calls are not completed because they are not answered or busy. As a result processing complexity and storage requirements are significantly reduced.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an advantageous method to process a SAS Application Service request. An inventive method to process a SAS Application Service request includes the steps of: performing an Inbound Message Analysis, performing a Service Decision, performing an Outbound Message Synthesis, wherein the Inbound Message Analysis includes an Application Specific Inbound Protocol Check, an NoAI (Nature of Address Indicator) Analysis and an Inbound Digit Analysis, wherein the Service Decision includes a Database Search and an Application Specific Evaluation of Database Search Indications, and wherein the Outbound Message Synthesis includes generating an Output Digit String making use of an application specific Output Digit String Configuration Table, which includes the parameter SAS Application Service Id and at least one of the following parameters: Output Digit String Id, Auxiliary Number Name, Nature of Address Indicator, Auxiliary Number Presence, Auxialiary Number Position.

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: Telephony call control functionality is divided into a set of components. Each component provides a specific portion of the call control. The components communicate with each other via a unique telephony protocol. The unique telephony protocol is defined as a set of events. A component sends/receives events to other components that are involvement in a call. Sets of components are located together on telephony servers. Because communication between components is via a protocol, the components may be located on many different servers.

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: A first call processing system advantageously uses a constant bit rate connection and a variable bit rate connection to utilize the bandwidth for a data call. The first call processing system receives signaling for the data call. The first call processing system then processes the signaling to generate a first instruction to set up a constant bit rate connection for the data call between the first call processing system and a second call processing system. The first call processing system processes the signaling to generate a second instruction to set up a variable bit rate connection between the first call processing system and the second call processing system. Any bandwidth that the data call does not need and use can be utilized for other calls. Thus, the performance of other calls is improved.