Abstract: A system for determining the lowest cost long distance carrier is disclosed. The system uses long distance rate information to determine the lowest cost long distance carrier for a particular long distance telephone call. The system can also retrieve the dialing prefix for the long distance carrier. Once a dialed telephone number is received by the system, the system determines the lowest cost long distance carrier, adds the dialing prefix to the dialed number, and then outputs the entire string, that is, the prefix and the dialed number so that the long distance call is completed using the lowest cost long distance carrier.

Abstract: A method for sharing signaling event data in a telephony system can include receiving within a first service logic component an event from a telephony signaling network. An event context can be determined for the event and asynchronously stored within an event context cache communicatively linked with at least said first service logic component and a second service logic component.

Abstract: A network includes a plurality of exchanges and a service station which carries out network services. Each exchange of the plurality of exchanges and the service station are connected through a call control signal line. Respective exchanges of the plurality of exchanges are connected through circuits. Each exchange of the plurality of exchanges includes a virtual-index capture processing portion which captures a virtual circuit identification index, and the exchange specifies the virtual circuit identification index and makes a call-out request to the service station.

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: Real time detection of the fraudulent use of a telecommunications network is accomplished by analyzing data for each call that is occurring within the network. A signal protocol receiver is used to collect signaling protocol for each call that is occurring within the network. The Signaling protocol data is collected, decoded and formatted into call information records (CIRs). The CIRs contain various operator specified parameters for each call that is occurring within the network. The CIRs are compared to operator defined thresholds. If any of the CIRs exceeds the thresholds, an alert is generated. The alerts are stored in a database where the operator can analyze them and take the appropriate corresponding action to resolve the alert. The alerts and the CIRs are archived in a database so that trends of fraudulent use can be detected and prevented. This method of fraud detection provides for the effective analyzation of every call that is occurring within the network.

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 universal triggerless number portability routing node receives a first call setup message from an end office. The triggerless number portability routing node may examine a first routing number (RN) value contained in the first call setup message to determine whether the first RN is a home RN value. If the first RN is determined to be a home RN value, a number portability database lookup is performed based on the called party dialed number. Once a number portability lookup is performed, the call setup message is modified to include a second RN value returned by the NP database, and the modified call setup message is routed to a destination node, which may be a tandem gateway or an end office/mobile switching center.

Abstract: In accordance with another aspect of the invention defined by the claims, a monitoring system for a communication network having a plurality of network elements is provided. The monitoring system comprises a communication subsystem for receiving a first message from a first network element, a database for storing a plurality of data records relating to facilities provided by the communication network or equipment provisioned in the communication network, a message matching module, and a translation module. The message matching module is operative to cause the monitoring system to associate the received first message to one of the data records. The message matching module is also operative to cause the monitoring system to extract identification information from the first message and to use the identification information to select said one of the data records wherein the selected data record corresponds to the facility or the equipment in the communication network that relates to the received first message.

Abstract: Device and method for transporting a protocol message, which permits PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges) connected through a PX(Public Exchange) or PX subscriber stations to transport a new protocol message between end terminals thereof through a PX, the device including a non-ISDN protocol processor for converting a message in a non-ISDN protocol data format into a message in its own protocol data format, an interfacing part for converting the message from the non-ISDN protocol processor into a message in a UUS service message format, and a UUS service part for transferring the message in the UUS service message format to a PX, thereby permitting a message transmission/reception between PBX subscribers or PX subscribers even if a communication protocol the PX gives no support.

Abstract: A call center management system employs out-of-band signaling, such as provided by ISDN telecommunications technology, to manage outbound calls from a call center. By communicating with a central office of the PSTN in this way, it is possible to exercise a great degree of control over outbound calls originating from the call center. This control may be used, for example, to insert a meaningful caller identification label into the outbound call, or to manage dead air time within limits established by law, custom, or convenience, and to provide detailed reporting of outbound call activity.

Abstract: A dynamic transaction network having multiple management stations, one or more terminals, and one or more databases is disclosed. The dynamic transaction network is capable of adding and removing network hosts (terminals, databases, and management stations) in real-time while continuing to service transaction requests. In addition, the dynamic transaction network is capable of transferring database fragments from a source database to a target database in real-time. In response to a transaction request from a caller, the terminal accesses information stored in a corresponding database via dynamic transportable logic. The dynamic transportable logic derives the location of relevant information in the database from input characteristic(s) of the transaction request.

Abstract: An unconstrained equalization method and apparatus with gain and timing bias to control runaway are provided for a direct access storage device (DASD) data channel. A direction for moving each of a plurality of tap weights of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter is calculated. New tap weights are determined for each of a plurality of tap weights in the direction. A gain of the FIR filter for the new tap weights is compared with a set threshold gain value. A polarity of a gain bias is set to adjust a gain of a gain loop of the data channel by a preselected amount responsive to the compared gain and set threshold gain values, A phase lag of the FIR filter for the new tap weights is compared with a set threshold phase lag value. A polarity of a timing bias is set to adjust a phase lag of a timing loop of the data channel by a preselected amount responsive to the compared phase lag and set threshold phase lag values.

Abstract: A switch device connectable to an ISDN includes a first part which adds a calling ID information element to a first call setup message to be transferred over an ISDN tie line connecting the switch device to another switch device. The calling ID information element includes identification information on a terminal which is connected to the ISDN and makes a call.

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 transmitting proprietary signalings between a terminal (1) and a switching center (5, 8) in a telecommunications network (6) for controlling features, whereby the terminal (1) is connected to a first switching center (7), and the proprietary signalings are transmitted between the terminal (1) and a second switching center (5, 8) via a first user data channel (11). The invention also relates to a terminal (1), a switching center (5) and to a communications system (13) for implementing said method.

Abstract: Method and system for managing the signalling software of a V5 interface connecting a first network element and a second network element in a system comprising a management network connected to the first and second network elements. According to the invention, a parameter set containing at least one parameter controlling a given function in the signalling software of the V5 interface is generated, and a parameter set corresponding to the parameters of the V5 interface in question is selected as the active parameter set to be used to control the operation of the signalling software.

Abstract: In the framework of a conversion of a feature control signaling, an item of feature control information (LO1, LO2, LO3) is extracted from a protocol-specific feature control message (SETUP) of a communications network (SCN) and is transmitted to a feature-neutral coordination module (KM). Said coordination module (KM) then relays the item of feature control information (LO1, LO2, LO3) to a feature-specific conversion module (UM1, . . . ,UMN), which converts the relayed item of feature control information (LO1, LO2, LO3) into an item of feature control information (ULO1, ULO2) that is specific to another of the communications networks (LAN). The converted item of feature control information (ULO1, ULO2) is subsequently inserted into another protocol-specific feature control message (SETUP) and is transmitted therewith into the other communications network (LAN).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of software-based services in communication networks. More particularly, it includes systems and methods for maintaining and utilizing routing data to handle event notifications generated by call handling in a service logic execution environment. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A system for providing services includes service entities, interface entities, and a service bus. Each service entity produces and receives events and includes at least one of a reusable macro function, an application programming interface function, and a management interface function. Each service is implemented with at least one service entity. Each interface entity produces and receives events and is coupled to a communication system and communicates with the communication system using a communication protocol. The service bus couples the interface entities and the service entities and passes events between the interface entities and service entities.

Abstract: Known intelligent network architectures do not comprise a mechanism by means of which it would be possible to notify a service control point (SCP) of a recurrent use of supplementary services or of the activation of the supplementary services at a service switching point (SSP). In accordance with the invention, the service control point (SCP) informs a mobile services switching center (MSC) in a message RequestNotificationCharging of the events the mobile services switching center (MSC) is to report to the service control point (SCP). The mobile services switching center (MSC) reports the existence of said events to the service control point (SCP) in a message EventNotificationCharging.

Abstract: A method (10) is provided of setting up a call over a multiple bit-rate transmission channel between a central module (25) and a remote module (22). The channel comprises at least one first transmission channel (401) having a primary bit rate and at least one second transmission channel (402) having a secondary bit rate. Each of said first and second transmission channels is a two-way channel comprising a first transmission half-channel (43, 45) in one direction and a second transmission half-channel (44, 48) in another direction. The method comprises the following steps: setting up a call on the primary transmission channel, scanning for a signal indicating a secondary bit-rate requirement, and if a signal indicating a secondary bit rate requirement is detected, bit-rate switching from said first transmission channel (401) to the second transmission channel (402).

Abstract: The method allows securing control requests, particularly in intelligent networks. In the event of an incomplete transmission of data for a controlled terminal between a service distribution node and a service control node, a completion procedure is executed particularly for call numbers/network addresses which have been input into the controlled terminal.

Abstract: A communications interface system receives an initial address message for a call into a circuit process and transferring the initial address message to a call process. The call process processes the initial address message to generate and transfer set-up information to a bearer system. The bearer system receives user communications for the call and routes the user communications in response to the set-up information. The circuit process receives a release message for a call and transfers the release message to the call process. The call process processes the release message to generate and transfer tear-down information and a disconnect message. The circuit process generates and transfers a release complete message in response to the disconnect message. The bearer system terminates the routing of the user communications in the in response to the tear-down information.

Abstract: A method and system for correlating information retrieved from a data network, with a telephone call initiated by an initial address message (IAM) at a multi-line facility, such as a call center or a voice access server (VAS), hinges on extracting an identifier string inserted into the user-user-interface field of the IAM, and accompanying the information. The information is used to perform an enhanced service feature which may include aiding the selection of an internal line at call center's call distributor, or the selection and customization of delivery of a service feature, at a VAS. The information may also be displayed at a display terminal associated with a call center agent handling the call.

Abstract: An interface means between a network switch and a CTI server means is adapted to communicate between a service switching function device having a service switching functionality within said network switch and said CTI server means. Such an interface means is as well part of an apparatus for providing a service to at least one customer. This apparatus includes a network switch, of which a service switching function device is coupled via an interface means of the present invention to a CTI server means, which is further coupled via an application programming interface to executable means for executing the service.

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: The invention relates to a method for processing call signalling messages during a communications switch overload condition. The method integral to the invention comprises a dual threshold test, one based on message latency and the other based on queue occupancy. The method begins with the receipt of a plurality of call signalling messages comprising dispensable, indispensable and essential messages. The processing then continues by comparing a new message expected latency with a latency-based threshold. If the new message expected latency compares unfavourably, the queue occupancy is then compared with a queue occupancy based threshold. If this comparison is also unfavourable the call signalling messages are processed based on call type. Using the expected latency as a threshold ensures that no dispensable message has a latency greater than a tunable threshold.

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: An AIN service for provides a subscriber the ability to configure outbound call routing rules. Using telecommunications variables such as time of call, call busy status, call unanswered status, and numbers dialed, a subscriber is enabled to configure a service control point to perform an action such as forward a call, send a page with a message, use a dial-around number, or send a PIN. A web browser interface may be used by the subscriber to configure the SCP.

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 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. In a first embodiment, information is provided to a subscriber who simply lifts the handset of the telephone. The subscriber instead of hearing a dial tone hears the information in the form of streaming audio. In another embodiment, 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: 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 and network node are presented to route a signaling message in a SS7/C7 national telecommunication network between a Border Node within a first licensed operator network and a destination node within a second licensed operator network. The first and second licensed operator networks use the same Point Code configuration numbering plan to identify Point Codes of each node into their respective network. The Border Node includes a Message Transfer Part (MTP). Upon receipt of a signaling message, the Message Transfer Part (MTP) of the Border Node maps an Origination Point Code (OPC) and a Destination Point Code (DPC) corresponding to numbering plan values of the one of the licensed operator networks into OPC and DPC corresponding to the other licensed operator network. After that, the MTP replaces the OPC and DPC by the mapped OPC and DPC and the signaling message is sent from the Border Node to the destination node.

Abstract: As the complexity of communication networks, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN, has increased, the network management operations have become more complex as well. In particular, as the complexity of the devices used in communications networks has increased, advanced network management operations have been developed in order to ensure continued efficient and reliable network performance. The present invention provides a method and system for utilizing the enhanced processing capability on Intelligent Network Servers, INSs, to perform enhanced operations management of local applications and to provide unified reporting of the INS status and performance to network operations management in a manner similar to other network devices or nodes in the network.

Abstract: A telephone of the present invention is a push button type telephone whereby a DTMF signal of a first one-touch dial table is sent out in accordance with operation keys input in the general line mode and a DTMF signal of a second one-touch dial table is sent out in the private branch exchange mode. A signal sent out from a telephone in the private branch exchange mode represents a character string composed of one or more of character, starting with a character selected from a particular character group like such a less frequently used character as “A”, “B”, “C” or “D”, for example. A function table on the part of a private branch exchange establishes ties between a character string starting with a character included in the aforementioned character group and a service function.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conducting surveillance in a SS7 Intelligent Network (IN) or Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) provides in the case of AIN that an Info Analyzed trigger is armed in an end office switch and notifies a delivery function when a call is processed. The delivery function instructs the end office switch to forward the call to the delivery function, where it is accessed for monitoring forwarded back to the end office switch. A similar method is used to process calls received by the SUS. In the case of IN, the identity of a line card assigned to a subscriber under surveillance (SUS) is changed to a number dedicated to surveillance subjects. Calls originated by the SUS are forwarded to a delivery function, which identifies the SUS based on the dedicated number of the calling party, intercepts call content, and forwards the call back to the end office switch with the called party id aid the original number and id of the SUS. The end office switch then completes the call.

Abstract: In a communications network, it is necessary for client software applications to monitor detail records constructed from messages transmitted in a signalling network (100) associated with the communications network. Prior techniques for delivery of the detail records to the client software applications included separate generation of the detail records for each client software application resulting in duplication of effort in the collection and dissemination of the detail records as well as the prolific number of detail record generation tasks required. The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by having a single generator (200, 410) of detail records per site in the signalling network (100), the delivery of the detail records to the client software applications (400, 402, 710, 712, 718) involving a point-to-multipoint communication.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus in a telecommunication network or data communication network for handling incoming call requests, given that subscribers would like to take advantage of different types of communication and data transmission such as voice telephony, sending faxes, etc., wherein it is possible for a subscriber in a communication network to route messages arriving in the communication network to, respectively, the most suitable terminal equipment.

Abstract: A method for establishing an initial telecommunications connection from a first telecommunications terminal (1) to a second telecommunications terminal (2) via a network unit (3) of a telecommunications network is proposed that makes it possible to transmit messages from the network unit (3) to the first telecommunications terminal (1) while the connection is being established. While the initial telecommunications connection is being established by the network unit (3), at least one message (21, 22, 23) is transmitted to the first telecommunications terminal (1). The at least one message (21, 22, 23), when received by the first telecommunications terminal (1), is reproduced at at least one reproducing device (5, 10) of the telecommunications terminal (1).

Abstract: Direct access to a voice mail box hosted by a voice mail system (VMS) permits a requesting party to go directly to the voice mail box without first placing a call to the service subscriber who owns the voice mail box. Direct access can be enabled from call termination equipment, such as a dial-up directory service, or from a data network interface, such as a web page on a worldwide web server or a button embedded in an electronic mail message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving a network structure, especially an IN (Intelligent Network) network structure and the multi-feature services thereof, and for the objective to provide easier customizing and tailoring of the services to different customers in connection with such multi-feature services, and in order to more easily address such different features, it is according to the present invention suggested a method which his characterized by letting each feature within the service be assigned a unique number, a so-called feature key.

Abstract: A method of creating a call usage record is provided. An input signal is received. A call usage record is created in response to the received input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the call usage record. A command to place a call is received. A confirmation signal is received after the call has been placed. Finally, a call leg jacket is created. The call leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the call.

Abstract: A telephony communications network supporting translation of private signaling codes for transmission over a private and/or IP network. A digital telephone emits a private signaling code for accessing a particular PBX function. An adapter coupled to the digital telephone translates the private signaling code into a SIP invite, request, response, information, notification message, and/or instant message if the private signaling code is destined for the IP network. If the private signaling code is not destined for the IP network, the private signaling code is not translated and is transmitted over the private network. If the private signaling code is destined for the IP network, the private signaling code is translated into a SIP message and transmitted over the IP network to a SIP user agent. A PBX is also coupled to the adapter that receives the private signaling codes. The codes are transmitted to the PBX for rendering a function for the digital telephone.

Abstract: A computer-based distributed private branch exchange (PBX). Preferred embodiments route calls and perform other functions of a PBX as well as performing services not commonly available on a PBX, such as Internet telephony. In one embodiment, the invention control and operations is distributed among several computers or Personal Computers (PCs) on a computer network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to allow at least portions of two fieldbus messages to be stored in a fieldbus device. The fieldbus device includes a media access unit, a fieldbus communication controller, and a controller. The media access unit is coupleable to a fieldbus loop to receive fieldbus signals and provide a digital bitstream related to the fieldbus signals. The fieldbus communication controller assembles data segments relating to at least portions of two fieldbus messages from the bitstream and stores the segments in a receive FIFO memory. The controller is adapted: to read the segments from the receive FIFO memory and act upon fieldbus messages.

Abstract: A network switch configured for switching data frames across multiple ports utilizes an efficient arbiter to store the data frames. Each port possesses queuing logic for requesting a free pointer from a free buffer queue. A multi-level arbitration logic arbitrates all the requests of equal priority from the network switch ports in a round robin scheme. The arbitration logic comprises a plurality of cells that cascaded to output an acknowledgement signal in response to an inhibit signal and a request signal as well as a counter that is incremented upon an asserted acknowledgement signal.

Abstract: A gateway cluster has a number of gateways for different types of communication protocols. The respective gateways convert network messages to normalized messages by querying the categories, data, and network types of the normalized data for the mobile systems from which the network messages were generated. A database system stores normalized data in categories. The normalized data include data relating to the mobile systems and network types for the data. A unified mobility manager is coupled to and in communications with the gateway cluster and the database system. The unified mobility manager receives and processes the normalized messages, performs operations based on the normalized messages and on the categories, the data, and the network types of the normalized data, and formulates normalized responses responsive to the normalized messages. The normalized responses are converted to network responses at the gateways, and the network responses are sent to the respective mobile systems.

Abstract: A method and system using mediated service logic enables telecommunications services to be provided in a first telecommunications network, even though the service logic for the telecommunications service resides in a second telecommunications network. A first service control point (SCP), located in the first telecommunications network, has a plurality of service logic modules, including a first mediated service logic module, and a second SCP, located in the second telecommunications network has a plurality of service logic modules, including a second mediated service logic module. When a service switching point (SSP) in the first telecommunications network determines that intelligent network services are required to process the call, it transmits a query message to the first SCP. The first SCP consults the relevant customer's service profile to determine which service logic module to execute to provide the requested service, and the first SCP then executes this service logic module.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive call data records from a telephone network (4), for example an SS7 network. The apparatus (1) receives data records of different types having different formats. For each different type of data record, the apparatus (1) has a library (9, 10, 11 ) of type-specific functions associated with the particular type of data record. The apparatus (1) also has a set (8) of common functions available which contains functions that can be utilized for all types of data records, and for managing the system. Instructions are received by the apparatus (1), which indicate which type or types of data records are to be received and which functions are to be carried out on the data records. The apparatus (1) then creates a function list of the particular functions that are to be carried out before executing the particular functions on the received data records and then storing the processed records in a database (12, 13, 14).

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.