Abstract: A method for transferring automatic recall-related information from a switch to a service control point for storage and providing the automatic recall-related information to an external network element, such as a service node, for enhanced services, such as automatic recall telecommunications service. Automatic recall service allows a customer to dial a special feature code and receive an enunciation of the directory number of the last incoming caller. Typically, automatic recall-related information is stored in the called party switch and is not accessible to external network elements that may provide enhanced services with this information. This automatic recall-related information may include information such as the directory number of the last incoming caller, the time stamp of the last incoming call, and/or the privacy indicator of the last incoming call. The method includes transferring the automatic recall-related information to an SCP for storage.

Abstract: In a client having (i) an upstream device driver for controlling an upstream device which sends data to a server; (ii) a downstream device driver for controlling a downstream device which receives data from the server; and (iii) a dialer application for establishing an upstream connection using the upstream device driver, the present invention initiates a connection in response to upstream traffic generated by an application including the steps of receiving the upstream traffic in the downstream device driver; constructing a dial packet in the downstream device driver in response to the upstream traffic; transferring the dial packet from the downstream device driver to the dialer application; and, issuing a call command to the upstream device driver.

Abstract: A user interaction procedure in an Intelligent Networks system may include several stages, such as playing an announcement to a user, and receiving digits entered by the user. The switching point returns messages to the control point at intermediate stages during the procedure.

Abstract: A distributed communications switching system and its associated telecommunications network infrastructure(10) includes a plurality of interconnected switching systems (12.sub.1, 12.sub.2 and 12.sub.3), some of which may be controlled by another switching system and its associated telecommunications network infrastructure. The switching systems are controlled via at least one switch processing platform (16) that generates generic commands for receipt by the switching systems in response to signaling messages received by the SPP. A fabric application interface (19) couples the switching systems to the switch processing platform for distributing generic commands to and from the appropriate switching system and for translating the generic commands into native commands (or vice versa) for execution by the switching system. The fabric application interface also translates signals received at the switching system into generic commands for receipt by the switch processing platform.

Abstract: A telephone network provides personalized calling services based on a voice identification of a calling subscriber. When a person initiates a call, the network executes a speaker identification/verification procedure to identify the person as a subscriber. For example, on an outgoing call over a telephone line, the speaker identification/verification process provides a virtual office equipment number corresponding the identified subscriber. The central office switch servicing the outgoing call receives the virtual office equipment number and uses that number to retrieve a service profile associated with the subscriber. The switch provides a personalized form of "dial tone" like service to the subscriber by processing the outgoing call using the profile.

Abstract: For each of a plurality of signal processors accommodating respective shares of signalling links to be controlled by a signalling point, a congestion-condition level is determined by comparing an overload condition of a central controller and the number of processed signals with their respective threshold values. Any signalling link, whose priority is lower than the priority corresponding to the determined congestion-condition level, is inhibited for use, and a signalling link accommodated in another signal processor is substituted for the inhibited signalling link. In determining the congestion-condition level, a decision is made at predetermined intervals of time as to whether the condition is a congested condition or a congestion cleared condition; if it is a congested condition, the congestion-condition level is raised, and if it is a congestion cleared condition, the congestion-condition level is lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a telephone operating company with the ability to rapidly deploy advanced services into a public switched telephone network includes a service control unit (SCU) for externally controlling call processing of a service call received on a port of a switch matrix. Call control processing is achieved through a high-speed communications link between the switch matrix and the SCU. The SCU receives a new call event notification message from the communications link and selects a service application stored within the SCU to control processing of the service call. One or more primitives is generated by the SCU and output to control actions of the switch matrix, thus controlling processing of the service call. The primitives may include a comprehensive set of primitives (instructions) for call manipulation and control at the switch matrix.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (80, 120, 140) for enabling resale of local services includes a distributed switching system (88) owned by an incumbent local exchange carrier which has a call control computing platform (100) coupled to a digital loop carrier (86), where the digital loop carrier (86) is coupled to a plurality of telephone service subscribers (82) of the incumbent local exchange carrier as well as telephone service subscribers (84) of a competitive local exchange carrier. A local switch (104) owned by an incumbent local exchange carrier is coupled to the digital loop carrier (86).

Abstract: A method for prepaid bundled telecommunications services includes the steps of recognizing a prepaid account access call at a telecommunications carrier switch, and routing the prepaid account access call to a prepay call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. An account number and an optional personal identification number associated with a prepaid bundled telecommunications service account are collected and verified. A destination number is then collected. An account balance associated with the prepaid bundled telecommunications service account is obtained from a database, and a method of computing charges associated with terminating the call to the collected destination number is determined. Next, whether the prepaid account contained sufficient funds to pay for the call is determined. The call is released to the telecommunications carrier switch for line termination, and the call is monitored for call completion.

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

Abstract: A device for upgrading a reporting system (12) associated with an automatic call distributor (10) in a telephone system having a first utility program for saving a plurality of custom reports to a temporary directory, an upgrade of the reporting system (12), and a second utility program which imports the custom reports from the temporary directory into the upgrade of the reporting system (12).

Abstract: The routing of calls from one network (100) to another network (170) may be accomplished by tracking the call completion history over each trunk group (174.sub.1 -174.sub.2) connecting the networks. From a knowledge of the call completion history for each route, a Completion Rate Factor (CRF), representing the ratio of completed calls to all calls attempted is computed. The route having the CRF representing the highest number of completions is then selected. Typically, the process is dynamic, so that if the selected route no longer has the highest number of completions, then the route previously found to have the highest number of call completions is selected. The concept of completion rate factor routing can be extended to multiple carriers to yield a carrier completion rate feature routing technique. Routing may also be completed in accordance with network congestion to route advance a call.

Abstract: Direct Distance Dialing (DDD) access is provided for a communications services platform. A caller may dial a local DDD number or a long distance DDD number to access the communications services platform. A platform may provide a plurality of different communications services, including voicemail services, paging services, automatic routing services, and facsimile messaging services. Expenses associated with servicing the call are partitioned between a caller and a subscriber of the communications services platform in an intuitive and reasonable fashion.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for preventing an overload in a node of a telecommunications network, the network including at least one service node and at least one other node connected to the at least one service node, by the steps of: receiving, at the at least one service node, service requests from the at least one other node connected to the at least one service node; transmitting restriction requests from the at least one service node to the at least one other node connected thereto, each restriction request containing information on how the at least one other node should restrict the number of service requests the at least one other node transmits towards the at least one service node; transmitting a new restriction request at least whenever the information changes; and restricting the number of service requests transmitted to the at least one service node from the at least one other node.

Abstract: A system and method for activation of an enhanced telecommunication service without a turn-on call by a subscriber. The present invention is described in the AIN environment, where an enhanced telecommunication service is set up for a directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service has an active state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is applied to calls received for the directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service also has an inactive state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is not applied to calls received for the directory number. The first call is directed to the directory number, where the enhanced telecommunication service is in the inactive state. A no answer condition from the directory number is detected with respect to the first call. In response to the detection of the no answer condition, the enhanced telecommunication service changes to the active state.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls and providing enhanced services is presented. The call processing system includes a network control processor for controlling the processing and routing of the calls and for providing enhanced features, and a matrix switch for routing calls from an originating location to a terminating location. Operator consoles can be included to provide operator assistance to the caller. The network control processor comprises a central message processor that receives call data, determines the type of call, determines the processing required, and determines whether operator assistance is required. A call route distributor allocates an operator console to the call if required. A billing server is used to track billing information for the call while it is in progress. A database server is provided for database look-ups and storage.

Abstract: A method for providing automatic telephone response services by using an intelligent peripheral system (IP) is disclosed. Particularly the invention provides to an apparatus and a method for providing automatic telephone response services by using an IP, in which, when the called subscriber is absent or when the line is busy, the caller records a vocal message in the IP by using the IP instead of a recording device so as for the called subscriber to be able to receive the message later, and therefore, general telephone subscribers having no automatically responding telephone can receive the recorded vocal message through the IP when the called subscriber is absent or the line is busy.

Abstract: The Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) wireline system connects to and controls processing of calls to a Personal Communication Service subscriber's wireless handset via a home base station or a wireless communication network. Depending on its current location, the subscriber's handset automatically registers with the base station or with a mobility controller of the wireless network. A new registration with the base station when the handset comes within range causes that station to update the subscriber's home location register in a central data base of the AIN. Similarly, when a handset first registers with a mobility controller, that controller updates the subscriber's home location register in the central data base of the AIN. In response to calls directed to the subscriber, the AIN accesses the home location register to determine the current location where the handset is registered. The AIN then uses that data to route the call to the current location.

Abstract: Telephone terminals directly implement an automatic call back feature by establishing a logical channel between two telephone terminals when a calling telephone terminal is unable to complete a call to a called telephone terminal. Via the logical link, the called telephone terminal communicates to the calling telephone terminal any change in state that is related to its ability to receive a call. When both telephone terminals are idle, the calling telephone terminal recalls the called telephone terminal to set up a call. The logical link is established on user-user temporary signaling or D channel facilities of ISDN links. Since the interconnecting networks are not part of providing the automatic call back service, the telephone terminals can be interconnected by any combination of telephone networks that provide ISDN service.

Abstract: A telephone call distribution system for determining destination for an incoming telephone call in a telephony network including a service control point (SCP) operates with a plurality of workstations each comprising a telephone coupled to the telephony network and a proximate computer station having a video display unit (PC/VDU), the PC/VDU connected to the SCP via a wide area network (WAN), and a personal router associated with each PC/VDU. The SCP broadcasts data pertaining to the incoming telephone call and a request for a destination to individual ones of the PC/VDUs via the WAN, and the personal routers negotiate a destination based on individual routing rules and the data pertaining to the call. At least one of the individual routers responds to the SCP with a destination for the call. In some instances the workstations are associated with a call center, and the call center may be CTI-enhanced.

Abstract: A method of providing number portability for the treatment of calls from a calling party to a specific number of a called party is disclosed. Once the dialed digits are received at a switching office serving the calling party, a determination is made of whether the call is directed to a portable number. In a first embodiment, if the call is directed to a portable number, a TCAP query is launched from the originating office to an SCP. At the SCP, the dialed digits are translated to obtain new routing information. The new routing information, which is returned to the originating office is used to create an Initial Address Message (IAM) containing the calling and called party's numbers to enable said call to reach said terminating office associated with the new routing information. In a second embodiment, the new routing information is obtained from a directory number table resident at the originating office.

Abstract: A telecommunications network (10) comprises a set of telephone service operator domains (20), including domains (20A-20C) having intelligent network-type services having non-geographic telephone numbers. A call-originating domain (20G) accesses a non-geographic service number database (30G) to obtain address information concerning the domain which currently handles the called service (90). The address information obtained from the non-geographic service number database includes the address a node in the domain which handles the service, e.g., the address of a gateway node (GW), and optionally the addresses of a service switching point (SSP), a service control function (SCF), and a service data function (SDF) which handles the called service (90). When changing telephone service operators (e.g., changing to a new domain), the non-geographic service number database is updated to reflect the change.

Abstract: A method for managing communications between a service origination node and a plurality of serving nodes where the serving nodes are simultaneously active for a particular trigger to thereby generate a reply to the service origination node. The method includes the step of determining control options for each trigger indicative of service categories by capturing service interaction principles supplied by a serving node services expert acting as a mentor. The service interaction principles are based upon a requirement of executing service categories in each of the serving nodes for each trigger. The method also includes the step of controlling execution of each of the service nodes and the service categories for the particular trigger with reference to the control options to generate the reply.

Abstract: A telephone exchange apparatus having a memory for storing the status information of extensions and outside lines. Upon reception of a predetermined setup message from an extension ISDN telephone, if there is a held line, the apparatus connects the line with the extension ISDN telephone which has transmitted the setup message. Thus an extension ISDN telephone can respond to a held call.

Abstract: The efficiency of a telecommunications network is enhanced by associating each of the communication switches forming the network with an external connection control processor and forming the switches into respective groups of communication switches. The communication switches forming a respective group of switches are fully interconnected to one another and then each of the communications switches forming a respective one of the groups is connected at least one other group of telecommunication switches as a way of interconnecting the groups with one another.

Abstract: An on-demand teleconferencing system and method for setting up an on-demand conference call in a telecommunications system having the Advanced Information Network (AIN) architecture with system signaling the number 7 (SS7) and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A subscriber is assigned an on-demand conference call number. When that number is dialed into the PSTN, it is identified by the PSTN that the dialed number requires handling by the SS7. The SS7 links the dialed number to a conference allocation and control system (CACS) which is connected to a plurality of scalable bridge servers. The CACS selects bridge servers available to handle the conference call and based upon a selection criteria such as a peak load sets up the on-demand conference call in one of the selected bridge servers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a telephone operating company with the ability to rapidly deploy advanced services into a public switched telephone network includes a programmable switch matrix, a service control unit (SCU), and a media resource unit (MRU). The call processing of a call (associated with one or more ports on the programmable switch matrix) is controlled externally by the SCU when particular triggering criteria is met (i.e., the call requires or desires control by the SCU). Call control processing is achieved through a high-speed communications link between the programmable switch matrix and the SCU using a communications protocol defining a comprehensive set of primitives (instructions) for call manipulation and control at the programmable switch matrix. The SCU executes different service application software programs that operate within the SCU for different types of service calls that are under the control of the SCU.

Abstract: A MAP provider system for processing SS7 (signalling system No.7) MAP (mobile application part) protocol between MAP user and TCAP (transaction capabilities application part) is provided.

Abstract: A signaling system embodying the invention includes, at each SSP, a signaling unit containing a message configuration template containing an entry for each type of message. Each entry contains the complete format for the corresponding message type. For incoming messages, the signaling unit also includes, for each voice channel (CIC) multiple finite state machines which manage operations associated with each of the message types that are involved in CIC control. When a message is received, the message type field in the message is used to identify the message type and invoke the operation of the associated state machine. The state machine then parses the message and performs the operations required by the message.

Abstract: In an intelligent switched telephone network wherein a redirection service is operative with respect to communications directed to a directory number to direct communications away from the directory number to at least one other directory number, a method and system for bypassing the redirection service and routing a communication to the directory number. A communication received in the network and directed to the directory number has its identification information read and compared to entries in a database of subscriber information for a matching entry. The matching entry is read for a bypass feature, which indicates that the source of the communication is to be given an option of bypassing the redirection service and of having the communication routed to the directory number. In response to finding the bypass feature, the source is accorded an opportunity to enter a password. The entry of the password indicates a desire by the source to take advantage of the bypass option.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing operator consoles with enhanced customer support for automated telecommunication services on an intelligent overlay network (104) is disclosed. Operator and customer services are provided by an intelligent network (102). The intelligent network (102) comprises: an automated call distributor (116); an application processor (118); an advanced intelligent network gateway (AIN Gateway) (120); a validation gateway (122); and enhanced operator consoles (126). The AIN Gateway provides the intelligent network with an interface to the intelligent overlay network. This allows components within the intelligent network to communicate with components in the intelligent overlay network, and vice-versa. The validation gateway provides the intelligent network with an interface to credit card validation systems (114), and is used to apply charges to customer credit cards.

Abstract: Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) platforms include data bases populated with information pertaining to all phone numbers within a communications network. A large number of telephone numbers may concurrently be prespecified in a data base by a subscriber, together with alternate telephone number destinations corresponding to different locations, for redirection. Redirection set up for all of the subscriber's lines is accomplished by a single data entry operation into the data base in accordance with a template or table of designations customized by the subscriber. Redirection information may be transmitted to the AIN data base via a telecommunication line and an adjunct processing device associated with the AIN data base, using a terminal interface or dialed digit inputs; or the redirection information may be entered by interaction with a network switching office which sends the information to the data base via the network's signalling channels.

Abstract: A billing system and method is disclosed for a telephone system comprising at least one central office switching system, wherein a peripheral subsystem is connected to the central office switching systems via a call connection channel, the peripheral subsystem comprising means for providing at least one auxiliary call processing capability via the call connection channel. The a billing system comprises: a billing generation means running on said peripheral subsystem for generating billing data related to said auxiliary call processing capability; a collecting means for collecting said billing data; formatting said billing data to a specified formatted output and outputting said formatted output to said central office communication network.

Abstract: An apparatus establishes a common signal channel with a flexible channel capacity for effective utilization of the total traffic capacity between two exchanges or stations which are interconnected by the common signal channel. A traffic detecting unit in one of the exchanges detects a traffic volume in the common signal channel between the exchanges. Based on the detected traffic volume, a channel capacity change determining unit determines whether a channel capacity to which the common signal channel is set needs to be changed or not and determines a new channel capacity to be established for the common signal channel if the channel capacity needs to be changed. If the channel capacity to which the common signal channel is set needs to be changed, a channel capacity change executing unit executes a change in the channel capacity to which the common signal channel is set based on the established new channel capacity.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel architecture design for adjunct based architectures. The architecture is built on two key principles; routing traffic based on geographic origin and routing based on customer group. In order to implement the geographic routing, the communications network is split into regions. A method used to achieve optimal regions is described. Further realization of the geographic routing entails a design of the architecture regions, determining the number of adjuncts/region and equally distributing the loads across the adjunct sites. Also, described is the method for optimally homing traffic between the OAS and TAS A and between TAS A and TAS B. The architecture eliminates deficiencies in prior art architectures such as intertoll focusing, architecture instability and reliability.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a facsimile message uses a public-switched telecommunications network, the public-switched telecommunication network having a messaging platform capable of storing a plurality of facsimile messages. The initiation of a telephone call to a destination is detected, the content of the call including the facsimile message. If the destination is available at a first time to receive a telephone call, the facsimile message is transmitted. The facsimile message is stored on the messaging platform only if the destination is unavailable at the first time. If the facsimile message was stored, the facsimile message is transmitted at a second time if the destination if the destination is available.

Abstract: The multiple location, communications network is provided as an overlay application to, for example, one or more private networks. The network adds increased flexibility to an existing private network system by adding additional features, e.g., abbreviated dialing plans, function number dialing, automatic selection of routing, centralized access to private and public network facilities, outgoing call screening, and work-at-home functionality, that may not be currently available to the private network subscriber. Further, the network overlay application of the present invention is adapted to maintain and not disturb the subscriber's current service or the existing private network.

Abstract: A system and method for branching a telephone call. The system is a network having a first call branch connecting a pivot node and an origination node, a second call branch connecting the pivot node and a release node, and a third call branch connecting the release node and an alternate node. The method includes the steps of initializing the origination and release nodes to inform them of the pivot node's ability to branch the call; creating a fourth call branch between the pivot and destination nodes, and switching the call from the third call branch to the fourth call branch.

Abstract: A telecommunication network includes the first subscriber served by one type of telecommunication switch and a second subscriber served by a different type of telecommunication switch. A group affiliation parameter which defines an organization of which the first subscriber is a member is included in a call setup message. Upon receiving the call setup message at a telecommunication switch associated with a called second subscriber, a determination is made of whether the first and second subscribers are members of the same organization. Upon determining that the first and second subscribers are members of the same organization, call handling parameters associated with the first organization are used to process the call request to allow common control of such calls even though the first and second subscribers are associated with different types of telecommunications equipment.

Abstract: A method of providing a control channel between first and second access terminals in a digital loop carrier, includes forming a pool of channels coupling the first and second terminals wherein each member of the pool can be assigned either to serve as the control channel or as a data channel. A member of the pool is dynamically assigned as the control channel. The control channel can be used to convey information regarding assignment of data channels to handle an incoming or outgoing call.

Abstract: A telephone call-routing system comprises a routing intelligence adapted to receive real-time activity reports on busy status of remote telephone stations, and to route incoming calls based on the busy status. In a preferred embodiment the routing intelligence sets a busy semaphore for each station to which a call is routed at the time the call is routed, before a real-time signal is returned that the station is in fact busy. The semaphore is initially set to busy for a first period of time substantially equal to the known latency for returning the real-time busy signal. After the first period of time, and with return of a real-time busy signal, the semaphore is reset to busy for a second period of time substantially equal to the historical average elapsed time for calls in the call-routing system, after which the semaphore is released. After the first period of time, and in the absence of the real-time busy signal, the semaphore is immediately released so further calls may be routed to the station.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for mediating signalling protocol dialogue between an internal signalling network operational domain operated by one network operator and an external signalling network operational domain operated by another network operator. One embodiment provides a method of dividing the SS7 traffic (Message Signal Units or MSUs) arriving for Mediation, into classes such that network performance requirements can be met, wherein some message classes will receive only normal SS7 processing while others will be analyzed in detail. MSUs requiring detailed analysis must be routed to a mediation application process appropriate to that class. Another embodiment provides a method of manipulating Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) address parameters in the SMP in order to maintain normal SS7 message processing and routing functions while mediating individual messages.

Abstract: A conventional voice mail system is disadvantageous in that it is low in expandability, reliability, processing capacity at the busiest time and maintainability of the system and it is difficult to cope with trouble when it occurs or when a new service is to be introduced. A control system for a voice mail system of the present invention includes switching units 2 for connecting voice mail system 100 and switching systems 1 path connected to subscribers 6 via lines, voice data management units 3 for producing and sending voice data guidance, voice data storage units 5 for storing and reproducing voice data, and service control unit 8 connected to switching systems 1 via signaling network 7 for controlling entire voice mail system 100.

Abstract: A system and method of preventing call congestion on outgoing trunks of a local telephone exchange is provided. A virtual trunk group representing a percentage of the total trunk capacity is assigned at the local exchange for carrying calls which are likely to cause congestion. In one embodiment of the invention, call segregation is achieved by using the prefixed dialling code 1+1 followed by the destination number. In another embodiment of the invention, segregation is dynamically achieved using Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) routing.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing calling name (CNAM) queries in a plurality of telephone networks including a plurality of subscribers each assigned a telephone number in a predetermined number series associated with a particular switch in one of the telephone networks, wherein at least one of the number series is a portable number series including telephone numbers assigned by one network but connected to another network. According to the present invention, if the calling party number (CgPN) belongs to a portable number series, gapping will be applied to CNAM queries containing either portable telephone numbers associated with a location routing number (LRN) identifying the switch and network to which the CgPN is connected, or non-portable telephone numbers belonging to the same number series as the LRN. On the other hand, if the CgPN does not belong to a portable number series, gapping will be applied to CNAM queries containing telephone numbers belonging to the same number series as the CgPN.

Abstract: A call referral system (10) for use in a telecommunications network (12) that permits a called party (16) to control the number and treatment of incoming calls. The call referral system includes a switch (34) for receiving calls from calling parties(14) and for connecting the calls to the called party. The call referral system includes a routing monitor computer (40) coupled with the switch for monitoring the connection of the calls to the called party. The monitoring computer receives and stores a gate size selected by the called party indicating the maximum number of calls the called party wishes to simultaneously handle through each of its gates. The gates are comprised of single destination telephone numbers or groups of destination telephone numbers to the various destinations (17 & 18, 32).

Abstract: Local Number Portability (LNP) includes two capabilities: Location Routing Number (LRN) and Message Relay Service (MRS). The LRN capability allows proper call routing during a normal call. MRS allows proper execution of telephone services such as voice messaging and automatic callback. The system and method of the present invention implements LRN and MRS at an ISCP.

Abstract: A method of providing a service, such as local number portability (LNP), in a switched telecommunications system, in which a message interceptor is disposed in a signalling link of an SS7 signalling network of the system. The message interceptor detects calls for which service implementation is required, by comparing the content of intercepted circuit-related SS7 messages with service trigger conditions, such as message type (checked directly by the interceptor) and message content (e.g. called number, which the interceptor checks by reference to a database). When service implementation is detected as being required, the message interceptor may implement at least part of the required service by modifying parameters of the intercepted message; alternatively, the interceptor may re-direct the message to a service control function for service implementation.

Abstract: A CCS network architecture is provided that segregates traffic. The CCS network includes a first network dedicated to a first type of traffic and a second network dedicated to a second type of traffic. Internal switches, foreign mated STP pairs, and foreign switches are provided with dual-homing features.