Signalling Path Distinct From Trunk (e.g., Ccis) Patents (Class 379/230)
  • Patent number: 5943412
    Abstract: In a switched telecommunication network (PSTN or ISDN) between a calling party connected to an ISDN switched digital network and a destination called party whose call number is written "Z", the number "Z" of the destination called party is automatically replaced by a number "Y" for an intermediate site which is connected to the ISDN, and the number "Z" of the destination called party is conveyed to the intermediate site, via the ISDN D channel. This substitution process is extended to interconnections between competing ISDN networks and creates a new kind of signaling for use between public exchanges, intermediate between protocol D and ITU-T semaphore channel number 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventor: Denis Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 5943409
    Abstract: A method and system for providing an open interface, or access to, information that is stored in a called party switch in relation to an 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 placing the automatic recall-related information into at least one field of a telecommunications message, such as an ISUP message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Dale W. Malik
  • Patent number: 5940490
    Abstract: A method of routing a call including a called number in a communications network such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the method including determining if the called number is a network routing number indicating a specific switching node and line associated therewith in the communications network and routing the call within the communications network based on the called number when the called number is a network routing number. Additionally, the method includes identifying a network routing number based on the called number when the called number is not equal to the network routing number and routing the call within the communications network based on the identified network routing number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: Stratus Computer Corporation, U.S. Intelco, Electric Lightwave
    Inventors: Mark D. Foster, G. David Butler, II, Sherman L. Ackley, Bradley B. Baxter, Kenneth A. Moisey, Kenith L. Mann
  • Patent number: 5940496
    Abstract: A system for rerouting misrouted calls between call centers has multiple call centers all connected by digital link to a central rerouter, which maintains a data list of a unique pool of destination numbers assigned to each of the call centers. The central rerouter sends rerouted calls to destination numbers in the destination number pool for each call center in a sequential manner such that any destination number in the pool for any call center, once used, is not used again until all of the remaining destination numbers in the pool for that call center are used once each. In a preferred embodiment call centers are interconnected by private lines, and rerouted calls are sent over the private lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Gewesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Gisby, Alec Miloslavsky
  • Patent number: 5940378
    Abstract: In addition to an array of basic call modules each containing a description of a procedure for causing a call state transition from current stable state to next stable state, IN call modules are provided that are activated as tasks independently of the basic call modules. Of the IN call modules, modules equipped with a message generation function contain a description of a procedure necessary for the transmission of a message to a service control point (SCP), and modules equipped with a message analysis function contain a description of a procedure necessary for the analysis of a message from the SCP. When it is determined that a call requires an additional service as a result of DP processing in the basic call processing performed in a basic call module, the basic call processing is interrupted, and an appropriate IN call module is activated. When the IN call processing performed by the IN call module is completed, the basic call module is reactivated to resume the basic call processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazumasa Ushiki, Mitsunori Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 5940492
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that avoids the need to enlarge the translation tables held by Signal Transfer Points (STPs), for the purpose of effecting global title routing of certain signalling messages to enable number portability. Signalling links are monitored to detect messages needing to be routed by global title; the global title of each such message is then checked to see if it relates to a ported number and if this is the case, the global title is modified to a number that will result in the appropriate routing of the message on the basis of the existing translation tables of the STPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James Robertson Galloway, Douglas John Carson, Salih Kabay, Peter John Mottishaw
  • Patent number: 5940491
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling establishment of telecommunications call connections in a telecommunications network. The network comprises a plurality of switches each with its own switching processor means, and a plurality of switching processing platforms each comprising at least one call processor. The switches and switching processing platforms are interconnected by a data network. SS7 signaling messages are received in one of the platforms and a call is assigned to a call processor. The call processor communicates with one or more switching processor means for controlling establishment of the call. Call features are processed under the control of the call processor. Advantageously, any call processor can be used for serving any call in the network and can control all legs of a multi-leg connection. Advantageously, in a large network, the number of platforms may be significantly less than the number of switches which reduces the cost and complexity of administration of the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wayne Anderson, Alan Eugene Frey, Michael Neal Meyers
  • Patent number: 5933489
    Abstract: To support local number portability and service portability in a telephone network, a method and apparatus handle subscription and administrative service requests in a local service management system to maintain records at a service control point. The subscription requests include create, modify, and delete requests of records in the service control point. The administrative service requests include Numbering Plan Area (NPA) code split, mass change, and query and resend requests. The records at the service control point are accessible by switches via respective signal transfer points to determine the network addresses of the switches handling services and calls corresponding to a particular telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Sensabaugh, Jatinder S. Hayer, Nilay Ghoghari, George M. Tsacnaris, William F Woodbury, John Phillip Malyar, Elie Rosenfeld, Manish Bhardwaj, Lifang Joann Xu
  • Patent number: 5930348
    Abstract: An "Intelligent" telecommunications network comprises a plurality of switching units interconnected by links and connected to a central computer unit by a data communication system. For dynamic routing of a call, a first switching unit responds to a destination address in a call to attempt a direct link to a neighboring switching unit and, in the event that the attempt is unsuccessful, issues to the central computer unit a message containing the destination address. The central computer unit uses the destination address to identify the unsuccessful link; (ii) updates a routing database to identify the link as unavailable; (iii) determines an alternative route for the call using a tandem node and (iv) compiles a return message including a network address for a tandem switching unit and transmits it to the first switching unit. The latter attempts to route the call via a link to the tandem unit which attempts to complete the call by a direct link to the destination switching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Jean Regnier, Jean Choquette, Yvon Archambault
  • Patent number: 5930346
    Abstract: A telephone call setup technique, based on an expanded originating subscriber dialing procedure, utilizing existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) facilities, provides a remote control means to directly instruct a customer premise switching module at the end of the terminating subscriber loop, which automatically routes the call to a terminating subscriber's station specified by the originating subscriber. This technique essentially expands the definition of PSTN's automatic switching system boundary to the end of every subscriber loop. Not only individuals on a residential premise can be reached separately, but also the on-demand switched data communications can be routed through PSTN to specific terminals without the concern of disturbing occupants on the premise. The architecture of this system also provides PABX functions to residential single line telephone services. This technique replaces the basic auto-attendant functions on PABX's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Abraham Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5930347
    Abstract: A method of interrupting a call established via an analog link between two terminals via a switching center, whether the call is telephonic, telematic or a combination of the two, comprises the transmission of a user alerting signal and a terminal alerting signal from the switching center to one of the terminals. Between these signals the call between the terminals is re-established. To detect the terminal alerting signal the terminal searches during a predetermined period for a pattern transmitted by the switching center comprising in succession a first silence signal with a power less than a predetermined power during a first predetermined period of silence, the terminal alerting signal, and a second silence signal during a second predetermined period of silence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventor: Bernard Louvel
  • Patent number: 5926538
    Abstract: A system for routing calls has a plurality of call centers and a central controller for managing activity of the plurality of call centers, including call loading. The central controller utilizes a method for managing loading based on estimates of loading for call centers in the system for which real time loading information is not available during certain time intervals. The method involves retrieving a previous status of the call center for which real time information is not available, and using that previous status to perform and estimate of current loading for management purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Genesys Telecommunications Labs, Inc
    Inventors: Vladimir N. Deryugin, Dimitriy A. Torba, Igor Neyman
  • Patent number: 5926482
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system, and method for converting point codes in a signal transfer point in a telecommunications signaling system. The STP converts point codes which designate the origination and destination signaling points for the message. The conversion is based on information defined by the messages, such as origination or destination information. The present invention creates a virtual signaling system which can be reconfigured at the STP by converting point codes, and thus, altering the identities of the signaling points. The present invention is also operable to convert circuit identification codes and transfer integrated services user part messages to a user part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Co. L.P.
    Inventors: Jospeh Michael Christie, Albert Daniel Duree, Michael Joseph Gardner, William Lyle Wiley
  • Patent number: 5926535
    Abstract: A subscriber call routing system is used for routing a call initiated in a carrier public switched telephone network to any one of a plurality of different subscriber resources for a subscriber number. The routing system includes a call manager for receiving a connection request from the PSTN for any call placed to the subscriber number, the connection request including call identification information including indicia relating to the call, and developing a routing request. A routing processing system is operatively associated with the call manager and in response to a routing request uses a stored routing algorithm for selecting one of the subscriber resources to receive the call. The routing processing system transmits a request to the selected subscriber resource for acceptance of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Henry S. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5923744
    Abstract: A first service control point (SCP) for providing law enforcement related call interception capability and a second SCP for providing conventional Intelligent Network (IN) subscriber service features are both provided within an IN based telecommunications network. Two types of trigger flags are then associated with a service switching point (SSP) serving a particular subscriber. Where a first trigger flag associated with call interception is set, a query signal requesting interception routing instructions is transmitted from the serving SSP to the first SCP using a pre-stored network address. Where a second trigger flag associated with an IN service is set, a query signal requesting IN service routing instructions is transmitted from the serving SSP to the second SCP using a directory number associated with the associated subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Jing Cheng
  • Patent number: 5920618
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for managing the operation and interaction of one or more telephony-based services (such as AIN-based services). A feature interaction manager is utilized performing a predetermined decision process to determine which one of a customer's AIN services will be executed, and in what order the customer's AIN services will be initiated. The feature interaction manager may reside at a Service Control Point and may be executed whenever an AIN trigger is encountered at a switch based on a call request to establish communication with the customer. Once the last of the customer's services have completed execution, the feature interaction manager returns control to the switch encountering the AIN trigger for appropriate handling or routing of the call request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold C. Fleischer, III, William Plunkett
  • Patent number: 5917899
    Abstract: A method using an advanced intelligent network to seamlessly connect a plurality of virtual networks includes the steps of: (a) Receiving a number of dialed digits at a first service switching point in a first local access and transport area (10); (b) When the first service switching point is determined to be a hub service switching point (22), sending a query to a service control point (24); (d) Determining if the dialed digits require an access to a private networks interLATA call; and (e) When the dialed digits require access to the private networks interLATA call, routing the call over a tie line (40) to a second hub service switching point (34) in a second local access and transport area (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Ameritech Corporation
    Inventors: John Wesley Moss, Pitsa Madoch
  • Patent number: 5917900
    Abstract: A system and method for permitting a customer to perform intelligent call routing (ICR) in a carrier's network. A Remote Data Gateway (RDG) permits customers to control the routing of their call traffic on the carrier's network. The RDG provides the routing and delivery of call processing queries, generated on the carrier's network, to a Customer Access Point (CAP). The customer can use the CAP to perform ICR and other call processing functions. The results are sent as a response back to the RDG, which delivers the response to the carrier's network for implementation. Features provided by the RDG include improved security, improved service reliability, message and protocol translation, and maximum efficiency of network and system resources through a dynamic registration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Allison, Christine S. Chaney, Adam David Mermel, Frances D. E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5917901
    Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises a public network and one or more private networks each comprising a plurality of private exchanges (PBX's) coupled to the public network. Signal mapping from PBX to public format and inverse mapping from public to PBX format provides transparent signalling of PBX calls across the public network. This avoids the use of dedicated private lines for the private network traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Deborah Claire Maxwell, Brian Ronald Day
  • Patent number: 5917537
    Abstract: In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers, either as a function of providers available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribes. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers their children can access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic
    Inventors: Regina Lightfoot, William Goodman
  • Patent number: 5915009
    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. An Initial Address Message (IAM) containing the calling and called party's numbers to enable said call to reach said terminating office is forwarded from an originating office to a terminating office. Once the IAM is received at the terminating office, a determination of whether the call is directed to a portable number is made. If the call is directed to a portable number, a release message containing an indication that the called party number is a portable number and containing new routing information is forwarded from the terminating office to the originating office. A new IAM is then sent from the originating office to a terminating office associated with the routing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Stentor Resource Centre Inc.
    Inventors: L. Lloyd Williams, R. William Carkner
  • Patent number: 5915013
    Abstract: A method and system for processing a call in a telecommunications network comprising a signalling system interconnecting a switch, a segmentation directory and at least one service processor for processing a call associated with a particular service or feature provided by the telecommunications network. The switch receives the call and information associated with the call and transmits a first query message to the segmentation directory. The segmentation directory determines whether the call requires processing by a service processor, and if so, identifies a service processor capable of processing the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventors: Donald Jay Mintz, Mark A. Ratcliffe
  • Patent number: 5912887
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing user-to-user data transfer services utilizes an overlay network to transfer user-to-user data between users independent of communications between the users on a conventional signaling network. The system and method examines a frame of data received from a user to determine whether the frame contains user-to-user data. If the frame does contain user-to-user data, the user-to-user data is removed from the frame and formatted for transfer. The formatted user-to-user data is then transferred to the recipient via the overlay network, independently of the communication between the users on the signaling network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: MCIWorldCom, Inc.
    Inventor: Shailin Sehgal
  • Patent number: 5912954
    Abstract: A method for generating billing information for a call in a telecommunications network is disclosed. In one embodiment, a call initiation stimulus is received at a service switching system (112). The service switching system (112) notifies a service control system (104) of the call initiation stimulus. The service control system (104) generates a first TCAP connect message with a destination routing address portion having a billing information tag and customer billing information. The first TCAP connect message is transmitted to the service switching system (112), which transmits a response message to the service control system (104). The service control system (104) transmits a second TCAP connect message to the service switching system (112) in response to the response message. The service switching system (112) generates a billing record in response to the first TCAP connect message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: John L. Whited, Hung V. Le, Charles C. Lee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5910981
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of a prior application, in a telecommunications network, a local database stores destination telephone number information derived from a more global database, shared by a plurality of switching systems usually remote from all or most of the systems. One or more bit maps are used to store key indicators for each telephone number for which information may be required. This invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically updating the local database, by recognizing that a switch identified as serving a directory number does not have access to the line corresponding to that number; when this condition is discovered, the global database is increased and the local database updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignees: Lucent Technologies Inc., AT&T Corp.
    Inventors: Promod Kumar Bhagat, Dana Lee Garoutte
  • Patent number: 5907607
    Abstract: A service creation system for a communications network of the intelligent network type has three different levels at which service creation activities can be carried out, these being SCE1, SCE2 and SCE3. The use of separate levels allows access to the service creation system to be kept functionally separate for users having different interests in the network. Hence, features which have to be installed at the network element level for a selected service to be available can be created in SCE1. Marketable service features, which give a view of features in that they encapsulate call handling logic thereof together with support and management descriptions of the feature, can be created in SCE2. Service packages, which permit collection of marketable service features to meet requirements of a service together with service-specific support and management information, can be created in either of Sce2 or SCE3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Donald G. P. Waters, Jeremy Pavier, Graham D. Turner, Richard D. Cox, Andrew T. Hunter, Jeffrey K. Rand
  • Patent number: 5903640
    Abstract: A telecommunications system comprises a plurality of subscriber and/or junction terminals connected to a local exchanges the local exchange having an Intelligent Network message terminal, a Service Router addressable from the local exchange via the message terminal and a Signal Transfer Point. The local exchange is able to identify an intelligent Network service request from an originating one of the plurality of subscriber and/or junction terminals and to address and transmit a message via the message terminal to the Service Router via the Signal Transfer Point. The message is readdressed and transmitted to an appropriate Intelligent Network Service Delivery Point and upon receipt of the message by the Service Delivery Point a connection between the Service Delivery Point and the originating one of the plurality of subscriber and/or junction terminals is initiated by the Service Delivery Point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: GPT Limited
    Inventor: Philip John Williams
  • Patent number: 5903638
    Abstract: A telecommunications system for international routing processes international calls directed to a multi-carrier country. A network control system provides the intelligence needed to weigh all of the applicable information and, based on International Traffic Bid Allocation, returns the routing information to the long distance carrier domestic switch in accordance with an agreement on call allocation between the long distance carrier and the international carrier in the multi-carrier country. Based on the routing information provided by the network control system, the domestic switch subsequently routes the international call to the proper terminating gateway switch and the destination multi-carrier country.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Welter, Jr., Louis G. Gottlieb, Emery J. Reistetter, Eva Marcus-Kantor, Ronald J. Settele
  • Patent number: 5903637
    Abstract: A call conferencing system and method includes a conference call controller and a conference bridge. The conference bridge includes a plurality of conference ports, to which conference participant audio is connected. Connection of conference ports in the bridge, bridges together the audio of the participants, thus forming the conference. The call conferencing system receives the initial scheduling request for the conference call, checks resource availability for the scheduled conference date and time, and reserves the required resources for the conference if they are available. To create the conference, conference call controller causes an operator console to be tied to a conference port on the bridge. Conference call controller originates a call to a conference participant via a conference port and ties the participant to the console via the bridge. The console informs the participant of the conference and the conference call controller connects the participant to the conference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: LinkUSA Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Hogan, Kristi T. Feltz, Douglas R. Murdock, Keith E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5898667
    Abstract: A signaling transfer point (STP) includes a communications controller, node maintenance unit, and a plurality of link-interface units, and designates to the individual link-interface units primary responsibility for management of resources coupled to the STP. When one of the resources experiences a problem, a prime link-interface unit for that resource assumes management of the resource and controls communication by the STP with the resource. If a prime link-interface unit fails, either the node maintenance unit or look-up tables within the other link-interface units designate which other link-interface unit will become prime for the resource covered by the failed link-interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Michael Longfield, Judson Jay Patterson
  • Patent number: 5896447
    Abstract: A method for implementing all blocking controls in a telecommunications system supporting ported directory numbers comprises initializing each switch with a call blocking control. In the preferred embodiment, ported directory numbers are identified, and a number portability data base is accessed to aid in determining whether the call blocking control applies to the ported directory number. If the ported directory number is not subject to the implemented call blocking control, the ported directory number is exempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Marie Bunge, Susan Maureen Harrigan, Wayne Ronald Kalbow, John William Russell, Barbara Joan Schlaman, Susan Marie Trebs
  • Patent number: 5892821
    Abstract: A method is disclosed which brings together a combination of special IN features and techniques to allow Centrex stations supported by a plurality of central office switching systems, each at different locations, to function from the customer's perspective as though they were served by a single central office switch. The key to Virtual Wide Area Centrex is a total separation of the telephone numbers seen and used by customers (Customer Number Address--CNA) from the telephone numbers used internally by the network for call routing purposes (Network Node Address--NNA), such that there are two separate and distinct numbering plan domains. A central database, interconnected with each of the Centrex switches, maintains the mapping between CNA and NNA. This database is called upon, as required, to do both forward and reverse translations--i.e., from CNAs to NNA and vice-versa. The net result is that CNAs identify people (e.g., a customer's specific employees and agents) whereas NNAs identify locations (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Sygma Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Turner
  • Patent number: 5892812
    Abstract: An SS7 Network Preventative Maintenance System for detecting potential SS7 and switched network troubles, automatically analyzing the troubles, providing alarm and corrective action to avoid major network events. Real time monitors on SS7 links at the STP provide information on exceeded link load, exceeded Message Signaling Unit (MSU) frequency and network management status/error conditions in a Stage 1 Process. The Stage 1 Process provides alarm information to a Stage 2 Process which controls all Stage 1 associated monitors for an STP pair. Stage 2 reacts to Stage 1 signals to generate alarm and corrective action information which is passed on to a Stage 3 Process. The Stage 3 Process controls all Stage 2 Processes in the operating company. Stage 3 reacts to Stage 2 output to detect potential or real accompanying network trouble and generates alarm and corrective action information and displays in response thereto. Stage 3 also alerts a Stage 4 process which is connected to all Stage 3 Processes in a region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: C & P of Virginia
    Inventor: Eugene M. Pester, III
  • Patent number: 5892819
    Abstract: A method and system of managing call forwarding includes establishing criteria for selecting among possible links between nodes for forwarding calls from an originating node to a destination node. In the preferred embodiment, the selection of the possible links is made at a called node from which the call is to be forwarded. Based upon the administrable criteria, there is a determination as to whether an intermediate node along the call path between the originating node and the called node is to be selected for initiating the forwarding path. If an intermediate node is selected, a request is transmitted to the intermediate node to initiate the forwarding path to the destination node. On the other hand, if no intermediate node is selected, a determination is made as to whether to initiate the forwarding path from the originating node or from the called node. Again, the determination is made according to the administrable criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Peggy Marie Stumer
  • Patent number: 5889782
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for transmitting proprietary parameters in a telecommunications network conforming to the ANSI SS7 ISUP Standard. The method includes the steps of identifying proprietary parameters to be transmitted as part of an ISUP SS7 signaling message that includes a network specific Generic Digits parameter and encapsulating those parameters within the network specific Generic Digits parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: MCI WORLDCOM, Inc.
    Inventor: Ranga R. Dendi
  • Patent number: 5889847
    Abstract: A method (100) for preventing message looping in a telecommunications network (70) includes the steps of receiving a UDT/S query message, determining a next destination for processing the query message and a route for delivering the query message to the next destination (102). A determination is then made as to whether the route to the next destination is XUDT/S capable (104). The UDT/S query message is converted to an XUDT/S format by inserting a hop counter (38) therein if the route is XUDT/S capable (108). The query message is then delivered to the next destination via the route (110). The hop counter (38) in the query message is then decremented at the next destination in response to receiving a message of the XUDT/S format (112). A message loop error is recognized and processed when the hop counter (38) reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Copley, Thomas L. Hess
  • Patent number: 5889846
    Abstract: A method and system for processing a software defined network (SDN) call initiated by a network adjunct platform (NAP) over a Small Scale Adjunct Primary Rate Interface (SSA PRI) in a telecommunications network on a call-by-call basis is disclosed. An SDN subscriber triggers the NAP to initiate the SDN call. The NAP forwards set-up data to an originating toll switch programmed to accept the set-up data from the NAP. After receipt of the set-up data, the originating toll switch determines if the forwarded set-up data classifies the call as an SDN call. If the forwarded set-up data contains SDN parameters, the originating toll switch processes and routes the call initiated by the NAP as an SDN call. The originating toll switch is also able to process and route non-SDN calls utilizing the same SSA PRI used for SDN calls. The need for separate dedicated trunk groups for SDN subscribers is alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventor: Dominic M. Ricciardi
  • Patent number: 5889848
    Abstract: An intelligent peripheral (IP) in a telecommunications network is operated under the control of a service control point (SCP). Control messages conforming to a standard control protocol, which may by INAP (the Intelligent Network Application Protocol) are passed from the SCP to the IP which then executes a predetermined function. Some of the control messages include a field identifying the messages as relating to an additional function not provided for in the standard protocol. In response to such a message the IP executes the relevant additional function instead of one of the standard functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventor: Martin D. Cookson
  • Patent number: 5889849
    Abstract: An improved common-channel message conversion method for a communication network interface between exchange systems which is capable of directly interfacing a DCN network and AMPS network by converting different message formats of a common-channel signalling method of a DCN network and AMPS network in one exchange system and coinciding different parameter values and operation between hierarchical structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Soo Ban, Jung-Yul Park, Dong-Hyun Lee, Rha Soh
  • Patent number: 5883948
    Abstract: A method for automatically updating a central local number portability (LNP) database shared among a plurality of central office switches is instigated when a message from a provisioning system to add a directory number is received by a central office switch. In response to the message, a first central office switch accesses the central LNP database by sending a query message which contains the directory number to be added and routing data specific to the central office switch. Responsive to the query message, the LNP database searches for the directory number received from the first central office switch. If the directory number is found, the database queries a second central office switch to determine if the directory number is in use. If the number is in use, the central LNP database returns a failure message to the first central office switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James Patrick Dunn
  • Patent number: 5881132
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for the transparent monitoring of selected telecommunications sessions in an intelligent switched telephone network is described. The method involves conditioning the network to enable the monitoring of all telecommunications sessions originating from or terminating to any selected subscriber address. The network is conditioned by the installation of monitored trunks with translation tables, linksets and routesets which route all calls to be monitored through the monitored trunk groups. After the network has been conditioned, call monitoring can be accomplished with minimal datafill changes to the translation tables of the telephone switching system that serves the subscriber address. The monitored trunk groups are preferably loop-back trunk groups, but they may be dedicated inter-office trunk groups as well. It is also possible to designate a central switching point to monitor calls for a plurality of satellite switching points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Bell Canada
    Inventors: William G. O'Brien, Thomas C. Charlton, L. Lloyd Williams, Robert S. Jones
  • Patent number: 5878128
    Abstract: A system architecture offering service includes a Connection Management, a Service Management, and a Communication Session Management. A special adaptation software forms a description of the logical configuration of the communication between parties of the service, and a description of the status of the connection organs, which describes the physical connection between the subscribers or subscriber and a legacy exchange. In response to a system service request by a telecommunication network the Service Management gives a description of the desired communication status which corresponds to the requested service of the communication status, and the description of the state of the connection organs. The Communication Session Management determines what kind of communication status corresponds to the given connection status, utilizing the description of the status of the connection organs that has been transmitted to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nokia Telecommuniction Oy
    Inventor: Raimo Kantola
  • Patent number: 5878113
    Abstract: A system for service control and operations for a telecommunications network. In particular, an architecture and method for a service control and operations element system. The system communicates with a plurality of interconnected telecommunications network elements via a switching and signaling subsystem. The system provides and controls the various functions of the telecommunications network, such as call processing and routing, automatic fault detection and correction, providing services to customers in an interactive manner, fraud detection and control, identification of patterns of abuse of the network, collecting data regarding call activity at each network element, and producing a record of each call placed within the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: AT&T Corp
    Inventor: Gurcharan S. Bhusri
  • Patent number: 5878129
    Abstract: A signal transfer point distributes a plurality of messages to a plurality of service control points in accordance with a distribution plan. The distribution plan includes each of the service control points. Each of the plurality of messages from the signal transfer point is distributed to a corresponding one of the plurality of service control points in accordance with the distribution plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: Ameritech Corporation, DSC Telecom LP
    Inventors: Duane M. Figurski, Ronald Bradley Bell
  • Patent number: 5872782
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for transmitting proprietary parameters in a telecommunications network conforming to the ISUP Standard. The method includes the steps of identifying proprietary parameters to be transmitted as part of an ISUP signaling message that includes a network specific Generic Digits parameter and encapsulating those parameters within the network specific Generic Digits parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: MCIWorldCom, Inc.
    Inventor: Ranga R. Dendi
  • Patent number: 5872840
    Abstract: An application module associated with a terminating telecommunication exchange serving a particular called party subscriber maintains data reflecting the number of call setups attempted by a calling party subscriber toward the restricted or barred called party subscriber. In case the number of call setups attempted by the calling party subscriber within a predefined time period reaches a certain threshold level, an incoming call connection is effectuated toward the otherwise restricted called party subscriber. As a result, even if the called party subscriber has a do not disturb (DND) call barring subscriber feature activated, emergency or urgent calls repeatedly made toward the called party subscriber are allowed to be terminated thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Woody Wu
  • Patent number: 5867571
    Abstract: A telecommunications network comprises a virtual transport server (VTS) for making network routing decisions and establishing call connections. Each VTS is interconnected to each signal transfer point in a common channel signaling (CCS) system associated with the network. Each VTS is also interconnected to at least one switch in a transmission network, such as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. The VTS maintains routing tables identifying trunk groups associated with each central office switch in the network. During operation, an initial address message received from a signal transfer point in the VTS is processed and subsequently extended to an ATM switch so that a call connection can be established. Upon completion of the established call, the VTS releases resources associated with the ATM switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James William Borchering
  • Patent number: 5867569
    Abstract: Method and system are provided for efficient telephone number portability within a geographically dispersed telephony and the like switching system, wherein ported telephone numbers, when dialled and found non-existent at their number-inherent destination, a "Release Treatment" with a trigger (automatic flexible routing) searches in a database from the originating switching node or office, whereupon their new network node address is directly connected to following normal routing procedures; thus permitting realistically affordable telephone number portability, particularly local number portability (LNP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Edgar Martinez, Locillo Giuseppe Pino, Charles Richard Wiebe
  • Patent number: 5867570
    Abstract: Portability of directory numbers in telephone networks, particularly so-called intelligent networks, may be provided without modification of the call processing software at originating network node switches, by associating each call to a ported number with an Initial Address Message comprising a Location Routing Number for the recipient switch as the Called Number and the ported directory number as the Original Called Number. At a boundary with a network which uses a Location Routing Number, a Generic Address Parameter and a Forward Call Indicator flag for identifying calls to ported numbers, a network element creates a modified routing message by converting the Original Called Number to a Generic Address Parameter and setting a Forwarded Call Indicator flag to indicate a translated originally-dialled called number. The network element then uses the converted Initial Address Message to route the call into the second network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Mahmoud N. Bargout, Adrian Giuhat, Edgar Martinez, Sonu Mirchandani
  • Patent number: 5867565
    Abstract: A communication network having intelligent network functions which collects traffic data for call services without requiring alteration of or addition to programs in all of the service switching nodes in the communication network even if a new call service is introduced as an intelligent network service. For this reason, a service control node (SCN) has a unit assigning a call service identification information (ID) to a new call service and the service switching node provides a registration table receiving the identification information (ID) and registering the same in it. If a call service requested by the calling party is in the registration table, the traffic data is collected for the call service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Toshihiro Morikawa