Abstract: An intelligent network comprises switching units interconnected to provide connections between originating users and terminating users. The intelligent network includes a set of SCPs which can be accessed by the switching units through a signalling network. The SCPs contain individual service profiles which define the individual services provided to users of the network as originating users and individual service profiles which define the individual services provided to users as terminating users. During call set-up, a service control program which acts as agent for the originating user is generated from the service profile for the originating user as an originating user and a service control program which acts as agent for the terminating user is generated from the service profile for the terminating user as a terminating user. The two control programs then enter a dialogue with each other in order to generate call control instructions.

Abstract: The advanced intelligent network (GAIN) is used to allow a calling party to specify what caller ID information to send to the called party for display. The telephone system Line Identification Data Base (LIB) contains listings for subscribers that may each include a plurality of assigned telephone numbers and names. On an individual call basis, a calling subscriber can control what information is to be extracted from LIB for identification to the called party. Various identification options may be pre-established, the caller invoking a selected option by dialing a corresponding access code with the dialed telephone number.

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

Abstract: A method (100, 700, 800) for detecting and eliminating circular routed messages in a telecommunications network includes the steps of receiving a message, and determining a derived destination point code for the received message (102). The derived destination point code is then compared with an originating point code in the message (108). A circular routed message is detected if the derived destination point code is the same as the originating point code. This comparison may be disabled and instead the routing information for routing the message indicated by the derived destination code may be compared with the originating point code (706). Alternatively, the network identifiers indicated by the derived destination point code and the originating point code are compared (806).

Abstract: A private communication system and an allocated, private communication terminal equipment that is not directly connectable, i.e. that is "external", has a respective terminal equipment emulation unit allocated to it. This terminal equipment emulation unit pair are connectable to one another at least via a public dialed communication network, where the connection of at least one message path and of an additional signaling path is controlled via the public dialed communication network and the switching of the paths suited to the terminal equipment emulation unit pair is checked. With the assistance of the terminal equipment emulation unit pair, isolated or external communication terminal equipment can be connected without diminishing the scope of performance features of private communication networks. Misconnections and false signalings are avoided by checking the connection suited to the terminal equipment emulation unit pair with the assistance of a specific check procedure.

Abstract: Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) parameters within a signal generated within a first SS7 telecommunications network are converted into values and formats acceptable by a second SS7 telecommunications network by a converter residing within a gateway Signal Transfer Point (STP). Such a converter enables signals containing application layer data to be transported across two different SS7 telecommunications networks that are otherwise incompatible.

Abstract: A method and system of utilizing advanced intelligent network services for capturing and recording dial-around call information is provided. Dial-around calls are calls directed to a telecommunication services provider other than the services provider designated by the owner or operator of the originating telecommunications device, such as a pay telephone. When a public switched telephone network effects a "dial-around" of a pre-subscribed telecommunication services provider at a pay telephone, accounting records generated by the local telecommunication services provider do not identify that the call originated at a pay telephone. Thus, important billing and asset management data are lost to the pay telephone operator. The method and system of the present invention utilize advanced intelligent network services to recognize dial-around calls and to produce a record for the pay telephone operator which will identify and record billing and utilization information for dial-around calls.

Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for interconnecting a plurality of stand-alone switches by data and communication channels (the latter typically used for communicating voice signals) in such a way as to make the plurality of switches act as if they were one switch. The invention further relates to arrangements for permitting groups of lines, the groups connected to different stand-alone switches, to be treated essentially as if they were connected to a single switch. Each switch of a symbiotic network (a group of stand-alone switches) or a virtual symbiotic network (the grouping of the groups of lines) accesses pertinent data in its own data base or the data base of one of the other switches of the symbiotic or virtual symbiotic network and treats the results of such data base accesses as if they were made internally in the switch.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for offering multiple switch access to selected lines and trunks of a multiple telecommunications switch complex. The selected lines and trunks are connected to peripheral units whose outputs are distributed by a network to a group of switches. The switches are interconnected by a second network. Advantageously, the selected lines can be served by several switches so that the failure of one switch does not deprive these lines of service. Advantageously, the two networks and the group of switches form a giant switch having high reliability.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for continuing the processing of a telecommunications call in the presence of a failure of a call processor. A backup processor is designated for each call, and a file of signaling messages for that call is maintained in that backup processor. When a failure of the call processor is detected, the file of accumulated messages for the call is processed by the backup processor in order to build up a call state for the call, but without sending call control messages for the call. Subsequent signaling messages are processed by the backup processor, including transmitting call control messages to other processors for establishing the call. Advantageously, the backup processor only processes signaling messages when a failure is detected thus greatly reducing the processing resources required for a typical call (which, of course, does not involve a processor failure).

Abstract: A method for selecting one link out of M outbound links in a linkset (10) coupling a first component and a second component is provided. The first component includes N devices coupled to the M links. The method includes the steps of first providing an X-bit code having 2.sup.x possible code combinations used for link selection, and assigning a predetermined number of code combinations for each device where the assigned code combinations for a device is a function of an unique device number associated with each device. The outbound link is then selected for transmitting outbound data based on the code combination assignment.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed which allow a telecommunications network carrier to apply services and/or features to calls carried by another independent telecommunications network carrier. The method and system enable the receipt of a call, made by a caller to a virtual telephone number, at an MFA switch in a telecommunications network. A determination is made as to whether the call is a special call by way of a Dialed Number Trigger Table. If the call is not a special call it is routed to its destination. Otherwise, a database query identifies from the dialed virtual telephone numbers an actual telephone number representing an end user device corresponding to the virtual telephone number. A determination of whether a service is to be applied to the call is made and, if so, the service is applied. The call is then routed from the MFA switch to a device located outside the telecommunications network for connection to the end user telephone device represented by the actual telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method for the conversion of messages from one medium to another in an Intelligent Network (IN) telecommunications system comprising several Intelligent Peripherals (IPs) connected to a Service Control Point (SCP) over a network. The various IPs are also linked to each other over a distinct telecommunications backbone. The SCP orders a conversion IP to retrieve the received message over the telecommunications backbone and convert it to a specified medium, which may optionally be specified by the recipient. When the conversion process is complete, the SCP orders a delivery IP to retrieve and deliver the converted message to the intended recipient.

Abstract: A point code and subsystem number (PC/SSN) representing a first application layer node within a first Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network is not defined within a second SS7 network. While transmitting a first signal from the first node to a second node within the second SS7 network, the PC/SSN representing the first node is utilized as the calling party address (Cgpa). A converter signal transfer point (STP) interfacing the first SS7 network with the second SS7 network intercepts the transmitted signal, converts the specified PC/SSN to a corresponding global title number. The first signal containing the converted Cgpa is then forwarded to the second node. Whenever the second node within the second SS7 network transmits a return signal back to the first node, the converted Cgpa is then used as the called party address (Cdpa). The converter STP once again intercepts the return address and converts the intercepted global title number back to the original PC/SSN value.

Abstract: In an Advanced Intelligent Network, a central mediation point stores call processing records for controlling call routing and other call processing functions. To provide short code access to information service providers, each information service provider will operate an independent database which stores additional call processing records. When an established subscriber dials the short code, e.g. an N11 code, the mediation point identifies the information provider that the subscriber has previously selected from the subscriber's call processing record stored in the mediation point. The mediation point communicates with that service provider's database to obtain call processing information. The mediation point validates the call processing information for compatibility with network operations. The mediation point forwards validated call processing information to a node of the network to process the call in accord with the information from the provider's database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing telephone network services in networks provided with co-channel signaling. The signaling is routed over an intelligent node point and signaling information is converted at the node point for carrying out the services. Signaling information is processed separately from network switching equipment and voice transmissions relating to signaling information are not routed over the node point.

Abstract: In a telephone network having a number of telephone switching offices which have CCS7 signalling capabilities and wherein each switching office is linked to STPs (Signalling Transfer Points), or other switching offices with CCS7 signalling links, a method of detecting mass calling events using CCS7 signalling data is disclosed. Each signalling link connecting a switch is monitored. For each call, an Initial Address Message sent from an originating switch to a terminating switch is identified. The IAM is then temporarily stored in storage means. When the occurrence of a release message indicative of an unsuccessful call attempt is detected, an identification of which of the stored IAMs corresponds to the release message is made. A count is computed for each directory (DN) having an IAM with a corresponding release message indicative of an unsuccessful call attempt such that mass calling events directed to a directory number can be detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for interconnecting a plurality of stand-alone switches by data and communication channels (the latter typically used for communicating voice signals) in such a way as to make the plurality of switches act as if they were one switch. The invention further relates to arrangements for permitting groups of lines, the groups connected to different stand-alone switches, to be treated essentially as if they were connected to a single switch. Each switch of a symbiotic network (a group of stand-alone switches) or a virtual symbiotic network (the grouping of the groups of lines) accesses pertinent data in its own data base or the data base of one of the other switches of the symbiotic or virtual symbiotic network and treats the results of such data base accesses as if they were made internally in the switch.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network (AIN) comprises a services control point providing fully integrated service logic for both narrowband and broadband communications. When a terminating trigger of a switch on the phone number of the line serving a customer detects an incoming telephone call, the switch sends a query to the services control point with the calling number of the incoming call. The services control point issues a send data transaction with the retrieved calling party information to the customer's set-top box. The calling party information is then displayed on the customer's video display, and the customer sends an instruction for re-directing the call through the set-top box to the ISCP.

Abstract: A protocol for multilink access network-local exchange (AN-LE) interfaces is provided for common channel signaling on all AN-LE links and the transfer of calls and control to operational links upon detection of a link failure. The protocol permits the AN to assign channels on an AN-LE link and is error-tolerant and self-aligning.

Abstract: An automated intelligent network system and method for providing automatic forwarding of calls to enhanced telecommunications service platforms across network boundaries while preserving subscriber identity. In accordance with the present invention, the values of defined parameters that are maintained with a call according to established network protocols and passed between networks during call processing are controlled such that, using these controlled values, the subscriber identification information reaches the platform where the enhanced service is implemented in different network than that of the service subscriber. An alternative embodiment of the invention provides a way for enhanced telecommunications services platforms to identify both the subscriber and the calling party when calls are automatically forwarded to the platform across network boundaries.

Abstract: A method and system for supporting private branch exchange features over a public switched network is provided. The proprietary private branch exchange call and feature control information is separated into standard ISDN public network protocol elements and proprietary ISDN protocol elements. The interface between the originating private branch exchange and the public switched network inserts the proprietary protocol elements into a UUS service data packet for transparently transmission to the destination private branch exchange. Thus, the proprietary private branch exchange feature control information can be recovered and utilized by the destination private branch exchange, thus permitting PBX-PBX feature transparency through a switched public ISDN network.

Abstract: A server allows a worldwide telephone number associated with a local telephone to be shared by one or more remote telephones. A call placed to the worldwide telephone number rings at the local telephone and at least one of the remote telephones. The server stores a set of telephone numbers to be associated with a worldwide telephone number serviced by the switch to which the local telephone is connected. The server receives notification of a telephone call from a calling telephone to the worldwide telephone number The server retrieves the set of telephone numbers associated with that worldwide telephone number, and places calls to telephone numbers in the set through the switch. The server then causes a connection to be made between the local telephone or the remote telephone, depending on which telephone goes off hook first, to the calling telephone.

Abstract: In a public switched telephone network, a method and system are provided for utilization of regular non-intelligent switch announcements for announcement provision for intelligent network services calls. A call received in the network and directed to a particular number has its identification information read and compared to entries in a database. If the call requires announcement treatment, a unique carrier identification code is assigned to the call identification information which causes the intelligent facilities of the network to route the call to a regular non-intelligent switch announcement frame resident in the non-intelligent network facilities at a central office switch. The regular non-intelligent switch announcement frame provides an announcement to the calling party.

Abstract: A system and method of effecting transfer of message information of varied types from one centralized messaging system to another messaging device in a switched communications network having a plurality of central offices connected to subscriber terminals and connected together by trunks wherein the transfer of the message is effected through a common channel signaling network without using the trunks.

Abstract: A facility is provided to alert a subscriber whose telephone station set is connected to the Internet of a waiting call via the Internet connection. Specifically, a call that is waiting may be forwarded via the Public Switched Network to a services platform, which, in turn, establishes a connection to the subscriber using the Internet. The platform then notifies the subscriber of the waiting call via the Internet connection. The platform may then forward the telephone call to the subscriber via the Internet responsive to a subscriber request to do so with interrupting the subscriber's Internet connection.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient routing of communication paths in a telecommunications system. The system comprises a telecommunications network having a pivot node, a destination node, and a release node connected to the pivot node and having a possible connection to the destination node. The method includes attempting to establish a direct connection between the destination node and the pivot node. An attempt is initially made to establish a direct connection between the destination node and the pivot node. If the destination node and the pivot node can be connected directly, then the connection between the pivot node and the release node is released. If the attempt to directly connect the destination node and the pivot node fails, a direct connection is established between the destination node and the release node. The failure to connect the destination node and the pivot node can be indicated by two methods. In the pivot method, the pivot node sends a failure indication to the release node.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a common channel signaling network controlling a communications system to detect predetermined events and to execute a predetermined script upon detection of those events. This is accomplished using the common channel signaling network in conjunction with programmable and addressable monitors coupled to the common channel signaling links connected to the signaling transfer points (STPs). These monitors are programmed to trap and temporarily record predetermined data associated with specific events which it is desired to block or control. The monitors provide an output to a control processor having an SSP capability which is linked to the STPs. The monitors are programmed either through the common channel signaling network or through a monitor port connected to the control processor.

Abstract: A data management system is connected to a Signaling System 7 telecommunications network (SS#7). Network elements and other data sources of the SS#7 network provide alarm data to the management system when problems occur with the network. The data management system includes a database library that classifies the problem and provides prioritized resolutions, based on past historical events. The library continues to expand with data each time an alarm is resolved. Data from the network elements are also stored for generation of reports, such as those dealing with configuration, performance, faults, and security.

Abstract: An advanced intelligent network application is provided for collecting and recording cumulative call data to a subscriber's telephone number. The subscriber may receive monthly reports regarding incoming telephone traffic with the data formatted according to one or more of the following categories: total calls for the reporting period; quantity of calls by day of month; quantity of calls by hour of day; quantity of calls by local area and exchange (i.e., NPA-NXX); quantity of calls by Zip Code+4; and quantity of calls by demographic code. The report may also provide the subscriber with, e.g., a record of incoming local exchange telephone traffic.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a common channel signaling network controlling a communications system to detect predetermined events and to execute a predetermined script upon detection of those events. This is accomplished using the common channel signaling network in conjunction with programmable and addressable monitors coupled to the common channel signaling links connected to the signaling transfer points (STPs) . These monitors are programmed to trap and temporarily record predetermined data associated with specific events which it is desired to memoralize. The monitors provide an output to a control processor having an SSP capability which is linked to the STPs. The monitors are programmed either through the common channel signaling network or through a monitor port connected to the control processor to collect data including the identities of called and calling stations and data from which the duration of connection of the call may be determined.

Abstract: A system for recording the services provided by a telecommunications network in response to a service request generates a number of individual records corresponding to the number of network elements providing telecommunications services in response to the request. Each individual record contains information relating to the services provided by the corresponding network element. Those service requests requiring the services of two or more network elements are assigned an identifier which is stored in each corresponding record. Records having a common identifier are matched with one another and merged into a single network record corresponding to the service request. Billing statements and statistical reports may be derived from the single network record.

Abstract: A method of processing information charge discount rates for service subscribers in a premium-rate service. Information charge discount rate data for each service subscriber is registered and a service subscriber number and a calling number are received from Service Switching Point. The received service subscriber number is designated as an index value of a main table in a service subscriber database and the main table is then retrieved to check whether data corresponding to the designated index value are present in the main table. If the data corresponding to the designated index value are present, a service feature classification data field in the main table is retrieved to check whether the service subscriber has subscribed to a flexible charging-by-day/time service.

Abstract: Responsive to an incoming call made to a primary telephone number subscribing to a call transfer calling service feature, a first switching node queries a data base to retrieve at least one transfer-to secondary number. The first switching node then signals other switching nodes in the telephone network to set up an outgoing legs to each secondary number telephone. The signals transmitted by the first switching node further direct each of the other switching nodes in the network to inhibit the initiation of any call transfer service features associated with the secondary number telephones. The signals may further include a transfer service indicator and a counter identifying the number of prior call transfer which have occurred in connection with the originally received call. If the counter exceeds a given preset threshold, the other switching nodes reject further transfer of the call.

Abstract: A method of enhancing communication among a plurality of communicating devices in which an interface comprising a list of features for enhancing the ability of devices to communicate is copied from a device controlling communication to the controlled communication devices. The interface may be a variable portion of a communication protocol that, together with a static portion of the protocol provided separately, defines the communication capability of the devices. The method finds application in telephone systems where the controlling device is a public or private telephone exchange and the controlled devices are computer operated telephones. The display screen of the computer at each telephone may be used to select features of the interface that are to be used.

Abstract: A system and process for accepting, assigning, and delivering telephony communications data between computer telephony integration clients and stored program control point applications through a server-based virtual circuit management system. The virtual circuit management system includes an I/O Vector object array. Objects instantiate uniquely with logical identification properties, telephony data and a vector for data delivery to either clients or applications. The logical identification allows data managed by the virtual circuit management system to be persistent in both the source and destination systems. In this process, bytes of data are read into the object array from the server's operating system's input/output process. Object instances are created within the Vector object array through a process based upon the properties inherited from the data written from the I/O system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving selected lines and trunks from two or more switches. The selected line and trunks are connected to peripheral units each served by two or more switches. The switches each maintain translation information and the supervisory states of the selected lines and trunks. Advantageously, at low cost, the selected lines and trunks can be provided with service even when one of the switches is out of service.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing an automatic call-back when a calling party number encounters a ring-no-answer condition upon calling a called party number. An exemplary system includes: (1) a switching network having switches for routing telephone calls; (2) a signaling network coupling switches in the switching network to one another for routing a calling party number and a called party number associated with a telephone call; and (3) a platform coupled to the switching network. The platform stores a calling party number and a called party number received from the switching network corresponding to a telephone call in which the calling party number encountered a ring-no-answer condition and requested an automatic call-back. A processor in the platform detects a subsequent telephone call involving the called party number and, at the conclusion of the subsequent telephone call, initiates the automatic call-back to the calling party number.

Abstract: A method for the establishment of a connection from a first network to a second network. During call set-up, a part (N3) of the call number assigned to a subscriber (B) is transmitted from a first network (PUBNET) to a second network (PRNET) using a method different from that used to signal address information. In particular, the dialing of an IN service transports a part of the call number, in the area intended for the ISDN subaddress, to a private branch exchange (EX4) associated with the called subscriber (B).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling an access network (AN) with a number of user ports by means of an exchange (LE) connected to the access network (AN) via an interface, as well as such an exchange (LE) and such an access network (AN). The exchange (LE) and the access network (AN) exchange user data via a number of bearer channels, and messages associated with different protocols (PSTNP, LCP, CP, BCCP) via at least one control channel. Each of the protocols (PSTNP, LCP, CP, BCCP) is formed by a set of messages for performing a specific task, and the association of a message to one of the protocols (PSTNP, LCP, CP, BCCP) is entered in the message as part thereof.

Abstract: A broadband system includes a broadband switch network, a broadband session controller, and a broadband service control point. The broadband network provides connections between information sender/receivers in response to instructions from a broadband service control point or in response to requests originated by an information sender/receiver. The broadband service control point provides processing instructions and/or data to the broadband controller and information sender/receiver. Applications supported by the broadband network include video-on-demand and videoconferencing services for system users. In addition, an integrated service control point integrates broadband and telephone networks to provide efficient and effective integrated broadband and telephone services. Both broadband and telephone services can be provisioned via a video interface at a user's remote location. Also, the integrated network provides unique caller identification delivery services.

Abstract: Messages can be stored in a switched telephone network for later forwarding. A telephone call from a calling party telephone station being directed to a destination party telephone number is switched to a service switching point. The telephone call is monitored to determine a busy or unanswered condition at the destination party telephone number. A network database is queried to retrieve message recording instructions for the calling party. A message from the calling party is stored within the network database. The stored message is forwarded at a later date and time to one or more destination party telephone numbers. A destination party can access the message if authorized, and can record a comment onto the message. A destination party can forward the message and added comment back to the calling party or to one or more third parties.

Abstract: A method is described for routing calls outside of a carriers network based on characteristics of the call, the attributes of the caller, the status of subscriber-provided resource, and the status of network telephone provided facilities. Information about the call and the caller's identification is sent from the public switched telephone network to a subscriber call routing processor. The carrier is directed by the routing processor to route the call to the subscriber's resource best able to handle the call. Information about the call and the business relationship the caller has with the subscriber is used by the routing processor to determine which type of resource is needed to handle the call. The routing processor then chooses the particular resource of that type to which the call is to be routed based on the current status of the resource, the status of the network-provided facilities, and the criteria established by the subscriber for selecting between alternative resources.

Abstract: The Flexible Enhanced Signaling Subsystem (FESS) performs table-driven processing of incoming and outgoing messages and also handles multiple message types and trunk groups. A message received by the FESS is first processed by an incoming signaling module which performs all necessary transformations to the message to enable the existing switch processing to handle any incoming message. The incoming signaling module, being table-driven, can be easily modified to handle any new message types which may be created. The message is then processed by an intermediate signaling module which includes the existing call processing, The intermediate signaling module may pass through messages, or it may generate new messages. In either case, an outgoing signaling module performs all necessary transformations to messages output from the intermediate signaling module to enable the outgoing trunk, downline switch or downline network to handle the message properly.

Abstract: A network interface (105) uses valid identifiers including the DN, SPID and Switch ID to communicate with a PSTN (110) and uses generic identifiers to communicate with customer premise equipment (120) in order to establish an ISDN communication link when the customer premise equipment does not know the DN, SPID, and Switch ID.

Abstract: A method and system of enabling incoming and outgoing call capability for a digital telephone that is limited to analog transmissions include providing a converter that locally supports the protocol of the digital telephone, but that converts digitized signals of voice information, party-specific call messages and call-handling call messages into outgoing analog signals. In one embodiment, one analog signal carries the voice information and a second analog signal carries the party-specific and call-handling call messages, with the first analog signal being transmitted via a public switching telephone network and the second analog signal being transmitted via a data network. Received analog signals are reconverted to digital signals having the appropriate protocol. In another embodiment, the voice information, the party-specific call messages and the call-handling call messages are transmitted along a single digital link between two converters, typically by means of a data network.

Abstract: A peripheral platform, such as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP), is provided in a Common Channel Interoffice Signaling (CCIS) network having a Services Control Point (SCP) and intelligent network capabilities. The IP or similar platform provides alternate service activation (ASA) and obviates the necessity for the SCP to store a large number of subscriber service profiles. The IP has a call channel link to central office switches of the telephone network and has a data link to the SCP. On receiving a request for activation of alternate service the IP communicates with the SCP and the SCP communicates with the switching offices to retrieve a subscriber service profile from one central office switch and downloads and double assigns that profile to a second central office switch which may thereafter implement the features in that downloaded profile.

Abstract: A novel apparatus effectively processes signaling information to be communicated between an electronic switching system (ESS) and at least one other ESS. In case of transmitting a plurality of signaling information from one ESS to the other ESS's, a plurality of signaling data is first provided from corresponding user parts contained in the ESS to a signaling message handler wherein they are routed to corresponding signaling links. Next, at a signaling link processor, the status of all the signaling links formed between the ESS and the other ESS's and the status of each of the plurality of signaling data are checked and analyzed to generate information representing their status. Using the plurality of the signaling data and generated information, a corresponding number of signaling units are formed for the reliable transmission thereof. Finally, the plurality of signaling units are relayed to a block that interfaces and transmits each of them to the other ESS's.

Abstract: A platform for connecting to a CCS7 network for supporting concurrently running CCS related applications. Copies of the SUs flowing through the network are sent to the platform where the FISUs, LSSUs and MSUs are filtered to provide the desired SU type for each of the applications. The MSUs are filtered by MSU category and MSU type within category into groups of MSUs of particular interest to the applications, respectively. Linked lists of filter elements associated with the respective linksets of the CCS7 network perform the filtering by comparing category and type fields to the MSU categories and types to form the groups. Filter change data received at a user interface is utilized to modify the filters.

Abstract: In a virtual implementation, intelligent processing permits use of selectively switched connections and selective billing procedures to emulate a foreign exchange service. On outgoing foreign exchange calls, a local switching system detects a predetermined event, such as dialing of an access code, as a trigger. In response to this trigger, the local switching system queries a central database, and the central database instructs that switching system to route the call through a foreign exchange central office switching system using the customer's own foreign exchange number. The foreign exchange office queries the database in response to all calls using the foreign exchange number, i.e. both for incoming and outgoing calls. For an outgoing call, the database instructs the foreign exchange central office switching system to route the call to the dialed number destination and to record the foreign exchange number as the point of call origin for billing purposes.