Abstract: Methods and systems for load sharing signaling messages at the MTP level are disclosed. When a signaling message is received, it is determined whether the signaling message includes a routing indication indicating route-on-point-code-subsystem-number. If the routing indicator indicates route-on-point-code-subsystem-number, it is determined whether the signaling message belongs to an MTP level 3 load sharing group. If the signaling message belongs to an MTP level 3 load sharing group, the signaling message may be routed to any of the point codes in the MTP level 3 load sharing group. Routing the signaling message to a point code in the MTP level 3 load sharing group may include replacing the destination point code in the signaling message with the destination point code of the node to which the signaling message is to be routed. Once the point code has been replaced, the signaling message is routed to the destination associated with the point code.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for triggering SIP nodes to include SS7 routing information in response messages including information requested by SS7 nodes. A message having SS7 routing information is received from a remote SS7 node. A corresponding SIP message is generated that includes the SS7 routing information and a parameter for triggering the SIP node to include the routing information in a response message. The corresponding SIP message is forwarded to a remote SIP node.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting communication data in a communication system (CSY) between a calling first communication unit (IPPA) and a called second communication unit (IPPD), wherein, in a first step a primary connection is set up starting from the first communication unit (IPPA) via at least one node unit to the second communication unit (IPPD) with transmission of addressing data of the communication units (IPPA,IPPD) and node units participating in the setup of the primary connection. Following this, the first communication unit (IPPA) and/or a first node unit disposed along the primary connection which have a valid addressing data element are registered as the ingress node. Furthermore, the second communication unit (IPPD) and/or a last node unit disposed along the primary connection which have a valid addressing data element are registered as the egress node.

Abstract: A method for handling an incoming call received at an inbound terminal via an analog line is described. The method comprises receiving the incoming call at the inbound terminal; storing caller ID data enabling identification of incoming call; comparing a stored existing caller ID with the stored current caller ID to determine if an earlier incoming call is being signaled to an application; if the earlier incoming call is being signaled, disconnecting the earlier incoming call; and presenting the incoming call to the application thereby reducing the risk of conflict between incoming calls.

Abstract: A rule-based intelligent call forwarding system is provided that typically includes a central office, a service control point, and an internet call routing system. The central office typically triggers a query responsive to receiving a call request. The service control point, which is coupled to the central office, receives the query, and triggers an internet call routing query. The internet call routing system, which is coupled to the service control point, typically receives the internet call routing query, determines presence of the called party with respect to a registered communication device, parses rules associated with the called party, and terminates the call request responsive to the rules parsing and presence determination. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for selectively performing global title translation based on message type at an SS7 network node. A message is received indicating route-on-global-title. A message type of the received message is determined. Global title translation is selectively performed based on the determined message type.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing automatic route selection (ARS) services through the use of advanced intelligent network (AIN) functionality are described. AIN based ARS services are provided through the use of a route selection table implemented outside a switch, e.g., at the service control point (SCP). Alternatively, ARS functionality is provided using conditional logic at the SCP or a combination of conditional logic and an ARS table. The AIN based ARS service can be provided in addition to switch based ARS services. Methods for selecting the ARS method to be used based on switch type and/or the complexity of the ARS service to be provided are also described. The ARS functionality identifies the route, e.g., physical trunk or other line, over which a call is to be routed. The selection may be between trunks corresponding to different telecommunications carriers, services or privately owned lines.

Abstract: A method for soft switch call control and a soft switch device therefore are provided. The soft switch device acquires an initial address message (IAM) at a calling side, analyzes information of the calling party and the called party based on the acquired initial address message (IAM), and informs the media gateways to create a context and to add TDM semi-permanent physical terminations of time slots corresponding to the calling party and the called party into the context when the calling party and the called party are controlled by the same media gateway. Thus, it can implement a local loop of TDM voice, reduce IP loop of RTP streams and efficiently reduces network resources such as steps for digital signal processing, echo elimination and etc.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are specified for setting up and clearing communications links via a private branch exchange. A number of types of communications device are driven via the same controller. New devices with a transport network for transporting the communications data can thus be integrated in a private branch exchange by using TDM-based devices. The central configuration of the controller allows already existing central interfaces and databases relating to subscribers to be used. If required, service feature controllers can still be used.

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

Abstract: A telephone terminal capable of keeping a line to the other party's telephone terminal connected through a telephone line network in a connected state even after an output destination and an input source of audio signals are switched to an audio input/output unit. In a multifunction machine serving as the telephone terminal, a transmission path to be used for input/output of audio signals from/to an outside source is switched to an audio cable when a switch key is pressed during a voice call through the telephone line network. If an Internet call function is used at a PC, a voice call by the Internet call function may be performed indirectly by using a transmitter/receiver. The multifunction machine may automatically disconnect the line through the telephone line network when receiving a BT from the telephone line network after the transmission path is switched to the audio cable.

Abstract: A service control point comprising multiple interfaces configured to receive multiple query messages from requesting devices using multiple different protocols, wherein all of the interfaces provide access to the call processing applications within the SCP. The service control point is configured to process the query messages and generate response messages, which are transmitted back to the requesting devices using their respective protocols.

Abstract: A method is described for handling multiple telephone and data calls having different data type or business protocols an originating phone, phone being broadly defined as the originating device whether phone or computer, wherein there is an originating phone and a destination phone with or without monitoring phones connected through a network, whether a telephone or data network by establishing a remote network processor having incoming and outgoing ports controlled by the remote network processor which has the steps of generating a plurality of protocols applicable to the incoming and outgoing ports; storing the protocols in a database; selecting a protocol for the incoming and outgoing ports; accepting a call from the originating phone on the incoming port; determining if the call is to be completed; setting parameters for completing the call based on the protocols; and completing the call.

Abstract: A call system for performing a voice call by an Internet call function using a known telephone terminal. In a multifunction machine serving as the telephone terminal, the output destination and the input source of audio signals input/output from/to a transmitter/receiver may be switched to an audio I/F. In the switched state, audio based on audio signals input/output from/to an outside source through the audio I/F is output/input from the transmitter/receiver. Therefore, when the multifunction machine is connected to a PC having the Internet call function such that audio signals can be input/output through an audio cable, an indirect audio call by the Internet call function with the transmitter/receiver is available. When an incoming call from a telephone line network is received, reception of the incoming call is notified so that a user can confirm the reception of the incoming call during the voice call by the Internet call function.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the use of an Intelligent Peripheral Concentrator (IPC) in a network that enables more efficient use of intelligent peripheral (IPe) resources. In particular the present invention discloses a method of managing intelligent peripherals, where the IPC receives at least one request for an IPe service from at least one network element, determines necessary IPe resources to satisfy the request(s) and establishes at least-one connection between at least one intelligent peripheral and at least one network element based on the necessary resources.

Abstract: System and methods for alleviating the signaling system number 7 (SS7) network by routing WNP data queries for a number's Service Provider ID (SPID) from the SS7 network to a database that resides within the IP network and processed therein for many applications, including inter-carrier SMS and MMS. The WNP data is maintained by the carrier internally, and the query is an IP query for a Service Provider ID (SPID). The system includes an intelligent routing server connected to a messaging service center. The intelligent routing server determines: (i) if the originator subscriber is a valid user of a particular service; and (2) whether the remote receiver is one of its own carrier subscribers. If it is determined that the remote receiver is one of the carriers own subscriber's service provider, then the intelligent routing server routes the SMS to an appropriate messaging service center for delivery of the message to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A calling account recharge system, method, and device are provided. The device has an associated stored-value calling account, and typically includes a selector, a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network, and a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector. The recharge option is configured to cause the communications program to initiate a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account. The device may be configured to access the communication network via a toll-free gateway.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely accessing an intelligent IP telephony device is provided. Information about at least one IP telephony device associated with a user is stored in a database. The database is accessible to a user through a secured environment. From a remote location, the user may logon to the database and select one or more actions to be performed on any of the IP telephony devices to which they have access.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a signalling gateway comprising determining information enabling an application server to identify a signalling gateway process to which to direct a message destined for a particular point code and making said information available to the application server. In preferred embodiments, the information takes the form of a routing table that serves to distribute signalling gateway process identifiers over possible SLS values by, for instance, mapping process instance identifiers to possible SLS values for messages sent by the application server. By allowing the application server processes the possibility to determine to which signalling gateway process each message should be directed, retransmission of messages within the signalling gateway can be avoided.

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.

Abstract: A telecommunications network system and method is presented incorporating a distributed feature composition (DFC) architecture, offering new technology for feature specification and composition. In the network architecture of the invention, customer calls are processed by dynamically assembled configurations of filter-like components: each component implements an applicable feature, and communicates with its neighbors by featureless internal calls that are connected by the underlying architectural substrate. Features are coherently accumulated, and the problem of feature interaction is rendered much more tractable.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for point code proxying. According to one method, a direct linkset interconnection between first and second signaling points is migrated to an interconnection including signaling message routing node. At the signaling message routing node, a point code of the second signaling point is proxied for link alignment with the first signaling point. Messages received from the first signaling point that are addressed to the point code of the second signaling point are routed to the second signaling point.

Abstract: A method for replacing an existing international telephone exchange (ITNC) with a new ITNC. Specifically, the new ITNC is first configured off-line to have the same point-code and administrative name as the existing ITNC has. Then, a network operator, through conventional signaling procedures, reduces the amount of traffic routed to that existing ITNC to zero and directs that traffic to other ITNCs in the same domain as the ITNC being replaced. Thereafter, the new ITNC is installed in the domain. Once installation is complete, the new ITNC is brought into operation with traffic then being routed to it. Because the new ITNC has the same corresponding point-code as did the existing ITNC, advantageously no change to network routing tables of other network operators is required to accommodate the replacement.

Abstract: A message conversion system comprising a first interface configured to receive a call signaling message for a call in a first format wherein the call signaling message includes a plurality of call information elements, a processing system configured to copy the plurality of call information elements from the call signaling message, insert a first group of the plurality of call information elements into a first group of a plurality of fields of a setup message, and insert a second group of the plurality of call information elements into a second group of the plurality of fields of the setup message, and a second interface configured to transmit the setup message.

Abstract: An originating node is configured for generating a route management signaling message having a signaling link selection (SLS) value that is selected by the originating node based on an affected destination value. The affected destination value, distinct from a destination point code (DPC) that specifies a destination node for the route management signaling message, identifies an affected signaling node that is affected by the route management signaling message. Hence, route management signaling messages related to the affected signaling node are routed along the same signaling path, ensuring that all the related route management signaling messages remain in sequence. Further, different signaling path can be established for respective affected signaling nodes, providing load sharing of route management signaling messages relative to the respective affected signaling nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a plurality of advanced telephony services using a metaservice are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a service provider installs a metaservice on the processor and associates the metaservice with a directory number on the switch. The metaservice acts as a pseudo service. When the service provider receives a subsequent request for an advanced telephony service, the service associates the requested service with the directory number through the metaservice, thereby avoiding many of the provisioning steps that are conventionally required to set up each service.

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.

Abstract: Intelligent network service (“IN service”) may be invoked beyond initial call setup for additional call management by establishing trigger detection points that refer the call back to a service control point. Subsequent requests for IN service with respect to a particular call may be correlated with a previous request for IN service by providing correlation information to the service control point. Once correlated, information from both the earlier and later IN service requests are available to the service control point.

Abstract: A method for establishing a call over a packet network may include receiving a call request via an originating trunk on a packet network from an originating call device. Status of an originating trunk and terminating segment may be determined. If the status of the originating trunk and terminating segment are within a first range, the call between the originating and terminating call device over the determined transmission path at a first data rate may be established. Otherwise, if the status of the originating trunk or terminating segment is within a second range, a determination as to whether the originating trunk and terminating segment can operate at a second, lower data rate may be made, and, if so, the call may be established over the transmission path between the originating call device and terminating call device at the second, lower data rate.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for performing the installation of cabling in a computing system. In one embodiment, one or more configuration utilities are employed which guide an installer through the appropriate sequence of cable connections for a given computing system. By illuminating various LEDs present on the assorted computing components, an installer is provided with an indication of which component and which port should be connected first, second and so on such that an installation results in a robust computing system.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a remote network (or local) service is monitored for failure, e.g., by determining whether data corresponding to operation of the service achieves a threshold. When a threshold is achieved that indicates that the service has failed, the service is automatically deactivated for use with a local workload, and the workload switched to use a second service or system having functionality similar to that of the failed service. The second service may be monitored for failure, as may the failed service to determine when it is again operational. In this manner, a remote primary service may have another local or remote secondary service/system automatically substituted for it when it fails, and be restored for use when it returns to acceptable operation.

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: Methods and systems are described for providing a telecommunications services menu accessible via a voice interactive system, such as a voice services node. A subscriber accesses a voice communications menu by accessing a voice services node. The voice services node queries a customer profile database to obtain a list of telecommunications services available to the subscriber. At the voice services node, a voice prompt is constructed for providing the subscriber a voice menu of the available services. After the subscriber receives the voice prompt of menu items, the subscriber may select a service from the provided menu.

Abstract: A telecommunications network system and method is presented incorporating a distributed feature composition (DFC) architecture, offering new technology for feature specification and composition. In the network architecture of the invention, customer calls are processed by dynamically assembled configurations of filter-like components: each component implements an applicable feature, and communicates with its neighbors by featureless internal calls that are connected by the underlying architectural substrate. Features are coherently accumulated, and the problem of feature interaction is rendered much more tractable.

Abstract: A system for implementing a real-time distributed, hierarchical database uses a proxiable protocol. The system includes a first proxy server for receiving a first proxiable protocol message from a first network element. The first proxy server performs a first database lookup based on information contained in the first message. If the first proxy server does not obtain the requested information, the first proxy server formulates a second proxiable protocol message and forwards the message to a second proxy server. A second proxy server receives the second message and performs a second database lookup based on information contained in the second message. The second proxy server sends the results from the second database lookup to the first proxy server and the first proxy server forwards the results to the database user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining the location of a caller during an emergency or other telephone call. Before or during a call, a phone system can obtain from one or more sources a subscriber access line identity associated with a subscriber location record that includes a subscriber access line identity attribute and a subscriber location attribute. A phone system can send a query that includes the subscriber access line identity to a subscriber location query system that returns a subscriber location record or a subscriber location to the phone system. The phone system can then display the caller location information to a phone system, an agent or operator so that emergency services can be quickly and accurately dispatched. Using similar procedure and a memory, phone systems can also determine if a subscriber phone has or is changing location. Methods for testing the emergency call capabilities of a subscriber access line.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telephony services, such as caller ID, voice mail, selective call forwarding, and the like, to a remote subscriber, typically located outside the providers regional territory. The system can include customer premise equipment (CPE) selectively connectable to a remote central office (CO), a packet-switched network gateway, such as an Internet telephony gateway (ITG), for remotely communicating service requests to a local service node. The local service node can be located within the service provider's territory and returns telephony service responses via the packet-switched network gateway to the remote CO, and ultimately the remote CPE.

Abstract: The invention uses the advanced intelligent network to provide caller identification for calls placed over the internet (24). A long distance call placed with an internet carrier results in the originating SSP (14) forwarding the call to an originating POP (22) for the internet carrier. The caller ID information is routed through the signaling system 7 network (16) to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The call is routed to a terminating POP (26) and then to the SSP (32) in the terminating network. The SSP (32) inserts the caller ID information received through the SS7 network (16) and routes the call to the terminating line (30).

Abstract: A service indicator SI field is used for load sharing in SS7 networks, in addition to the service link selection SLS field. If there are only two links or connections between two points of the SS7 network, load sharing can also be performed on the basis of the SI field only.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a program storage medium having computer readable code embodied therein is disclosed. The computer readable code is configured to enable selective discarding of messages received at a receiving device coupled to a telecommunication network. There is included code for ascertaining whether a type associated with a received message at the receiving device is one of protected message types. There is further included code for passing, if the type associated with the received message is the one of the protected message types, the received message to an application irrespective of an age of the received message, the age being representative of a time duration that the message has been present in the receiving device.

Abstract: A calling account recharge system, method, and device are provided. The device has an associated stored-value calling account, and typically includes a selector, a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network, and a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector. The recharge option is configured to cause the communications program to initiate a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account. The device may be configured to access the communication network via a toll-free gateway.

Abstract: A signaling transfer point (STP) (or Signaling Server Global (SSG)) is described herein which includes a processor and a mapping database that can depending on the direction of a message change the Origination Point Code (OPC) or the Destination Point Code (DPC) and the Circuit Identification Code (CIC) contained in the message. As such, the STP can receive a message from a foreign switch located in another telecommunications network and redirect the message that was originally destined for an old switch, which is in the process being removed or has been removed, to a new switch which now hosts the trunks previously connected to the old switch. The return traffic from the new switch is also processed by the STP so that when the foreign switch receives the message, it will appear like it originated from the old switch. As a result, the user of the STP can transparently consolidate switches without affecting the SS7 database contained in other carrier networks.

Abstract: A method for operating and translating SCCP global titles to implement the global roaming uses a signal message routing based upon the SCCP global title. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a received signal message is routed according to the global title, the required global title translation is for global roaming is determined by detecting whether a local global title has been defined in the received signal message. If the translation is to be made for global roaming, then the types of global title translations to be conducted are determined among the country code global title translation, the network code global title translation and the mobile subscriber identification number global title translation based upon whether the country code and/or the network code of the local global code are identical with those of the global code to be translated. In this manner, the present invention may implement the efficient SCCP global title translation while supporting the global roaming.

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/VDO 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 communication network includes an SS7 Security Gatekeeper that authenticates and validates network control messages within, transiting, entering and leaving an overlying control fabric such as an SS7 network. The SS7 Security Gatekeeper incorporates several levels of checks to ensure that messages are properly authenticated, valid, and consistent with call progress and system status. In addition to message format, message content is checked to ensure that the originating node has the proper authority to send the message and to invoke the related functions. Predefined sets of templates may be used to check the messages, each set of templates being associated with respective originating point codes and/or calling party addresses. The templates may also be associated with various system states such that messages corresponding to a particular template cause a state transition along a particular edge to a next state node at which another set of templates are defined. Thus, system and call state is maintained.

Abstract: A method for providing a telephony service, the method including coupling an interface device directly between a network switch of a public intelligent network and a computer telephony integration server, the network switch being coupled to a service switching function device having service switching functionality; at the interface device, handling call handling messages between the service switching function device and the computer telephony integration server.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and systems of processing and managing applications for collocation space. In a computer network including a workstation, a web server, an application server, and a database, the invention assists users in completing applications for collocation space and allows for management of and preparation of responses to those applications. Generally, embodiments of the invention may include submitting and distributing collocation applications and firm orders online; allowing field personnel to respond to and monitor applications online throughout the response and provisioning process; providing notification to field groups and users via e-mail of the events affecting each application; and displaying the current status of each application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telecommunications system and method for providing a plurality of services, the services providing control for communication via the telecommunications system. The system comprises a switching point for triggering one or more services of said plurality of services for a communication. Each of the services may reserve at least one control characteristic. A service manager connected to the switching point is arranged to determine if at least two services can be provided for the communication based on information relating to control characteristics of said at least two services. A new service can be started only if the control characteristics it requires are not reserved by a previously invoked service. A service manager for use in a telecommunication system for managing the plurality of services is also disclosed.

Abstract: System and method for providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary advanced telecommunication services in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to special access code, without the intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary advanced telecommunication service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary advanced telecommunication service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected.