Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for translating a GT (global title) in a No.7 signaling network, the apparatus includes a general GTT module performing a general GTT function of a specific signaling point, a pre-fetch GTT module distributing the general GTT function to another signaling point before the general GTT function is performed, and a post-fetch GTT module providing the general GTT function to the another signaling point when the general GTT function has failed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide various GTT types to a signaling network and control a GTT type of a specific signaling point in signaling network operation by controlling a pre-fetch GTT module and a post-fetch GTT module of each signaling point.

Abstract: A method and network node are presented to route a signaling message in a SS7/C7 national telecommunication network between a Border Node within a first licensed operator network and a destination node within a second licensed operator network. The first and second licensed operator networks use the same Point Code configuration numbering plan to identify Point Codes of each node into their respective network. The Border Node includes a Message Transfer Part (MTP). Upon receipt of a signaling message, the Message Transfer Part (MTP) of the Border Node maps an Origination Point Code (OPC) and a Destination Point Code (DPC) corresponding to numbering plan values of the one of the licensed operator networks into OPC and DPC corresponding to the other licensed operator network. After that, the MTP replaces the OPC and DPC by the mapped OPC and DPC and the signaling message is sent from the Border Node to the destination node.

Abstract: 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 telephony call manager includes a call model having call processing logic, and a signaling interface for each respective signaling protocol encountered by the call manager. Each signaling interface is operable to convert call events in each respective signaling protocol to messages of a generic protocol and communicate the messages to the call model.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for updating local call information databases for calls to be placed by predictive dialers deployed at different geographic locations within a communications network.

Abstract: A method for providing a message to a called party through a network comprised of both a telephone network and a data network, and at least one gateway device connected to both the telephone network and the data network. The method performed by the gateway device includes receiving, through the telephone network, signaling information representing a message from a calling party to a called party and providing the message to the called party via the data network by displaying an instant message containing a notification of the message on a display device visible to the called party.

Abstract: A method for configuring an access device that is coupled to an Internet Protocol network enables the access device to apply a desired signal to an access line, which signal is requested by a local exchange. Upon receiving a V5 protocol message from the local exchange requesting the desired signal to be applied to the access line, a voice gateway or Internet Protocol Access Terminal maps the V5 protocol message into a text message in NCS format containing one or more parameters associated with the desired signal and sends the text message to the access device over the Internet Protocol network. Upon receipt of the text message, the access device or media access terminal adjusts its configuration in accordance with the received text message using the one or more parameters included in the text message and one or more default values stored in a management information base accessible to the access device that defines the desired signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for post global title translation load sharing include receiving a plurality of signaling messages sent route on global title. Global title translation is performed for the signaling messages to result in multiple global title destinations for at least some of the signaling messages. One of the destination addresses is selected using the parameter in the signaling messages and the load sharing algorithm so that messages that are part of the same transaction are sent to the same destination address and messages related to different transactions are load shared among different destination addresses. Sequencing may also be performed so that sequenced messages are transmitted in the same order that they are received.

Abstract: An end office support (EOS) routing node implements MTP layers 1-3 on behalf of one or more remote applications that share the true point code of the EOS routing node. Implementing MTP layers 1-3 includes receiving messages addressed to the true point code, determining whether the messages are contain application level information of interest to a remote application, and forwarding the application level information to the remote application. Messages may be routed internally within the EOS routing node using an internal point code used to uniquely identify the remote application within the EOS routing node. The EOS routing node may also perform network management functions on behalf of one or more remote applications.

Abstract: The quality of information technology services provided by an organization to a customer is assured. Assurance reviews of a first solution are performed and a second solution is defined to correct deficiencies. A third assurance review is performed. Customer commitment to the second solution is obtained. A readiness review, a project management review, and a deliverable readiness review are performed assuring customer need satisfaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward permitting an operator to be able to introduce new services and/or service features into his/her network without them needing to have already been provided in advance in the software system of the exchanges by the manufacturer of the exchanges. Disclosed is an information element of a signaling message which is designed such that the services or service features for which it is used can be stipulated during operation using an appropriate administration component.

Abstract: At least one part of at least two user connections (TA1 . . . 6) having configured performance criteria and being allocated to at least two network devices (LE1 . . . 3) is assigned to at least one group (NWHG), to which group-specific performance criteria and/or characteristics (PDN, HUNT) can be allocated. The group (NWHG) is controlled by one of the network devices (LE1), whereby the user connections (TA1, 3, 4, 6) which have not been physically allocated to this network device (LE1) are allocated to said device as virtual user connections.

Abstract: The present invention uses a software program to analyze all of the SS7 message traffic in a telephone network. By comparing point codes in the message data, the present invention can detect invalid and undesirable network inefficiencies in different types of telephone networks, including for example, wireline, wireless, or hybrid networks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for re-routing a call which has been routed from a calling party (1) through a communication network to a destination (4). A need to relay the call to another destination (5) is identified and a subscriber identification of the calling party (1) is signaled from the other destination back to the communication network using a call drop-back function. Preferably, the subscriber information is then used to derive a routing information of the other destination (5) which may be a right destination in case the initial destination (4) was a wrong destination. Thus, a call drop-back feature is used to route calls even in cases where a subscriber is connected to a wrong destination. Thereby, an effective re-routing can be provided in cases where a subscriber identification is not provided in the call, such that a single service access short code can be used by all subscribers irrespective of their mobile terminal and their location.

Abstract: The present invention presents a flexible method for source-based message routing in a network node, particularly also suitable for flexible load distribution of the traffic via a number of link sets terminating directly at an adjacent first network element. The method uses data structures which are often already available in existing systems or are simple to set up, of providing a number of link sets between two signaling points. A two-stage routing process is initiated based on the setting up of a message node, which supports a number of logical networks or signaling point codes. In the first stage a logical network is selected, in which the message is to be routed further. In the second stage the message is routed in the selected network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communications network element that is capable of routing signaling messages and includes a dynamic routing key registration feature which allows Internet protocol (IP) nodes to automatically register/de-register and subsequently direct traffic towards or away from themselves without the need for manual operator intervention. A signaling gateway routing node includes a self-registering data communication module (sDCM) that is adapted to receive and process dynamic routing key registration messages from associated IP nodes. Such dynamic routing key registration messages may include information that is used to register a new routing key association with a TCP/IP connection, de-register an existing routing key association with the TCP/IP connection, or modify routing key information associated with the TCP/IP connection.

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

Abstract: Service features are enabled in a next generation telephone network using a content/service provision node and subscriber access control equipment enabled to deliver content and/or service feature messaging to associated subscriber lines.

Abstract: A method of directly administering a service component through a hypermedia document can include a series of steps. The hypermedia document can provide an interface to a service logic execution environment (SLEE). At least one administrative option embodied in the hypermedia document can be provided. The at least one administrative option can correspond to a function to be performed by the service component. A user specified administrative option can be received in the hypermedia document and a SLEE compatible event can be generated based on the user specified administrative option. The event can be a type which the service component has been registered in the SLEE to receive. Also, the event can be routed to the service component via the SLEE. The service component can process the event and perform an administrative function consistent with the event.

Abstract: Methods and systems for load sharing signaling messages among signaling links in a network utilizing an international signaling protocol are disclosed. A routing node receives a signaling message formatted according to an international signaling protocol. The routing node generates a signaling link selection parameter for the signaling message. The routing node selects an outbound signaling link based on the generated signaling link selection parameter. The number of bits in the generated SLS value is user-configurable, thus allowing load sharing among arbitrary numbers of signaling links.

Abstract: A method of detecting circular routing in a No. 7 signaling network is provided which detects circular routing that occurs when operating the signaling network, thereby preventing congestion of links by circular routing and finding out any reasons for the link congestion. The method detects a circular routing that occurs in three or more signaling transfer points, by transmitting a message transfer part routing verification test (MRVT) message through the signal route of the highest priority among the signal routes in an available state which go to a specific destination point code (DPC), only when a link is in an unavailable state, thereby preventing congestion of links by circular routing and finding out any reasons for the link congestion.

Abstract: A method and system of receiving, storing, and delivering customer comments, including qualitative and quantitative feedback, over a communications network, such as the Internet. Also, the present invention relates to a method and system of rating and ranking companies, including individual merchants and both buyers and sellers, and their products and services based upon comments received and then awarding the companies points based upon their rating.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and redirecting messages of different SS7 protocol variations are disclosed. A screening function receives SS7 message and identifies candidates for redirection. An SS7 variation identifier/redirection function identifies the SS7 protocol variation of incoming SS7 messages identified as candidates for redirection. The redirection candidates are encapsulated in SCCP messages. The SCCP messages are then forwarded to an application. The SCCP messages preferably include indicators identifying the protocol variations of their payloads. Upon receiving the SCCP messages, the application decodes the payloads using the protocol variation indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for improving the load distribution in a signaling network having a large number of signaling nodes (A, B) and a large number of signaling channels (L0, L1, L2, L3), with overloading in the signaling network being reliably prevented by taking account of a respective individual bandwidth (EBB0 to EBB3).

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

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote computer access and associated costs is provided. The system includes a remotely located communication server in communication with multiple host computer networks and in communication with a network access server. First and second memory devices contain a list of authorized users for the host computer networks and a user log for use by a billing computer to generate bills. The method includes the steps of creating starting and ending time stamps for each authorized user accessing a respective one of the multiple host computer networks and creating a user log to generate bills and monitor host computer network usage.

Abstract: Service resource items (49) for use in call setup in a telephone system are held on servers (58) that are connected to a computer network which is logically distinct from the telephone system infrastructure; this computer network may, for example, make use of the Internet. Each service resource item (49) is locatable on the network at a corresponding URI and is associated with a particular telephone number. A mapping is provided between telephone numbers and the URIs of associated service resource items. When it is desired to access a service resource item (49) associated with a particular telephone number, this mapping is used to retrieve the corresponding URI (step 55) which is then used to access the desired service resource item (56, 57, 59).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of managing a trunk, and querying and ascertaining a ring-back sound to provide the ring-back sound in a subscriber-based ring-back sound service. In the trunk management method, a terminating mobile switching center (32) requests the intelligent peripheral (50) to release a trunk call when the terminating mobile switching center recognizes the answer of the terminating subscriber or when a first predetermined period of time has elapsed from a time when it is recognized that a corresponding ring-back sound is provided to the originator. Further, the intelligent peripheral (50) requests the terminating mobile switching center (32) to release the trunk call when a second predetermined period of time has elapsed from a time when the ring-back sound is provided.

Abstract: A signaling network node is configured for identifying a received signaling message as belonging to one of a plurality of prescribed originating node groups, based on prescribed message class selection criteria. Each originating node group has at least one originating node and is assigned at least one congestion threshold relative to a message rate (e.g., messages per unit time or number of bytes per unit time). The signaling network node determines the message rate for each corresponding originating node group; if the message rate for an originating node group exceeds the corresponding at least one congestion threshold, the signaling network node outputs a congestion signaling message to the originating node having sent the signaling message, for reduction of the corresponding message rate.

Abstract: A method for performing the translation type mapping in the No. 7 gateway signaling network includes defining translation type information on a non-local signaling network in a translation type mapping table according to a manager's request; mapping a translation type of the non-local signaling network contained in the SCCP message received by the neighboring (adjacent) non-local signaling network by searching the translation type mapping table; and mapping a translation type of a local signaling network contained in the SCCP message transmitted to the adjacent non-local signaling network into the translation type of the non-local signaling network by searching the translation type mapping table.

Abstract: A routing node for receiving, processing, and subsequently transmitting Signaling System 7 (SS7) signaling messages destined for a Media Gateway Controller (MGC) type network element is disclosed. A Circuit Identification Code (CIC) routing node is adapted to receive an ISUP message from an associated SS7 network and determine the routing destination of the message based, at least in part, on a CIC parameter value contained within the message. The ISUP message is subsequently encapsulated in an Internet Protocol (IP) envelope and transmitted to a destination node via an IP communication link. Such a CIC routing node also provides network service providers with a method of generally eliminating the need for the assignment of unique SS7 network point codes to each MGC node in a network. That is, a CIC routing node allows multiple MGC nodes to effectively correspond to a single SS7 network point code.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent signaling-router-based surveillance are disclosed. A surveillance and signaling router receives call signaling messages, identifies call signaling messages associated with users under surveillance and determines a surveillance type for the call signaling messages. If the surveillance type is content-related, the surveillance and signaling router forwards the message to a call server. The call server replaces parameters in the message and in subsequent messages so that the call is transparently set up through a media proxy server. The media proxy server copies the media stream to a delivery function. If the surveillance type is non-content-related, the surveillance and signaling router sends a copy of the message or information extracted from the message to an external device.

Abstract: A method of establishing an initial telecommunication connection from a first telecommunications terminal to a second telecommunication terminal via a network unit of a telecommunications network, includes transmitting at least one message to the first telecommunications terminal while an initial telecommunications connections is being established by the network unit, reproducing the at least one message, when received by the first telecommunications terminal, at least one reproducing device of the first telecommunications terminal, storing the at least one message, after being received in the first telecommunications terminal, for one-time or repeated reproduction and the reproducing device.

Abstract: An INAP processing method for communication between a SSP and TCAP. When an INAP message is sent from the INAP of the SSP to the TCAP, a TC component to be transmitted is generated, an invoke ID and dialogue ID are allocated to the generated TC component, and a TC primitive corresponding to the state of an allocated dialogue is created and encoded, to be sent to the TCAP through the TCAP interface block. When the INAP of the SSP receives an INAP message from the TCAP, the received INAP message is decoded based on the type thereof and a corresponding SCP relationship object is found using the dialogue ID included in the decoded INAP message. When the IC component and IC primitive are contained in the decoded message, the IC primitive is executed first and then the IC component is processed. When a corresponding call has been processed, the found SCP relationship object is deleted, finishing the dialogue with the SCP.

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

Abstract: A method is defined with which various parts of a service logic are distributed onto different entities of a system and can collaborate and communicate with one another. An apparatus is specified with which a customer of an intelligent network can use a service at a provider, the service logic thereof running partly centrally at the service provider and partly relocated in, for example, the terminal equipment of the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for routing data across heterogeneous networks. In one embodiment, a heterogeneous network comprises a specialized in-band network that is privately accessible within the heterogeneous network, as well as an out-of-band network that is coupled to the in-band network by a switching platform. A client on the out-of-band network is configured to transmit a request for server data to the switching platform. The request is formatted according to the protocol of the out-of-band network and may take the form of a uniform resource locator (URL). The switching platform is configured to recognize the request as one which is directed to a server on the in-band network. The switching platform parses the request to determine the requested data and reformats this information as a new request that is transmitted to the server according to the protocol of the in-band network.

Abstract: A signal traffic routing method for a signaling network, for example, a No. 7 signaling network, includes analyzing a signal message when a message transfer unit receives a signal message and determining a route of a final destination of the received signal message, selecting a link for transferring a signal message at a link set of the thusly determined route based on a link determination history and link determination data, updating the link determination history and link determination data based on the selected link, and transferring a signal message through the selected link, thereby enhancing an availability and performance of the signaling network by distributing a signal traffic to all available link of a link set. The message transfer unit preferably comprises a message discrimination unit, a message distribution unit and a message routing unit that distributes a signal traffic to an available route at each signal transfer point.

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

Abstract: Method and systems for providing triggerless screening services include a triggerless screening service routing node and a message processing platform. The triggerless screening service routing node identifies call setup messages that require one or more call screening services and diverts the messages to a message processing platform. The message processing platform performs at least one screening action on the call setup messages and modifies the messages to include the type and result of the screening action.

Abstract: Planning alternative SS7 networks is a complex task requiring assistance from an intelligent planning tool. The tool includes at least one planning database containing information on network traffic, component locations, and component connectivity. A load module determines peak load for each STP in the core network. A forecast module determines equipment capacity exhaustion for each STP, network database, and core link during each study period and determines network costs based on peak loads and an alternative network design provided by a user. A graphical user interface guides the user through a sequence of design steps, each step having to be correctly completed before the next step in the sequence is started. The sequence of steps may include permitting changes to the core network, permitting changes to the number of POPs and DBs, rehoming elements left disconnected from STPs, assigning SSPs to POPs, assigning SSPs to DBs, and permitting voluntary rehomes.

Abstract: A service control point transmits a recharge request message or advice of charge to a mobile client resident in a wireless communications device. The message is first received by a wireless telephony application server that then forwards the message to a wireless access protocol gateway. The wireless access protocol gateway then sends the request to the mobile client. The user of the mobile client responds with an affirmative or negative answer to the request to recharge the prepaid telephone airtime account. The service control point then either recharges the account as instructed or lets the account expire, depending on the response from the user.

Abstract: Method for setting up telephone-to-telephone calls using telephones connected to a PSTN/ISDN access network and using a separate packet-switched network as a by-pass network, wherein telephone gateways (GW) provide bridges between the access network and the by-pass network, and connections are established between a calling party (A) telephone and a first gateway (GWa) and between a second gateway (GWb) and a called party (B) telephone.

Abstract: A node, and a system including a first node, supporting message transport and segmentation in a communications network having a plurality of nodes, comprising a memory including a database for storing a plurality of segmentation support capability test results, wherein the memory further includes a program module adapted to send a first segmented message, a first segmentation support test message, and a first segmentation support response message, and to receive a second segmented message, a second segmentation support test message, and a second segmentation support response message. The system also includes a second node in electronic communication with the first node, wherein the second node is adapted to receive the segmentation support response message including the segmentation support capability result.

Abstract: A PSTN service control point including multiple subsystems, a memory storing inbound SS7 messages and a SS7 module which internally routes outbound messages directed to the same point code. On receipt of an inbound SS7 message, a SS7 controller stores the complete message in the memory. The SS7 module routes the message to a first subsystem which processes the message and adds new information to the stored message in memory. If the first subsystem needs to collaborate with a second subsystem, it routes the SS7 message through the SS7 module which checks the outgoing message point code. If the destination point code matches the first subsystem point code, the SS7 module treats the message as an inbound message and routes it internally to the second subsystem.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing provisioning parameters to a mobile device. A short messaging service message is used to send bootstrap data sufficient to establish communication between an Internet Protocol-based server and a mobile device. The mobile device then establishes such communication and the provisioning parameters from the Internet Protocol-based server.

Abstract: In a gateway system for connecting a telephone network utilizing a common channel signaling system No. 7 to an IP (Internet Protocol) network, the gateway system includes a media gateway and a media gateway controller group including a plurality of media gateway controllers which are assigned a common point code. Any one of the media gateway controllers is for terminating a No. 7 signal representative of a control signal of the common channel signaling system No. 7 in the telephone network and for carrying out call control and connection control to the IP network by controlling the media gateway through the IP network so that a communication path is established between the telephone network and the media gateway. Each of the media gateway controllers comprises a No. 7 signal processing portion for terminating the No.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for the use of an Intelligent Peripheral Concentrator (IPC) in a network that enables more efficient use of Ipe resources. In a first embodiment the IPC receives at least one request from at least one network element, determines necessary resources according to the request(s) and establishes a connection with an intelligent peripheral based on the necessary resources. A second embodiment is a concentrator for connecting intelligent peripherals to a network, having a connection point for connecting an intelligent peripheral, a connection point for connecting to a network and a switch for directing information from the network to the intelligent peripheral. A third embodiment is a system for utilizing intelligent peripherals having a device connected to a first switch, the first switch connected to a second switch, an intelligent peripheral concentrator connected to the first switch and the intelligent peripheral connected to the intelligent peripheral concentrator.

Abstract: A method for interface an IPABX and a local exchange includes the steps of: processing a call originated from an IPABX by a local exchange having one discernible individual by binding a plurality of data transmission lines, that is, a data transmission line trunk group; and processing a call destined to the IPABX through the local exchange. Since the directory number can be managed by a group name, stepping up from the method for fixing the directory number to the line, the expense for the line can be reduced. In addition, the problem of separation between the origination line and the destination line as in the conventional method that the trunk line and the PRI line are together used is settled. Moreover, since there is no need to allocate an additional signaling point, an expense possibly incurred for the allocation of a signaling point and consumption of the signaling point resource can be prevented.