Abstract: The invention concerns a method for communicating between a service switching exchange of a telecommunication network, to which service calls requesting the execution of a service for a subscriber of the telecommunication network are routed, and a service control facility, which controls the execution of the requested service. The service switching exchange interacts with one or several objects of the service control facility via an transaction capability application part protocol. Each such object interacts and communicates via an object infrastructure with other objects in an object oriented computing environment within the service control facility. The interface of each such object maps the primitives of the transaction capability application part protocol onto the internal interface description of the each such object.

Abstract: A method and system for conveying supervision information to a call processing system using an intelligent network is provided. A call originating at the call processing system is received by a network switch. The network switch sends a query to a service control point which returns a routing message to the network switch. The network switch routes the call and waits for supervision information corresponding to a request for subsequent information provided by the service control point. Upon receiving the supervision information at the network switch, the network switch informs the service control point of the supervision information. The service control point in turn notifies the call processing system of the supervision information. Advantageously, the interface need not have the ability to convey supervision information.

Abstract: A work-at-home telecommunication service is provided in response to receiving, from a calling party, a service-specific vertical feature code and a dialed number to initiate a call. The call is suspended and a query is sent to a service control point after receiving the vertical feature code and the dialed number. The query includes the dialed number and a calling party identification number. A response to the query is formed using the service control point by translating the dialed number to a called party identification number, and by modifying the calling party identification number to an identification number of a group associated with the calling party. The response includes the called party identification number, the calling party identification number, and a carrier identification code which identifies a telecommunication carrier for the group associated with the calling party. The call is routed to the called party using the telecommunication carrier identified by the carrier identification code.

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: Traditional Intelligent network services in a PSTN use service logic and data that is accessible for use only by the PSTN, though provision may be made for users to change certain controlled parameters of the services. The present system has the service logic and data placed on a server accessible over the Internet. This permits anyone to access useful telephone data such as time-of-day routing or diversion number information of a user. Thus a calling party can determine before placing a call over the PSTN the best number to call by accessing the phone page of the intended called party. This phone page would remain accessible to the PSTN for service provision. In a preferred embodiment, the service logic and data is maintained by the user independently of the PSTN on a server of the user's choice; in this case, the PSTN would also access the user's server logic and data over the Internet.

Abstract: The basic philosophy of Intelligent Network (IN) is the separation of service control from the telephone switches which now perform only connection control and a minimum amount of work to facilitate service control. In IN terms, Service Control Point (SCP) determined how a particular call from a user is routed and how to manipulated it once a call is set up and some interesting events happen. The telephone switch with the added IN capabilities o collaborate with the SCP in IN services is called Service Switching Point (SSP). All the services will be managed by Service Management System (SMS). For the management of IN, the Telecommunication Management Network (TMN) is adopted, all the management information are defined as managed objects and transmitted within the management network. An Q Adaptor is a software process and responsible for the maintenance of the MIB tree and the management information conversion between SMS and SCP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting up and executing trigger detection points that implement a previously unimplemented ETSI intelligent network capability set 1. Thus, the requirements of this ETSI intelligently networking standard are realized in a fast and innovative way in hardware and software.

Abstract: A flexible service management system creates, provisions, customizes, and restricts service offerings available on an intelligent network. A service creation environment has a schema query, service screen builder, and logic analyzer that cooperate to create a service screen definition. The service screen definition supports graphical user interfaces that interface with a telephony database. The service screen definition is deployed to a service management system within a service definition package, the service management system interfacing with a telephony database storing telephony data for supporting a service. The service screen definition enables a screen interpreter that can reside on a service management access point to communicate and transact data with the telephony database.

Abstract: An Automated Intelligent Network (AIN) telephone system with a central office switching system. The AIN system includes a service provider system for providing customizable subscriber services based upon subscriber-specific data stored in an EMS database. The subscriber-specific data is selectively updated by a service provider. The AIN system further includes an intelligent peripheral system coupled with the central office switching system. The intelligent peripheral system includes a regional relational database for storing regional subscriber-specific data.

Abstract: A method and system for using TCAP signaling for improved call setup from a virtual switching point are disclosed. In accordance with the method, TCAP signaling is used to enhance call setup from virtual switching points which receive call request messages from calling parties using a facility on a data network such as the Internet. TCAP signaling is used when necessary to determine the availability of the called party telephone. The system includes a Virtual Switching Point (VSP) in a switched telephone network having a connection to a data network such as the Internet. Call requests are received by the VSP from the data network and processed by the VSP to establish a voice connection between the calling party which initiates the call request and a called party number indicated in the call request message. The use of TCAP signaling from the VSP to Switching Points (SPs) which serve the calling party and/or the called party improves efficiency and minimizes common channel signaling.

Abstract: A method for providing the names of the city and state of a calling party to a called party when the calling party's name is unavailable. The method utilizes the calling party's telephone number to determine the names of the city and state from which the calling party is calling. The method incorporates a database that contains combinations of telephone numbers and the names of the cities and states that correspond to the various combinations of numbers. In response to an indication that the name of the calling party is unavailable, the method accesses the databases and searches for the matching telephone number and corresponding city and state names. If the names are found, they are delivered to the calling party.

Abstract: A customer administrative system is interfaced with one or more database network elements having unique subscriber creation or deletion policies. An agent is included within the interface to process a received generic subscriber creation or deletion command originated by a customer administrative system. Responsive thereto, the one or ones of the database network elements implicated by the command are identified and issued, in accordance with the appropriate unique policy for each identified database network element, the required individual database network element specific commands necessary to effectuate the subscriber creation or deletion activity.

Abstract: In a voice messaging system, voice mailboxes can be designated as private boxes from which boxes messages can be forwarded, with their source identities concealed, to destination mailboxes. Communication of messages may be between remote VMS systems as well as between mailboxes in the same VMS system. The private designation may be made selectively by a subscriber to the public switched telephone network on a global basis or on an individual basis for each message. The global designation may be toggled on or off at any time by a call to the system with appropriate input from the subscriber. Optionally, the private designation may be made for an individual message during the call in which the message is stored in the subscriber's mailbox. While information identifying the source of a communicated message is concealed from the recipient, a response message may be communicated from the recipient mailbox back to the source mailbox or a third party mailbox designated by the source subscriber.

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

Abstract: A FISU frame handler which is connected between an adapter and a SS7 low speed network. For each FISU frames transmitted or received in the adapter, an interrupt is generated to a processor located in the adapter. In order to diminish the number of processor interruptions, the FISU frames are externally processed by the FISU frame handler by discarding repeated FISU frames transmitted from the network so as to generate idle state signals to the adapter and by converting idle state signals received from the adapter into repetitive FISU frames to transmit them to the network without interrupting the processor. In order to perform both functions, the FISU frame handler comprises two dedicated hardware units which operate according to specific methods.

Abstract: When telephone calls are placed by dialing a special number such as an “800” number, the dialed number is converted to a specially configured translation number that includes a destination output set of digits which are preferably the last four digits of the dialed number. This translation number is transported over the network from an originating switch to a terminating switch which then outputs the output set to the destination. Advantageously, the terminating switch also replaces the prefix portion of the translation number with an output prefix consisting of at least the NXX portion of the dialed number and outputs this prefix along with the output set to the destination for use in call tracking.

Abstract: To hide a difference in call reference mode at a protocol control section from a basic call control section which provides an added service based on a plural call reference mode, a distributing section 21 of a virtual terminal control device 20 determines whether an event (signal) of a call reference correspondence from a basic call control section 10 is connectable or not to a terminal 40 via a protocol control section 30, and delivers the signal to an actual terminal processing section 22 or a virtual terminal processing section 23. In response to receipt of signals from the basic call control section, the protocol control section and the virtual terminal processing section, the actual terminal processing section determines and executes an operation per state while shifting the state, and transfers the signal to the protocol control section and the basic call control section while converting a call reference of the signal.

Abstract: An apartment building alerting system and method are disclosed which use the Public Switching Telephone Network (PSTN) to alert and connect visitors to residents. The PSTN system generally has a visitor interface unit located in the apartment building and is connected over a regular telephone line to a telephone switch located at an end office which serves the local area. The visitor interface unit also includes an auto dialler which takes a resident name, an apartment number or some other means for identifying a particular resident of the apartment building and translates it into a PSTN directory number (DN) associated with the telephone physically located in the resident's apartment. To contact a particular resident a visitor uses the visitor interface to identify a particular resident and the auto dialler proceeds to dial a corresponding PSTN DN associated with the resident. Where the resident answers the call the telephone switch connects the visitor with the resident over the PSTN.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for providing a service for users of a telecommunication network. Service calls requesting the execution of the service for an respective one of the users are routed to a service switching exchange of the telecommunication network or are respectively routed to one of several service switching exchanges of the telecommunication network. A corresponding service request is sent by the respective service switching exchange, that has received the respective service call, to a service control facility or to one of several possible service control facilities. The service request is routed to a particular one of a plurality of servers of the service control facility, which are formed on top of an object infrastructure within an object oriented computing environment The particular server acts as service repository server and determines another one of the plurality of servers that is available and able to execute the control of the service for the respective service call.

Abstract: In a method according to one intelligent network recommendation, when B subscriber has hung up the phone, a Service Switching Point (SSP) sends a message to a Service Control Point (SCP) about the hanging up. The SCP responds with a request to disconnect the B leg. A separate request increases unnecessary signalling. In another known method, after B subscriber has hung up, a timer is started and the B leg is disconnected only after a set period of time. This waiting time is annoying to A subscriber, especially when there are many calls to be made. In the method according to the invention, A subscriber can make a continuing call without waiting or without causing unnecessary signalling so that after a Service Control Function (SCF) receives information about the break off of the call, it sends a message to a Service Switching Function (SSF) containing a request to collect the dialling by A subscriber relating to a new B subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing user-to-user data transfer services utilizes an overlay network to transfer user-to-user data between users independent of communications between the users on a conventional signaling network. The system and method examines a frame of data received from a user to determine whether the frame contains user-to-user data. If the frame does contain user-to-user data, the user-to-user data is removed from the frame and formatted for transfer. The formatted user-to-user data is then transferred to the recipient via the overlay network, independently of the communication between the users on the signaling network.

Abstract: A communications system including multiple telecommunications networks having common channel signaling hardware is controlled by a hybrid or combination of common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system with a data internetwork to link the signaling points in the telecommunications network via the new hybrid common channel interoffice switching system. Preferably the internetwork comprises the Internet. The internet is used to link signal switching points, signal transfer points, and a signal control point. The signal control point is preferably hierarchical and distributed so as to provide ample power and capacity to supply signal control for multiple telecommunications networks of related or unrelated operating companies.

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.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus manually route incoming calls in a network in which an individual subscriber may be reached by the same telephone number on a number of different terminals, depending on, e.g., the type of incoming call and the time of day. An incoming call is automatically directed to one telephone, from which the subscriber may select to direct the call, e.g., to a fax machine, or an answering service. The terminals in question may be specified by the subscriber and identified by short numbers. An SSP and an SCP may be adapted to perform the service.

Abstract: A signal state management (SSM) system avoids both the overhead of maintaining call state and complex signaling in a packet network gateway, while simultaneously providing a more scalable system by not placing too great a state or processing burden on the signaling or call processing server. The SSM system sends an event/action table from a call agent to the gateway that directs the gateway to detect and accumulate specified signaling events generated by a telephone. The gateway accumulates the signaling events according to the event/action table and notifies the call agent only when the signaling events specified in the event/action table are detected. The call agent then sends a new event/action table to the gateway that commands the gateway to detect and accumulate a new set of signaling events. After notifying the call agent, the gateway operates in a quarantine where all signaling events are queued.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for processing telecommunications signaling. Signaling for a call is received into a signaling processor. The signaling processor processes the call and generates new signaling incorporating the processing. The new signaling is transferred to network elements as appropriate. The signaling processor is not coupled to a switch matrix and only communicates with the network elements over signaling links.

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.

Abstract: In known telecommunication systems a combination of a switch like a Service Switching Point or SSP and processor means like a Service Control Point or SCP can be used for providing several virtual private networks, which are completely independent. By allowing at least one destination of a virtual private number of one of said virtual private networks to correspond with a destination of a virtual private number of another virtual private network, the number of user possibilities is increased, like for example two companies each one of them having its own virtual private network and both having the possibility to work with the same secretary who works at home or with for example a secretary company situated at another location.

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

Abstract: A telephone calling card (prepaid or postpaid) service system with an intelligent network (IN) for automated call processing has a bailout capability for bailing out a call placed directly to the IN, to an operator for assistance upon the occurrence of predefined contingencies. A service control point (SCP) in the IN interfaces with a switch containing a service switching point (SSP) for switching a call to its destination via the ETSI INAP or ITU INAP protocol. The switch also contains an operator service position system (OSPS), and an originating call processor (OCP) coupled to both the SSP and OSPS. After the occurrence of a bailout condition (resulting from a call being unauthorized as determined by the SCP), the SCP sends a destination routing address to the SSP including a network routing address (NRA) indicating which OSPS to direct the call for eventual operator assistance (via the SSP).

Abstract: Apparatus and a concomitant method of providing a technique, within each central office (CO) in a digital CO cluster, for translating a destination number for a signaling message into a destination point code. Such a CO generally contains a switching system, for providing an interface to various station lines (telephone lines) and links to other DCOs, and/or an A-link consolidator (ALC), and an SS7 signaling processing system for providing a software based control system to properly format, address and route signaling messages. Through the invention, the SS7 signaling processing system first translates a destination number into a destination point code. The destination point code is then incorporated into a signaling message. The signaling message is subsequently routed to a destination node that corresponds to the destination point code. The destination point code indicates either a CO within the cluster or an STP outside of the cluster.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for managing a subscriber database maintained in a telephone exchange on the basis of changes occurring in the subscriber data. Thanks to the invention, ranges unlimited in respect of location, size and number can be reserved and released in the database for V5 interfaces.

Abstract: System and method for providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary voicemail service 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 voicemail 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 voicemail 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. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used as the basis for activation of the temporary voicemail service with respect to the caller's calling line number.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method provide a customer with the ability to obtain temporary caller identification services in an Advanced Intelligent Network. The customer initiates the service by dialing a call to a feature access code and does not require the intervention of a service representative. The call by the customer is recognized as a request for caller identification service. On the basis of the recognition, an association is retained between the line number and the Service Switching Point serving the line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary caller identification service for the requested line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used as the basis for activation of the temporary caller identification services with respect to the requested line number.

Abstract: System and method providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary notification service in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to feature access code, without thc intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary notification 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 notification 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. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used for activation of the temporary notification service with respect to the caller's calling line number.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for facilitating local number portability. In one exemplary embodiment, a local number portability system is provided which is arranged in a telecommunications management network framework. The system is adapted for use with administration center having an administration database for storing and updating subscription data. The system comprises an entry system having an entry database for storing subscription data. The entry system is positioned within a service management layer and is adapted to be placed in communication with the administration center. A service system is also provided which is adapted to be placed in communication with the administration center and which includes a service database for storing subscription information. The service system is located in a network management layer.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed virtual tandem switching system is provided in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch. The system includes an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device. The trunk interworking function device converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a structured circuit emulation service. The centralized control and signaling interworking function device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. Consequently, the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system replaces a standard tandem switch in the PSTN.

Abstract: For external terminals, telephone number information is provided internally in a private branch exchange. Upon call setup, signalling information is checked to determine if telephone number information is internally present in the private branch exchange to a user of a B-channel in an ISDN system. As warranted, dialing of the telephone number is initiated by a system controller in the private branch exchange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal mediation in a common channel signaling network are described. The method involves identifying candidate message signal units that require mediation and transmitting the candidate signal unit to an associated mediation function which performs access mediation on the contents of the candidate signal unit. The access mediation function may return one or more data packets to the network. The apparatus includes the signal transfer point, the associated mediation function and enhanced functionality in the signal transfer point for screening candidate signal units. The advantage is a more flexible and easily managed signal mediation point that removes the bulk of signal mediation from the signal transfer point so that the signal transfer point can remain dedicated to its signal transfer function.

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: To establish a connection to a terminal (TE5) of a subscriber access network (AN), a connection request directed to the terminal and containing a public number (CN) corresponding to the number of the terminal in a first public numbering range is routed to a switching unit (SSP, SCP) of the subscriber access network. From the public number (CN), the switching unit (SSP, SCP) determines that of two or more private branch exchanges (PABX1 to PABX3) of the subscriber access network in whose private numbering range the public number (CN) is assigned to the terminal (TE5) as an extension number. The switching unit (SSP, SCP) forms a virtual number (CVN) from the public number (CN) and an identification assigned to the determined private branch exchange (PABX2), and enters this virtual number (CVN) in the connection request. The connection request with this virtual number is then routed to the determined private branch exchange (PABX2) to initiate the establishment of the connection to the terminal.

Abstract: A signal transfer point distributes a plurality of messages to a plurality of service control points in accordance with a distribution plan. The distribution plan includes each of the service control points. Each of the plurality of messages from the signal transfer point is distributed to a corresponding one of the plurality of service control points in accordance with the distribution plan.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining information based on a calling number associated with a communication from a subscriber area defined within the service area. A grid/block/strip system defines at least one strip within a subscriber area and within a block. A strip table includes a strip entry for each strip and each strip entry includes strip entry information. In response to receipt of a communication including a calling number representing a point within the service area, a key is created. The key identifies a particular block encompassing the point. The key is used with the strip table to find a strip entry that corresponds to a strip encompassing the point. The encompassing strip is found by using the key to check only strip entries corresponding to the particular block, and in some embodiments, to check only the strip entry keys of a strip entry corresponding to the particular block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protocol conversion using channel associated signaling (CAS) is disclosed. A protocol conversion system is located logically between a first signaling system and a second signaling system, in which the first signaling system uses the Common Channel Signaling (CCS) protocol and the second signaling system uses CAS, which is incompatible with CCS. The protocol conversion system receives a first message from the first signaling system that conforms to the CCS protocol, converts the first message to one or more second messages that conform to the CAS protocol, and communicates the one or more second messages to the second signaling system, whereby a voice conversation is established between the first signaling system and the second signaling system. The protocol conversion system preferably comprises a universal protocol converter coupled to a CAS module.

Abstract: A method of operating a virtual private network includes the steps of: (a) dialing a custom number; (b) receiving the custom number at a switch (20) of a first carrier; (c) routing the call to a switch (18) of a second carrier based on having received the custom number; and (d) when the call to the switch (18) of the second carrier includes a plain old telephone number translation of the customer number, routing the call over the second carrier to a service switching point (26) of a third carrier.

Abstract: In an intelligent network comprising a plurality of Service Signalling Points (SSP) and a Service Control Point (SCP), improved handling of overload conditions at the Service Control Point is provided by means of a Network Signalling Point interposed between the SSPs and the SCP. The Network Signalling Point (NSP) has a store for storing a copy of each message the NSP sends to various Point Codes, including that of the SCP; and service software for monitoring its links based upon associated Point Codes. If the NSP does not receive, within a preset time period, a response to a message sent to a particular destination Point Code via a particular link that is intact, the service software module will retrieve the stored copy of the message, replace the original destination Point Code with an alternative Point Code, and route the modified message to the alternative Point Code.

Abstract: A Network Call Trace (NCT) method and system enables a call path route to be traced in a telecommunications network. A Type of Digit (TOD) in the Generic Digits Parameter (GDP) for an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) User Part (ISUP) command can be utilized to realize the NCT. A listing of Switch IDs (SIDs) from the originating subscriber's switch to the terminating subscriber's switch is provided so that routing inefficiencies can be discovered. In one embodiment, an Initial Address Message (IAM) is transmitted with a TOD Network Call Trace in the GDP. The NCT includes the SID of the originating switch. Any intermediate switches between the originating switch and the terminating switch likewise append their own SID onto the NCT list of SIDs. Finally, the terminating switch also adds its SID onto the end of the NCT list. This NCT list may then be transmitted and displayed for analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for treating telephone calls at a services node prior to completing the telephone call. The services node may provide a variety of services to treat the telephone call such as a Personal Access Service or playing a pre-recorded message. After treatment at the services node, the system recognizes that the telephone call has already been treated at a services node and the call is completed.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a facsimile message uses a public-switched telecommunications network, the public-switched telecommunication network having a messaging platform capable of storing a plurality of facsimile messages. The initiation of a telephone call to a destination is detected, the content of the call including the facsimile message. If the destination is available at a first time to receive a telephone call, the facsimile message is transmitted. The facsimile message may be stored on the messaging platform only if the destination is unavailable at the first time, or every time a telephone call is initiated by the originating party. The method also provides for situations where a telephone call is redirected, where an inter-NPA seven digit dialing case has occurred, and where "busy" or "no.sub.-- answer" triggers are implemented. If the facsimile message was stored, the facsimile message is transmitted at a second time if the destination is available.

Abstract: A "Local Number Portability (LNP) intelligent Signal Transfer Point (STP)" which can perform a Local Number Portability (LNP) query towards a Service Control Point (SCP) and modify the incoming Initial Address Message (IAM) with the Location Routing Number (LRN) and the Ported Dialed Number (PDN), and indicate, using the Forward Call Indicator (FCI) (M-bit), whether the number has been translated. This advantageously allows non-Advanced Intelligent Network capable Service Switching Points (SSPs) (but Integrated Services Digital Network User Part, or ISUP, capable SSPs) to support Local Number Portability (LNP) without having to upgrade the SSP's. In addition, the LNP intelligent STP system provides AIN-capable SSPs with an alternative means of LNP, which reduces both the internal switching processes and the cost for the LNP query transactions.