Method and system for providing mediated access between signaling networks
First Claim
1. In interconnected switched telecommunications networks, each comprising a number of network elements, each network element being interconnected via a plurality of communications channels whose connectivity and call processing operations are directly or indirectly controlled by signalling messages exchanged over a coupled but separate signalling network comprising a number of Signalling Points (SP) and a plurality of signalling links, a method of providing mediated access at a Signalling Mediation Point (SMP) for signalling messages exchanged between one signalling network and an interconnected other network so that communication between an originating SP in one network and a destination SP in the other network is mediated, comprising the steps of:
- a) receiving a signalling message from said originating SP at said Signalling Mediation Point (SMP);
b) determining at said SMP the type of message being forwarded by said originating SP;
c) validating said received signalling message before allowing communication between said originating and terminating SPs;
d) modifying data parameters in said received signalling message identifying the message'"'"'s source and destination and modifying any invalid parameter values fond in the said received signalling message and recording information about or contained within said received signaling message; and
e) routing said received signalling message with said modified data parameters to the said destination SP.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system is disclosed for mediating signalling protocol dialogue between an internal signalling network operational domain operated by one network operator and an external signalling network operational domain operated by another network operator. One embodiment provides a method of dividing the SS7 traffic (Message Signal Units or MSUs) arriving for Mediation, into classes such that network performance requirements can be met, wherein some message classes will receive only normal SS7 processing while others will be analyzed in detail. MSUs requiring detailed analysis must be routed to a mediation application process appropriate to that class. Another embodiment provides a method of manipulating Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) address parameters in the SMP in order to maintain normal SS7 message processing and routing functions while mediating individual messages. Yet another embodiment provides a method enabling the SMP to route a received MSU on toward its intended final destination based on information encoded in the Message Transfer Part (MTP) addresses contained in the MSU.
56 Citations
16 Claims
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1. In interconnected switched telecommunications networks, each comprising a number of network elements, each network element being interconnected via a plurality of communications channels whose connectivity and call processing operations are directly or indirectly controlled by signalling messages exchanged over a coupled but separate signalling network comprising a number of Signalling Points (SP) and a plurality of signalling links, a method of providing mediated access at a Signalling Mediation Point (SMP) for signalling messages exchanged between one signalling network and an interconnected other network so that communication between an originating SP in one network and a destination SP in the other network is mediated, comprising the steps of:
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a) receiving a signalling message from said originating SP at said Signalling Mediation Point (SMP); b) determining at said SMP the type of message being forwarded by said originating SP; c) validating said received signalling message before allowing communication between said originating and terminating SPs; d) modifying data parameters in said received signalling message identifying the message'"'"'s source and destination and modifying any invalid parameter values fond in the said received signalling message and recording information about or contained within said received signaling message; and e) routing said received signalling message with said modified data parameters to the said destination SP. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification