Integrated proxy interface for web based telecommunications network management

• US 6,381,644 B2
• Filed: 09/24/1998
• Issued: 04/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: MCI WorldCom, Inc. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Suscheck, Charles A., Pfister, Robert A., Munguia, Wayne J.
• Primary Examiner(s): WINDER, PATRICE L
• Application Number:
  US09/159,513
• Publication Number:
  US 20010052013A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,314 Days
• Field of Search: 709/220, 709/226, 709/229, 709/221, 709/203, 709/205, 709/223, 379/201, 713/201
• US Class Current: 709/225
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0709 in a distributed system consisting of a plurality of standalone computer nodes, e.g. clusters, client-server systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0769 Readable error formats, e.g. cross-platform generic formats, human understandable formats
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0781 Error filtering or prioritizing based on a policy defined by the user or on a policy defined by a hardware/software module, e.g. according to a severity level
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3495 for systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/972 Access to data in other repository systems, e.g. legacy data or dynamic Web page generation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/86 Event-based monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2201/875 Monitoring of systems including the internet
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2149 Restricted operating environment
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/107 Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/14 Charging , metering or billing arrangements for data wireline or wireless communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1428 Invoice generation, e.g. customization, lay-out, database processing, algorithms for calculating the bill or formatting invoices as WWW pages invoicing in general G06Q30/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0213 Standardised network management protocols, e.g. simple network management protocol [SNMP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0233 Object-oriented techniques, for representation of network management data, e.g. common object request broker architecture [CORBA]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/024 using relational databases for representation of network management data, e.g. managing via structured query language [SQL]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/06 Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0803 Configuration setting
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0879 Manual configuration through operator
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/122 : of virtualised topologies, e.g. software-defined networks [SDN] or network function virtualisation [NFV]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/18 : Delegation of network management function, e.g. customer network management [CNM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/22 : comprising specially adapted graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/28 : Restricting access to network management systems or functions, e.g. using authorisation function to access network configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/5074 : Handling of user complaints or trouble tickets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 : Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0817 : by checking functioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 : User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0209 : Architectural arrangements, e.g. perimeter networks or demilitarized zones
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0236 : Filtering by address, protocol, port number or service, e.g. IP-address or URL
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0272 : Virtual private networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0281 : Proxies
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0464 : using hop-by-hop encryption, i.e. wherein an intermediate entity decrypts the information and re-encrypts it before forwarding it
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 : for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0815 : providing single-sign-on or federations
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/162 : at the data link layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/166 : at the transport layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 : Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1008 : based on parameters of servers, e.g. available memory or workload monitoring of computer activity G06F11/30
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/142 : Managing session states for stateless protocols; Signalling session states; State transitions; Keeping-state mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 : User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/55 : Push-based network services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/61 : taking into account QoS or priority requirements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/62 : Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/63 : Routing a service request depending on the request content or context
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 : Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/16 : Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/162 : involving adaptations of sockets based mechanisms secure socket layer H04L63/168
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 : in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 : Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/41 : Billing record details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure of call data record [CDR]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/43 : Billing software details
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/44 : Augmented, consolidated or itemized billing statement or bill presentation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/51 : for resellers, retailers or service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/58 : based on statistics of usage or network monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/745 : Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 : Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8044 : Least cost routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/83 : Notification aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8351 : before establishing a communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/84 : Types of notifications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0104 : Augmented, consolidated or itemised billing statement, e.g. additional billing information, bill presentation, layout, format, e-mail, fax, printout, itemised bill per service or per account, cumulative billing, consolidated billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0108 : Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0152 : General billing plans, rate plans, e.g. charge rates, numbering plans, rate centers, customer accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0164 : Billing record, e.g. Call Data Record [CDR], Toll Ticket[TT], Automatic Message Accounting [AMA], Call Line Identifier [CLI], details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0168 : On line or real-time flexible customization or negotiation according to wishes of subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0176 : Billing arrangements using internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/018 : On-line real-time billing, able to see billing information while in communication, e.g. via the internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0188 : Network monitoring; statistics on usage on called/calling number
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/42 : Least cost routing, i.e. provision for selecting the lowest cost tariff
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/46 : Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/54 : Resellers-retail or service providers billing, e.g. agreements with telephone service operator, activation, charging/recharging of accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/745 : Least cost routing, e.g. Automatic or manual, call by call or by preselection
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/81 : Notifying aspects, e.g. notifications or displays to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/8108 : before establishing a communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/8129 : Type of notification
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/82 : Advice-of-Charge [AOC], i.e. notify subscriber of charges/cumulative charge; meter at the substation

Abstract

A web/Internet-based Outbound Network Management tool that enables customers of telecommunications network providers to modify outbound access to their virtual networks via a Web/Internet-based graphical user interface. Via a secure Web/Internet-based connection, the tool enables customers to add, create, modify or view their outbound network telecommunications network assets including: calling party numbers, calling cards, virtual network dialing plans, and their Code ID/Set attributes and features associated with their virtual networks.

Claims

1. A Web/Internet based telecommunications network management system for managing customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network assets via a client browser application resident at a client workstation, said system comprising:

at least one authentication secure server for managing secure client sessions over the Internet, said authentication server supporting a first secure socket connection enabling encrypted communication between said browser application client and said authentication secure server, said authentication secure server configured to validate said browser application client;

a dispatch server for communicating with said authentication secure server through a first firewall over a second socket connection, said first firewall including port specific filtering routers, said first and second socket connections forming a secure communications link;

at least one application secure server for communicating with said dispatch server through a second firewall, said at least one application server providing application services which may be requested by said browser application client, said first and second firewalls effectively forming an access restriction zone for preventing unauthorized access to said at least one application server;

network configuration device for maintaining an inventory of a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network assets; and

,

outbound network manager for receiving customer directives communicated over said secure communications link, said directives including a request to access inventory pertaining to that customer'"'"'s outbound network management assets, and downloading details of said outbound network management assets to customers over said secure communications link for visual presentation at said client workstation.

2. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 1, further including means for modifying said outbound network management assets via said client browser and uploading outbound network management asset modification directives to said outbound network manager over said secure communications link, wherein said outbound network manager translates said received modification directives into commands for input to said network configuration device and forwarding said commands to said network configuration device.

3. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes customer'"'"'s calling party numbers.

4. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes customer'"'"'s calling card numbers.

5. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes dialing plan details.

6. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes one or more customer ID Codes associated with a customer having corresponding pre-specified user range privileges.

7. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outbound network management assets pertain to a customer'"'"'s virtual network.

8. The interactive Web/Internet based network management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said customer directives are communicated over said secure communications link to said network manager by remote method invocation-like protocol.

9. A method for remotely configuring a customer'"'"'s telecommunications network via a Web/Internet based integrated interface, said integrated interface including a client browser application located at a client workstation for enabling interactive Web based communications between said customer and said integrated interface, said method comprising:

managing a client session over the Web/Internet by providing a first server device capable of supporting a first secure socket connection enabling encrypted communication between said browser application and said first server device;

providing a second server device for communicating with said first server device through a first firewall over a second socket connection, said first firewall including port specific filtering routers, said,first secure and second socket connections forming a secure communications link;

providing at least one third server device for communicating with said second server device through a second firewall over a third socket connection;

said first and second firewalls effectively forming an access restriction zone for preventing unauthorized access to said at least one third server device;

maintaining an inventory of a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network assets;

communicating customer request messages for accessing details pertaining to said customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network assets over said secure communications link; and

downloading said outbound telecommunications network assets as response messages to customers over said secure communications link for visual presentation at said client workstation.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, further including the step of enabling customer modification of said outbound telecommunication network assets via said integrated interface and up-loading modification directives over said secure communications link to an outbound telecommunications network manager for receiving said directives, and translating said modification directives into a format capable of configuring said customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further including the step of forwarding said modified outbound telecommunication network assets to a device for configuring said customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network according to said modification directives.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, further including the step of providing an interface with network control elements capable of configuring a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said customer directive includes an order to modify an existing outbound telecommunications network asset at a predefined time.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes customer'"'"'s calling party numbers.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes customer'"'"'s calling card numbers.

16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes dialing plan details.

17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein a customer'"'"'s outbound telecommunications network asset capable of being modified includes one or more customer ID Codes associated with a customer having corresponding pre-specified user range privileges.