Telecommunications tandem system for circuit-based traffic

• US 6,795,440 B1
• Filed: 03/19/1999
• Issued: 09/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sprint Communications Company LP (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Original Assignee: Sprint Communications Company LP (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Inventors: Nelson, Tracy Lee, Wiley, William Lyle, DuRee, Albert Daniel, Christie, Joseph Michael, Gardner, Michael Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Ajit
• Application Number:
  US09/272,131
• Time in Patent Office: 2,013 Days
• Field of Search: 370/351-356, 370/395.1, 370/396-399, 370/400, 370/401, 370/410, 370/466, 370/389, 370/384, 370/385, 370/395.3, 370/395.71, 379/219, 379/220.01, 379/229, 379/230
• US Class Current: 370/395.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5619 Network Node Interface, e.g. tandem connections, transit switching
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/563 Signalling, e.g. protocols, reference model
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/5672 Multiplexing, e.g. coding, scrambling
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42297 with number portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0478 Provisions for broadband connections

Abstract

The invention is a tandem system for providing a tandem connection for circuit-based traffic. This tandem system comprises an ATM cross-connect, ATM interworking multiplexers, and a signaling processor. The multiplexer converts the traffic received by the tandem system into ATM where it is routed through the cross-connect and re-converted, back into the circuit-based format at an ATM interworking multiplexer. The signaling processor controls the virtual connections and out going circuit-based connections used by the multiplexers.

Claims

1. A method for operating a tandem communications system, the method comprising:

receiving incoming circuit-based traffic into an asynchronous interworking system;

receiving signaling information associated with the incoming circuit-based traffic into a processor;

processing the signaling information in the processor to select an identifier and a connection and generating control information identifying the selected identifier and the selected connection;

transferring the control information from the processor to the asynchronous interworking system;

in the asynchronous interworking system, converting the incoming circuit-based traffic into asynchronous traffic in response to the control information;

routing the asynchronous traffic from the asynchronous interworking system through a matrix based on the selected identifier in response to the control information;

in the asynchronous interworking system, converting the asynchronous traffic into outgoing circuit-based traffic after routing the asynchronous traffic through the matrix; and

transmitting the outgoing circuit-based traffic from the asynchronous interworking system over the selected connection in response to the control information.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the signaling information to generate and transmit new signaling information identifying the selected connection.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the signaling information is a call set-up message.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the signaling information is a Signaling System #7 message.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the signaling information is a Signaling System #7 Initial Address Message.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a called number in the signaling information.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on an NPA in a called number in the signaling information.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on an NXX in a called number in the signaling information.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on an NPA-NXX in a called number in the signaling information.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a local route number in the signaling information.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a network identified in the signaling information.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a network element identified in the signaling information.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a transit network selection code in the signaling information.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a carrier identification parameter in the signaling information.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a nature of address in the signaling information.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein processing the signaling information to select the identifier and the connection comprises selecting the identifier and the connection based on a carrier identification parameter in the signaling information.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected connection is to an enhanced services platform.

18. The method of claim 1 further comprising performing a continuity test.

19. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting a tone.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising inserting a tone.

21. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a loopback.

22. The method of claim 1 further comprising performing voice detection.

23. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a voice message.

24. The method of claim 1 further comprising compressing the traffic.

25. The method of claim 1 further comprising encrypting the traffic.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the signaling information to validate a caller.

27. The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the signaling information to select echo control.

28. The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the signaling information to generate billing information.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein the billing information identifies call parties and call time points.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein the billing information identifies special call services.

31. The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the signaling information to access a remote database for routing information.

32. The method of claim 31 further wherein the routing information is number portability information.

33. The method of claim 1 further comprising processing the signaling information to load balance.

34. The method of claim 1 wherein the asynchronous traffic is asynchronous transfer mode cells and the selected identifier is a selected asynchronous transfer mode identifier.

35. The method of claim 34 further comprising, generating the control information identifying the selected asynchronous transfer mode identifier and the selected outgoing circuit based traffic connection, converting the incoming circuit-based traffic into the asynchronous transfer mode traffic with the selected asynchronous transfer mode identifier in response to control information, routing the asynchronous transfer mode traffic through the matrix based on the selected asynchronous transfer mode identifier in response to the control information, and transmitting the outgoing circuit-based traffic from the asynchronous interworking system over the selected outgoing circuit based traffic connection in response to the control information.

36. The method of claim 34 further comprising processing the signaling information to generate and transmit new signaling information identifying the selected connection.

37. The method of claim 34 wherein the selected connection is to an enhanced services platform.

38. The method of claim 34 further comprising performing a continuity test.

39. The method of claim 34 further comprising detecting a tone.

40. The method of claim 34 further comprising inserting a tone.

41. The method of claim 34 further comprising providing a loopback.

42. The method of claim 34 further comprising performing voice detection.

43. The method of claim 34 further comprising providing a voice message.

44. The method of claim 34 further comprising compressing the traffic.

45. The method of claim 34 further comprising encrypting the traffic.

46. The method of claim 34 further comprising processing the signaling information to validate a caller.

47. The method of claim 34 further comprising processing the signaling information to select echo control.

48. The method of claim 34 further comprising processing the signaling information to generate billing information.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein the billing information identifies call parties and call time points.

50. The method of claim 48 wherein the billing information identifies special call services.

51. The method of claim 34 further comprising processing the signaling information to access a remote database for routing information.

52. The method of claim 51 further wherein the routing information is number portability information.

53. The method of claim 34 further comprising processing the signaling information to load balance.

54. A tandem communications system comprising:

a processor configured to receive signaling information associated with incoming circuit-based traffic, process the signaling information to select an identifier and a connection, generate control information identifying the selected identifier and the selected connection, and transfer the control information identifying the selected identifier and the selected connection;

an asynchronous interworking system configured to receive the control information and the incoming circuit-based traffic, convert the incoming circuit-based traffic into asynchronous traffic in response to the control information, route the asynchronous traffic from the asynchronous interworking system through a matrix based on the selected identifier in response to the control information, convert the asynchronous traffic into outgoing circuit-based traffic after routing the asynchronous traffic through the matrix, and transit the outgoing circuit-based traffic from the asynchronous interworking system over the selected connection in response to the control information; and

a link between the processor and asynchronous interworking system configured to transfer the control information.

55. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is further configured to generate and transmit new signaling information identifying the selected connection.

56. The tandem communications system of claim 54 further comprising the matrix.

57. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the signaling information is a call set-up message.

58. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the signaling information is a Signaling System #7 message.

59. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the signaling information is a Signaling System #7 Initial Address Message.

60. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a called number in the signaling information.

61. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on an NPA in a called number in the signaling information.

62. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on an NXX in a called number in the signaling information.

63. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on an NPA-NXX in a called number in the signaling information.

64. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a local route number in the signaling information.

65. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a network identified in the signaling information.

66. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a network element identified in the signaling information.

67. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and me connection based on a transit network selection code in the signal information.

68. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a carrier identification parameter in the signaling information.

69. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a nature of address in the signaling information.

70. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is configured to select the identifier and the connection based on a carrier identification parameter in the signaling information.

71. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the selected connection is to an enhanced services platform.

72. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor and the asynchronous interworking system are further configured to perform a continuity test.

73. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to detect a tone.

74. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to insert a tone.

75. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to provide a loopback.

76. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to perform voice detection.

77. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to provide a voice message.

78. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to compress the traffic.

79. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to encrypt the traffic.

80. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to validate a caller.

81. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to select echo control.

82. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to generate billing information.

83. The tandem communications system of claim 82 wherein the billing information identifies call parties and call time points.

84. The tandem communications system of claim 82 wherein the billing information identifies special call services.

85. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to access a remote database for routing information.

86. The tandem communications system of claim 85 wherein the routing information is number portability information.

87. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to load balance.

88. The tandem communications system of claim 54 wherein the asynchronous traffic is asynchronous transfer mode cells and the selected identifier is a selected asynchronous transfer mode identifier.

89. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor is further configured to generate and transmit new signaling information identifying the selected connection.

90. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the selected connection is to an enhanced services platform.

91. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor and the asynchronous interworking system are further configured to perform a continuity test.

92. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to detect a tone.

93. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to insert a tone.

94. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to provide a loopback.

95. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to perform voice detection.

96. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to provide a voice message.

97. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to compress the traffic.

98. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the asynchronous interworking system is further configured to encrypt the traffic.

99. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to validate a caller.

100. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to select echo control.

101. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to generate billing information.

102. The tandem communications system of claim 101 wherein the billing information identifies call parties and call time points.

103. The tandem communications system of claim 101 wherein the billing information identifies special call services.

104. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to access a remote database for routing information.

105. The tandem communications system of claim 104 wherein the routing information is number portability information.

106. The tandem communications system of claim 88 wherein the processor is further configured to process the signaling information to load balance.

107. A tandem communications system comprising:

a processor configured to receive first signaling information associated with first incoming circuit-based traffic, process the first signaling information to select a first identifier and a first connection, transfer first control information identifying the selected first identifier and the selected first connection, receive second signaling information associated with second incoming circuit-based traffic, process the second signaling information to select a second identifier and a second connection, and transfer second control information identifying the selected second identifier and the selected second connection;

a first asynchronous interworking system configured to receive the first control information and the first incoming circuit-based traffic, convert the first incoming circuit-based traffic into first asynchronous traffic, route the first asynchronous traffic from the first asynchronous interworking system through a first matrix based on the selected first identifier, convert the first asynchronous traffic into first outgoing circuit-based traffic after routing the first asynchronous traffic through the first matrix, and transmit the first outgoing circuit-based traffic from the first asynchronous interworking system over the selected first connection;

a second asynchronous interworking system configured to receive the second control information and the second incoming circuit-based traffic, convert the second incoming circuit-based traffic into second asynchronous traffic, route the second asynchronous traffic from the second asynchronous interworking system through a second matrix based on the selected second identifier, convert the second asynchronous traffic into second outgoing circuit-based traffic after routing the second asynchronous traffic through the second matrix, and transmit the second outgoing circuit-based traffic from the second asynchronous interworking system over the selected second connection; and

a first link between the processor and first asynchronous interworking system configured to transfer the first control information; and

a second link between the processor and second asynchronous interworking system configured to transfer the second control information wherein the processor is remotely located frorn the second asynchronous interworking system.

108. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is remotely located from the first asynchronous interworking system.

109. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the first and second asynchronous traffic is asynchronous transfer mode cells and the selected first and second identifiers identify respective selected first and second asynchronous transfer mode connections.

110. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is further configured to generate and transmit first new signaling information identifying the selected first connection and second new signaling information identifying the selected second connection.

111. The tandem communications system of claim 107 further comprising the first matrix and the second matrix.

112. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the first and second signaling information is respective first and second call set-up messages.

113. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the first and second signaling information is respective first and second Signaling System #7 messages.

114. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the first and second signaling information is respective first and second Signaling System #7 Initial Address Messages.

115. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is configured to select the first identifier and the first connection based on a first called number in the first signaling information and the processor is configured to select the second identifier and the second connection based on a second called number in the second signaling information.

116. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is configured to select the first identifier and the first connection based on a first NPA in a first called number in the first signaling information and the processor is configured to select the second identifier and the second connection based on a second NPA in a second called number in the second signaling information.

117. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is configured to select the first identifier and the first connection based on a first NXX in a first called number in the first signaling information and the processor is configured to select the second identifier and the second connection based on a second in a second called number in the second signaling information.

118. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is configured to select the first identifier and the first connection based on a first local route number in the first signaling information and the processor is configured to select the second identifier and the second connection based on a second local route number in the second signaling information.

119. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is configured to select the first identifier and the first connection based on a first network identified in the first signaling information and the processor is configured to select the second identifier and the second connection based on a second network identified in the second signaling information.

120. The tandem communications system of claim 107 wherein the processor is configured to select the first identifier and the first connection based on a first network element identified in the first signaling information and the processor is configured to select the second identifier and the second connection based on a second network element identified in the second signaling information.