Enriching traffic data in a telephone network

• US 8,934,480 B2
• Filed: 03/18/2013
• Issued: 01/13/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Gillis, Raymond A., Ritter, Robert E., Raughley, Timothy A., Pasupulati, Venkatasathya, Snow, Carol B., Smith, Douglas C., Brand, Kevin, Hartnett, Paula
• Primary Examiner(s): Nawaz, Asad
• Assistant Examiner(s): ALI, SYED
• Application Number:
  US13/846,942
• Publication Number:
  US 20140269679A1
• Time in Patent Office: 666 Days
• Field of Search: 370/352
• US Class Current: 370/352
• 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 15/49 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/56 for VoIP communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/66 Traffic distributors

Abstract

A processor is configured to receive call records from telecommunication network and load the call records into a telephone number (TN) list. Local Routing Number (LRN) data identifying ported numbers are obtained from a reference database and applied to the call records to enrich the call records with ported information. Also, Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) data associated with the LRN data are obtained from the reference database and applied to the call records to enrich the call records with LERG information. Based on the LERG information, an originating carrier from a routing carrier for the call records is distinguished. The originating carrier is a carrier originating a call and passing the call to the routing carrier for delivery to its final destination. The ownership to the call records are assigned based on the originating carrier.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving, at a processor, call records from telecommunication network and loading the call records into a telephone number (TN) list;

obtaining, from a reference database, Local Routing Number (LRN) data identifying ported numbers and applying the LRN data to the call records to enrich the call records with ported information;

obtaining, from the reference database, Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG) data associated with the LRN data and applying the LERG data to the call records to enrich the call records with LERG information, wherein enriching the call records with the LERG information includes using call records enrichment fields to enrich the call records with the LERG information;

distinguishing an originating carrier from a routing carrier for the call records based on the LERG information enriching the call records, the originating carrier being a carrier originating a call and passing the call to the routing carrier for delivery to a next destination of the call;

distinguishing a terminating carrier from the routing carrier for the call records based on the LERG information enriching the call records, the terminating carrier receiving the call from the routing carrier and terminating the call;

assigning ownership to the call records based on the originating carrier and the terminating carrier; and

setting a transit flag for the call records in the TN list using the LERG information,

wherein for calls from a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) or an Independent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) to a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC), the transit flag is set in accordance with following logic rules;

(1) when an Interexchange Carrier ID Code (CIC) is present in a call, the call is a transit call and the transit flag is set to true;

(2) when the CIC Code is not present in the call and a Terminating Number (TNUM) is not associated with the LEC, the call is a transit call and the transit flag is set to true; and

(3) when the CIC Code is not present in the call and the TNUM is associated with the LEC, the call is not a transit call and the transit flag is set to false.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the call records includes receiving Signaling System Seven (SS7) Call Detail Records (CDRs) received from Signal Transfer Points (STPs) for interoffice calls from central office switches of the network for intra-office calls.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ported information includes the LRN associated with ported calls in the TN list.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the LERG data includes state, LATA, rate center, and carrier name associated with the LRN.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein distinguishing the originating carrier from the routing carrier includes using the call records enriched with the LERG information to identify an Originating Number (ONUM) for a call from the CLEC to the LEC and assigning the originating carrier to an owner of the ONUM.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ONUM for the call is assigned in accordance with following logic rules:

(1) if a valid forwarding number is present in the call and the forwarding number is found in a Local Number Portability (LNP) database, the ONUM is an LRN associated with the forwarding number;

(2) if a valid forwarding number is present in the call and the forwarding number is not found in the LNP database, the ONUM is the forwarding number;

(3) if a valid forwarding number is not present in the call and a valid calling number is present in the call and in the LNP database, the ONUM is an LRN associated with the calling number;

(4) if a valid forwarding number is not present in the call and a valid calling number is present in the call and not present in the LNP database, the ONUM is the calling number;

(5) if neither a valid forwarding number nor a valid calling number are present in the call and a valid charge number is present in the call and in the LNP database, the ONUM is an LRN associated with the charge number;

(6) if neither a valid forwarding number nor a valid calling number are present in the call and a valid charge number is present in the call and not present in the LNP database, the ONUM is the charge number;

(7) if no valid forwarding number, no valid calling number, and no valid charge number are present in the call and a valid Jurisdictional Information Parameter (JIP) number is present, the ONUM is the JIP number; and

(8) if no valid forwarding number, no valid calling number, no valid charge number and no valid JIP are present in the call, the ONUM is set to null.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein for calls from the LEC to the CLEC or the ILEC, the transit flag is set in accordance with following logic rules:

(1) if an ONUM is not associated with the LEC, the call is a transit call and the transit flag is set to true; and

(2) if the ONUM is associated with the LEC, the call is not a transit call and the transit flag is set to false.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining, from the reference database, Voice over IP (VoIP) data identifying Verizon VoIP numbers and applying the VoIP data to the call records to enrich the call records with VoIP information; and

obtaining, from the reference database, VoIP data identifying non-Verizon numbers based on ONUM or TNUM switch type as determined from LERG7, LERG7SHA, and/or Telecordia documentation.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning jurisdiction to the call records based on whether or not a Dialing (DG) number and a Dialed (DD) number associated with each of the call records are assigned to rate centers that are determined to be in same local calling area.

10. The method of claim 9, the DG number for the call is assigned in accordance with following logic rules:

(1) if a valid forwarding number is present, the DG number is the valid forwarding number regardless of whether or not the forwarding number is ported;

(2) if a valid forwarding number is not present and a valid calling number is present in the call, the DG is the calling number regardless of whether or not the calling number is ported;

(3) if neither a valid forwarding number nor a valid calling number are present in the call and a valid charge number is present in the call, the DG is the charge number regardless of whether or not the charge number is ported;

(4) if no valid forwarding number, no valid calling number, and no valid charge number are present in the call and a valid JIP number is present, the DG is the JIP number; and

(5) if no valid forwarding number, no valid calling number, no valid charge number and no valid JIP are present in the call, the DG is set to null.

11. The method of claim 9, the DD number for the call is assigned in accordance with following logic rules:

(1) if the call has been LNP dipped by a network and found ported, DD is Generic Address Parameter (GAP) if the GAP is a 10 digit number;

(2) if the call has been LNP dipped by the network and found ported, DD is the Enriched Called Number if the GAP is a 7 digit number;

(3) if the call has been LNP dipped by the network and found to be not ported, DD is the Called Number if the Called Number is a 10 digit number;

(4) if the call has been LNP dipped by the network and found to be not ported, DD is the Enriched Called Number if the Called Number is a 7-digit number;

(5) if the call has not been LNP dipped by the network, the Called Number is looked up in the LNP data and if found ported, DD is the LRN of the Called Number;

(6) if the call has not been LNP dipped by the network, the Called Number is looked up in the LNP data and if not found ported, DD is the Called Number if the Called Number is a 10 digit number; and

(7) if the call has not been LNP dipped by the network, the Called Number is looked up in the LNP data and if not found ported, DD is the Enriched Called Number if the Called Number is a 7 digit number.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein distinguishing the terminating carrier from the routing carrier includes using the call records enriched with the LERG information to identify a Terminating Number (TNUM) and assigning the terminating carrier to an owner of the TNUM.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the TNUM for the call is assigned in accordance with following logic rules:

(1) if the call has been LNP dipped and found to be ported, the TNUM is a number appearing in a Called Number filed associated with the call, the number being the LRN associated with the call;

(2) if the call has been LNP dipped and found to be not ported, the TNUM is a Called Number if the Called Number is a 10 digit number;

(3) if the call has been LNP dipped and found to be not ported, the TNUM is the Enriched Called Number if the Called Number is a 7 digit number, the Enriched Called Number may include NPA information;

(4) if the call has not been LNP dipped by the network, the Called Number is looked up in the LNP reference data and if found to be ported, the LRN is used for the TNUM;

(5) if the call has not been LNP dipped by the network, the called number is looked up in the LNP reference data and if found not to be ported, the Called Number is used for the TNUM if the Called Number is a 10 digit number; and

(6) if the call has not been LNP dipped by the network, the Called Number is looked up in the LNP reference data and if found not to be ported, the Enriched Called Number is used for the TNUM if the Called Number is a 7 digit number.

14. A server comprising:

a processor; and

a memory storing executable instructions for causing the processor to;

receive call records from telecommunication network and loading the call records into a telephone number (TN) list;

obtain, from a reference database, LRN data identifying ported numbers and applying the LRN data to the call records to enrich the call records with ported information;

obtain, from the reference database, LERG data associated with the LRN data and applying the LERG data to the call records to enrich the call records with LERG information, wherein enriching the call records with the LERG information includes using call records enrichment fields to enrich the call records with the LERG information;

distinguish an originating carrier from a routing carrier for the call records based on the LERG information enriching the call records, the originating carrier being a carrier originating a call and passing the call to the routing carrier for delivery to a next destination of the call;

distinguish a terminating carrier from the routing carrier for the call records based on the LERG information enriching the call records, the terminating carrier receiving the call from the routing carrier and terminating the call;

assign ownership to the call records based on the originating carrier and the terminating carrier; and

set a transit flag for the call records in the TN list using the LERG information,

wherein for calls from a CLEC or an ILEC to a LEC, the transit flag is set in accordance with following logic rules;

(1) when an CIC is present in a call, the call is a transit call and the transit flag is set to true;

(2) when the CIC Code is not present in the call and a TNUM is not associated with the LEC, the call is a transit call and the transit flag is set to true; and

(3) when the CIC Code is not present in the call and the TNUM is associated with the LEC, the call is not a transit call and the transit flag is set to false.