CN1792062A - Intermediary network system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Network System and Method for facilitating message exchange between mobile subscribers belonging to the same or different public land mobile networks, possibly incorporating different standards. Message exchange between two subscribers of the same or different networks may involve one or more lookups on subscription data, zero or more message transformations, one or more routing decisions including application of costing functions, and, storage and propagation of the message in one or more Core or Intermediary networks. The messages may be of type, among others, SMS (Short Message Service), MMS (Multimedia Message Service), or EMAIL.

Description

The meta network system and method

The application requires the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/445 of submission on February 7th, 2003, the U.S. Patent application No.10/426 that on May 1st, 444 and 2003 submitted to, and 662 priority, they all are incorporated herein for reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to field of telecommunications, and relate more specifically to make the sender of message and the recipient can be in the intermediary system with sending and receiving message between the wireless network of incompatible procotol.

Background technology

In the North America and many other parts in the world, mobile telecom network is take different standards as feature, such as TDMA, CDMA, GSM, iDEN and many their variants, such as 2G (second generation network) and 3G (third generation networks). Described standard has typically been stipulated radio interface characteristics, device specifics and relevant numbering plan, has been comprised applicable communication protocol and the interference networks feature of related news definition. Although some concepts are general in the middle of these disparate standards, the concomitant deficiency of these concepts is thought the needs that wireless information sends and the equipment that belongs to a network and the equipment that belongs to another network is conversed mutually.

Communication network is supported many services. Wherein main is that audio call and message send. Aspect of the present invention relates generally to message and sends, and therefore this description concentrates on the state that message sends standard that describes in detail.

The revolution that wireless information sends is mainly begun by the GSM standard of introducing Short Message Service (SMS). SMS message can have maximum 160 characters (140 eight hytes) and be used to numerous application, comprises that the individual sends, sends and other numerous purposes such as the binary content of bell sound, individual message to application individual's message. Nearly all other standard such as ANSI TDMA and cdma wireless network have also been realized the equivalents that short message is supported in its network. Noticeable exception is iDEN, although it realizes that packet data network and message transmission are supported, it does not have the message of being equivalent to sends anything.

There is the message of other form to send, as by the EMAIL of many network supports, WAP and nearest Multimedia Message (MMS). In some cases, a kind of message of form sends on the supporting body (bearer) that is carried on other message transmission form. For example, EMAIL message can realize with the SMS as the supporting body service.

In general, it is unlikely exchanging messages at the heterogeneous networks of supporting the different radio standard. Because the realization of GSM standard in many networks become very universal in Europe and the transmission of world other parts SMS message, it becomes possibility so that across a network easily exchanges SMS message. In the situation of ANSI TIA/EIA 41 standards, aspect of the present invention in calendar year 2001 this exchange or impossible before the North America is implemented.

Roaming, number portability, service quality, " junk information " and note expense demand make the message exchange of striding heterogeneous networks further complicated. Just because of its character, if having service protocol between the affected network, the mobile network allows the subscriber unit to roam in this network of realizing compatibility standard and other network. For message delivery being arrived mobile unit, gateway and the interface IP address that must find its current location and be associated.

The number portability of one of feature is the ability of number being transplanted to another from a service provider. When using relatively static routing table, number portability causes the problem of delivery of messages. Similar but independently problem arise from " number range contamination ". For example in the North America, use alleged NPA/NXX scope with message and call routing to network. The method refers to use first call routing of six of telephone number (TN) in the North America number planning (NANP). The number range group of being divided by NPA/NXX traditionally, is assigned to the service provider.

Recently, in the U.S., service provider's range of telephone numbers assigned change. Using now 7 scopes to replace common 6 item code scopes assigns. Yet during again assigning, some number in a scope may be so-called " contaminated ", and the number of its medium and small percentage can belong to a service provider, even this scope is had by another service provider as a whole.

Except contaminated and transplanted number issues above-mentioned, also have other numerous interconnectivity issues, carry out flexible and reliable these problems of message bridge joint and need to process in order to stride heterogeneous networks. For example, source and destination network (with regard to the message of carrying out between the subscriber of these two networks) can be by more than one meta network interconnection. Routing table must solve this multi-hop with the method for being connected and connect. The purpose network only has by the service provider that is assigned to this network just accessible. For example SS7 service provider can have to operator network monopolizing the access and message must be come route by such connection. Can have polytype to network connection to arrive identical mobile subscriber. In addition, can have particular type to the Multi-instance of network connection to arrive identical mobile subscriber.

In addition, for the service quality that different stage may be arranged to a plurality of connections of identical network.

Be summed up, the below is for the success between the disparate wireless network and exchanges messages reliably and need a plurality of challenges to be processed:

The ability of protocol conversion-resolution protocol difference

The ability that transmission network support-is connected with the transmission network of right type

Address the ability that conversion-necessary executive address is translated between the territory or between net

Dynamic routing inquiry-resolve accurately and the ability of routing iinformation timely

The ability of message conversion-service based and Technology Need transforming message

Store and the ability of transmission-service based and Technology Need storage and forward again

For note take ability with the transmission events reading control recording messages transmission events of other purposes

The ability of management channel support-administrative messag transmission

Anti-rubbish message, authentication and other centralized value-added service-the provide ability of network protection

Ability to the lateral transport of other meta network-be connected by interface with a plurality of networks

Process supporting-processing messages is sent the ability of trial reliably

Service quality-support provides the different quality level in the service other ability

The network of explaining among the present invention and system have solved many problems referred to above uniquely.

For sending and roam in, point to point call, message exchange signaling between the network and message is proposed by document and the patent of standard body, publication in the prior art. For example patent No. WO 97/20442 is identified at the mechanism that exchanges Short Message Service (SMS) between the heterogeneous networks by the function that the message center that makes cellular phone network has sign objective network, addressing mechanism and form. Specifically, this patent has been described wide area or the defeated system of LAN that allows message to be delivered to the traditional telephone network of use Fax Messaging form transmission and use transmission of e-mail messages. Yet recipient's address in sender's recognition purpose network, agreement and this network of this system's special requirement message. The message center of its supposition cellular phone network is directly connected to the purpose network by PSTN, LAN or WAN network in addition, this situation not necessarily in many real networks.

Another system described in DE 295 11 856 U1 provides slightly alternate mechanisms by means of the use of central switching facility. The network-specific equipment receipt message of appointment stores this message, and this message of form to be being fit to DIF again, and with this message forwarding to central switching facility. Then this centrex is routed to this message another equipment that is connected to the purpose network. This system's supposition monolithic central switching facility, it can be single failpoint and a lot of flexibilities that the numerous complicated (being addressed herein) of processing a plurality of networks of interconnection is not provided. In addition, central monolithic switching equipment may become performance bottleneck.

Another known technology proposes a plurality of intermediaries exchange framework and overcomes the top defective of putting forward.

WO 02/15603 A2 has described in order to use the concentrated route database at network and delivery of messages and be directly connected to centralized computer system or the computer program of a plurality of networks between using.

All said system and technology have checked that relatively simply the bridge joint message between the diverse network sends structure. The routing rule that their supposition are oversimplified and do not consider the characteristic of many reality of network interconnection. For example, (with many countries) number concentrates shared (number pooling), contaminated scope and portability to make it be difficult to correct recognition purpose network operator in the North America. Sometimes after having carried out some message conversion or routing inquiry, come the message of automatic network may have to be sent back identical network. Because wireless number portability, described number can be transplanted continually, and this makes it be difficult to correctly resolve based on the address that is provided by the initiation subscriber identity of purpose network. Above-cited patent neither one is mentioned these situations.

Above-mentioned patent is not also processed roaming subscriber's problem. They do not mention a plurality of connections or the possibility of link and the mechanism of selecting specific connection in optimum mode to identical purpose network of possible operation different agreement yet. In addition, distributing a plurality of protocol address for the same subscriber unit in identical network in the real world is possible (such as e-mail address and the telephone number to identical mobile unit), and it does not find any mentioning yet in any above-mentioned patent. For being mentioned in the invention that very important safety, authentication, note expense, mistake processing, report and many other value-added functionalitys are not quoted in the above the message delivery in real world.

In addition, the patent of quoting is not clearly spoken of the message delivery of direct use SS7 network, the preferred network protocol that is used for delivery of messages that this network is used by nearly all communication network. SS7 is current wireless server network interconnection network element.

Therefore, based on the realization of the relevant message delivery system of any reality of above-mentioned patent because described former for want of reliable message delivery mechanism between the network.

Yet WO 02/05580 A1 has clearly proposed to use the SMS message delivery of traditional SS7 internet channel between PLMN (public land mobile network) that comprises switching centre, message service center, attaching position register etc. Yet described system has strictly processed by two different SS7 networks of intercommunication (inter-working) message center bridge joint and has not processed interconnection such as other form of IP network. In addition, the end-to-end transmission of messages of using the MAP signaling message is processed in this invention, and wherein specific message sequence is translated into the form of purpose network. This system propose by way of only being used for SMS message and not carrying out the message conversion of any type. For example, if the purpose network is not offered the intermediary that the SS7 network is used for message delivery, this system can not provide solution so.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to interconnection mobile network complicated and that support many standards and business rule. Aspect of the present invention can exchange message by the application of many difference in functionalitys between two mobile units, these functions comprise message conversion, merged the accurate and optimum routing inquiry of number portability and contaminated range applications, application, cost function and the business rule of agreement.

More specifically, the present invention relates to promote the method for the message route from a mobile network to another network, described network is by service network and the software control mechanism interconnection that is associated. This message can be one of many forms, includes but not limited to short message, Email and Multimedia Message. According to aspects of the present invention, the message of initiating from mobile unit can be used for further transmission through several gateways of initiating in the mobile network. These gateways are particularly including SMS service center (SMSC), multimedia message central (MMSC), WAP gateway, E-mail gateway and intercommunication mobile switching centre (IWMSC). It is possible that single message is passed more than one these gateway units.

In an embodiment of the present invention, for message delivery is arrived the destination, independently service network and system (be called hereinafter " meta network " or be called for short " intermediary ") are subordinated to any one above-mentioned gateway receipt message of initiating the mobile network. This intermediary has one group of input block, one group of output unit (these two groups of unit are collectively referred to as " interface unit "), one group of converting unit and one group of routing unit (last two groups of unit are collectively referred to as " internal element "), and each has limited function and purpose in a preferred embodiment. These unit are connected up with relevant business unit demand according to the mobile network's who connects characteristic.

According to the present invention, the message that receives by one of input block is according to several predetermined business rules and the routing rule dynamically determined based on the essential condition of interference networks, through one or more converting unit and routing units.

Ordering information represents that the subscriber call number is to Internet Service Provider's association. The related address (mobility) that visited network is provided of current access. According to an aspect of the present invention, the dynamic routing ability of meta network is considered the nearest cyber ordering related information of terminal device, the current network access association of terminal device and the state of affairs that is connected to a plurality of links of fast mobile terminal network. This has significantly increased the possibility that message is successfully sent.

According to one embodiment of present invention, dynamically change routing iinformation by to the order of one or more third party's information sources (such as the NPAC data), access one or more information banks (such as attaching position register-HLR) and/or monitor the state of affairs that mobile network's interconnected strands connects and obtain in real time. Thus obtained multidate information has preferably changed this message otherwise with the mode that is routed. In addition, according to aspects of the present invention, which conversion this multidate information can also specify need to be employed with this message of successful route. For example, if message dynamically is routed to another meta network rather than directly arrives final destination, what the format of this message can be with meta network rather than final purpose network so is corresponding.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the content of message also can affect the converting unit that is applied to this message. For example, if original contents is English and if purpose unit plan is positioned at a network, according to the main geographical frontier of this network, the leading language of this network is Chinese for example, and this content can be translated into Chinese according to the business rule that disposes before being forwarded to the purpose network so.

The present invention preferably also comprises based on the link of this message experience or interface unit and specifies which group conversion and routing unit need to be applied to the mechanism of given message. For example, the message that has experienced indirect link such as EMAIL gateway can not be generated to the remembered expense record (business arrangement that foundation is agreed) of initiating the mobile network.

According to one embodiment of present invention, described message is thus based on one of following or more preferably through route and the converting unit of a dynamic group: the content of origination message, message enter the access information of dynamic property, cyber ordering and the purpose mobile unit of the interface that experiences, business rule that the mobile network relates to and interconnection link.

Therefore, the invention provides system and method, it allows about passing through to cross over intermediary's reception of disparate network and flexibility and the optimization of delivery of messages. By reading the detailed description those skilled in the art's feature and advantage that invention will be more fully understood below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments of the present invention of accompanying drawing.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the figure of the exemplary realization of the performance embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the prior art that explanation is used for exchange SMS message between the public land mobile network (PLMN) of realizing compatible protocol.

Fig. 3 illustrate according to a particular embodiment of the present invention in gateway unit route and the realization of converting unit.

Fig. 4 illustrates according to the interconnection between two gateway units that are connected to two different networks of the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates according to exemplary logical routing of the present invention and for message and selects the parsing of the cost function of down hop route, and Fig. 5 A illustrates the SMPP message format.

Fig. 6 illustrates the SMT of in embodiments of the present invention inner use and the form of SML message.

Fig. 7 illustrates the particular instance of SML file.

Fig. 8 illustrates the sending of message of the visited network at roaming subscriber place.

Fig. 9 explanation is according to the mapping of the empty subscriber address from the operator network to the meta network for promoting message delivery of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates the number format of North America number planning (NANP).

Figure 11 illustrates E.164 mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN) number of form.

Figure 12 illustrates the interconnection according to two meta networks of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates according to the routing database system for SMS message of the present invention and routing resolution method.

Figure 14 explanation is according to the message detail records generative process in the meta network of the present invention.

Figure 15 is illustrated in the example character translation between GSM and the ascii character-set. The detailed description of several embodiment

Fig. 1 illustrates expression according to the figure of an exemplary enforcement of system of the present invention. The invention provides a kind of flexibly meta network system, it is directly or indirectly by other service providers a plurality of wireless networks that interconnect, so that message exchange. Such system comprises: one group of input block (I1 is to In); One group of output unit (O1 is to On)-both is called the I/O converting unit or referred to as converting unit; One group of internal conversion unit (T1 is to Tn) and one group of routing unit (R1 is to Rn). Among the attention figure represented conversion and routing unit group be not limit but representational example. Routing unit R1 also is shown further to be connected to subscriber and routing database, to comprise the supervision unit of the health status of the attaching position register (HLR) that comprises subscriber and routing iinformation in NPAC database, network operator's the SS7 network of transplanting (ported) telephone number information and the various links of real time monitoring to Rn.

The I/O converting unit is directly connected to external network. These external networks are wireless network or other meta networks or service provider. The purpose of these I/O converting units is that the agreement of coupling interference networks is accepted message or sent message to these networks from these networks respectively with convenient. As an example, Fig. 1 illustrates four wireless carrier operator networks, is expressed as C1 to C4, and it interconnects by meta network (MDN). One group of mobile phone M1 also is shown to M4 in Fig. 1, it is related to C4 with operator network C1 respectively. Fig. 1 also illustrates another group meta network MD1 and MD2, and it is connected to meta network MDN with operator network C3 and C4. In addition, Fig. 1 illustrates various gateways, is expressed as SMSC, MMSC, EMAIL, IWMSC and GMSC, and it is the part of operator network. These gateways further are connected to the various input and output converting units of meta network (MDN). External service provider (ESP) also is shown in meta network has been connected to one of converting unit, Tn. For (outsourced) message conversion of some special (for example Language Translation) or outsourcing, meta network operator can use external service provider, and the present invention's imagination such as the conversion that occurs in the meta network outside is functional.

Multiple transfer function is carried out to it in the internal conversion unit when message is passed meta network. Guaranteed to be applied to one group of rich (rich) converting unit of message by the interconnect complexity of wireless network of fundamental difference of intermediary.

Routing unit provides the flexi mode of all (or substantially owning) other unit in the interconnection system based on some rule set of stipulating in routing unit. Routing unit also based on the address information that presents in the message and based in the system can with dynamic routing table resolve the purpose route of the message of receiving.

As representing among Fig. 1 that the embodiment of the invention described above illustrates by various representative gateway groups and interconnects a plurality of operator network so that the specific examples of the message of exchange such as SMS, MMS and Email (SMTP formatting messages). At last, MDR represents to be arranged in the message details database of record of meta network (MDN), the flow through transaction information of all message of network of its seizure.

Meta network is described

Concept map among Fig. 1 can be implemented with the method for all functions mentioned in many realization present embodiments. Of the present invention functional by taking apart, the possible embodiment that network of the present invention and system realize might be described.

The present invention mainly describes various network operators and service provider network is interconnected to the functional of meta network. Meta network can be comprised of one or more POP for network connectivty (existing a little) and one or more data center for implementing message exchange equipment. Actual realization comprises with a plurality of data centers that interconnected by IP backbone (backbone) and the distributed network of POP. Service provider network (operator network) is typically used such as the wide area network connection of T1, frame relay and internet VPN and is connected to one or more POP.

These network connections typically end in the network endpoint that is connected to router. In addition, the good network infrastructure that forms by the fire wall that is used for security purpose, load balancer, be used for switch and various other servicing unit of the interconnection network segment, such as compositions such as intrusion detection system, network analysers. And, be used for domain name mapping become IP address and name server (DNS) foundation structure that vice versa also the typical case be embodied as the part of the network equipment.

Because the present invention is specified as the distributed message switch with meta network, so native system preferably includes one or more (for extensibility and redundancy, being typically several) the enforcement conversion shown in Fig. 1 and the message switching system of routing module. These systems can realize with industry standard server. These message switching systems send bus interconnection by message in addition, with transmission SMT (Fig. 6) and SML (Fig. 6) formatting messages and various other management type message. Send for SMS message, the core exchange system comprises that typically SMS service center (SMSC) is functional. Send for MMS message, it is functional that the core exchange system comprises that typically Multimedia Message sends service centre (MMS). The email message transmitting system is supported by conditional electronic mail server and relaying in addition.

Various industry standard protocol are by above-mentioned gateway support. These comprise, for SMS: Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP), EMI/UCP, SMTP, HTTP, CIMD, GSM/ANSI 41MAP etc. The exchange system of mentioning in the leading portion requires to support these agreements on needed basis according to the network operator. Also typically realize in one embodiment being used for daily record and remembering taking functional back end database server.

Preferably the system of another important class related to the present invention is wireless number portability and routing database. These systems realize that with Database Systems wherein feeds of data (data feed) is presented and network operator's routing table update such as NANP LERG metadata provider, real-time NPAC database from each provenance.

Preferably provide diverse network and system management function to manage all above-mentioned key elements. The Network Operation Centre (NOC) of one or more realization network and system management interfaces preferably supervises the operation of mid-level net.

At last, FTP (FTP) server is the part of the embodiment of the invention typically, in order to call details record (CDR) is delivered to the service provider.

Therefore, meta network is interconnected network system, supports the functional of route, exchange and safety, and it is implemented to support the message sending function of across a network.

Message transmission between the PLMN in the GSM network

Fig. 2 illustrates the standard mechanism that is used for exchange SMS message in the GSM network. The prior art conduct is used for the example at the leading mechanism of the network exchange of informatio of many enforcement gsm protocols.

In Fig. 2, MT represents the portable terminal for the access radio net. Base station sub-system (BSS) is connected to mobile switching centre (MSC), and this center is connected to again visitor location register (VLR). The purpose of BSS system is managing radio resources and communicates by letter with MSC. The purpose of MSC is that the calling from PSTN and other network is exchanged and be directed to mobile subscriber associated in its coverage. The purpose of VLR is the information that the portable terminal of current " accessing " network (that is, just obtaining service from network) is provided to the subscriber. GMSC and IWMSC represent gateway MSC and intercommunication MSC, its objective is that the message that will enter and go out the SS7 network is routed in other network. The server of exchange of short messages center (SMSC) expression treatment S MS message. Attaching position register HLR keeps subscriber information. SME represents the Short Message Entity of SMS message dilivery (post) to SMSC.

When the portable terminal MT of message from network A initiated, message (being called as mobile message or the MO message initiated) was received by the ownership SMSC in the network A. SMSC in the network A carries out the routing inquiry function, and it typically accesses the HLR of the expection recipient's who is arranged in message network. In this example, HLR is positioned at another PLMN, network B. HLR in the network B returns the address of the MSC in the current network B that service (expection recipient) is provided for mobile subscriber. Then SMSC in the network A sends a message to the MSC in the network B, so that message is transferred to forward mobile subscriber MT in the network B.

For above-mentioned working mechanism, in the situation of SMS message exchange, two PLMN (being represented by network A and network B) must be compatible and must be existed business relations to exchange such message between PLMN operator.

For will be in the message that exchanges between other type networks such as CDMA, TDMA, iDEN, provide as shown in Figure 1 according to meta network of the present invention. How to connect conversion and routing unit shown in Fig. 3 with the more detailed diagram of processing and routes wireless messages.

Message through meta network system route

Fig. 3 illustrates the particular implementation according to the network operator's be used to being directly connected to intermediary of the present invention interface unit and internal element group. For the purpose of this example as the network operator's of SMSC information gateway with the individual line processors of three (3) individual link connections to three (3) (line handler) LH1, LH2 and LH3. These line processors are object lessons of the particular implementation of interface unit (I1 is to In and Q1 to Qn), specified protocol conversion in the described interface unit execution graph 1. Particularly, LH1 play receipt message input block effect and LH2 and LH3 play the effect of the output unit that sends a message to SMSC (information gateway among Fig. 3). Except playing the effect for the interface unit of sending and receiving message, message transformation function that the LH1 among Fig. 3, LH2 and LH3 are also embedded. LH1 becomes built-in system formatting messages template (SMT) format messages shown in Fig. 6 with the short message that enters shown in Fig. 5 A point-to-point (SMPP) protocol format message conversion. Similarly, LH2 becomes the SMPP form SMS message shown in Fig. 5 A with LH3 with the SMT form SMS message conversion of going out shown in Fig. 6. A public message conversion of processing in the line processor unit is the character mapping from a standard to another standard. For example Figure 15 is illustrated in the character mapping between 7 of GSM and the ascii character-set. Only part mapping is as an example shown in Figure 15.

LH1 in Fig. 3 receives message and message conversion is become after the SMT form, and message is sent to authentication device unit 1 (AU1). This unit functional is to route, forward after the message initiator mandate or block this message. In this particular implementation, authorize the telephone number that comprises the mobile subscriber unit that checks initiation whether to be authorized to use this intermediary sevices. Licensing process comprises accessing database (DB) to obtain subscriber information. A function of this initial inspection is to strengthen anti-spam (anti-spam) strategy. If learning the user is the message that sends excessive number to the purpose of other user's spam (spamming) of mobile network, then may stop this person to send message with this mechanism.

The message of the AU1 unit forward from Fig. 3 is processed by another route and the conversion entity that are called regular expression router-1 (RR1). As disposing in this particular implementation, the purpose of RR1 is the validity that checks the purpose telephone number. For example, if required purpose phone number format is 10, if and the purpose telephone number that provides is 7, this unit extraction source telephone region field code number then, be the NPA among Figure 10, and area code suitably appended to purpose telephone number (TN) part of SMT format (Fig. 6) message.

If (it can for example occur in the situation of the area code that covers the specific geographical area mistake more than carrying out in the conversion, wherein two or more area codes activate simultaneously), then message is forwarded to another conversion and route entity message router-1 (RY1 among Fig. 3), it produces back the error message to the source telephone number, and notice is initiated the failure owing to the problem of region code of subscriber's message. Then this error message is forwarded to and is called the regular expression router-2 (RR among Fig. 3₂) another route entity, it checks the validity form of this message. RR₂(in Fig. 3) then is forwarded to output unit LH with this error message₂Or LH₃In (in Fig. 3) one is so that be transmitted back to error message the information gateway of initiating network. RR₂More multirouting described herein is functional after a while in (in Fig. 3) employing.

In Fig. 3, from (gateway unit A's) RR₁The efficient message of forward is called file router-1 (FR by one group₁) and file router-2 (FR₂) route entity further process. These entities are resolved the delivering method of message, comprise that the configuration that provides is provided finds the solution some or all cost function. The logic of resolving the purpose routing address is shown in Figure 5, and at this after a while in the explanation of routing resolution logical gate. Entity FI in the gateway A₁The conversion of expression filter, it blocks binary message when network operator (or intermediary) determines not accept the binary message transmission by intermediary.

As shown in Figure 3, according to the result of routing resolution logic, message is forwarded to another gateway unit C via routing unit InphoRouter-1 (IR1), perhaps is forwarded to gateway unit B via routing unit message router-3 (MR3). Be the purpose of this explanation, the further processing of message is involved in Fig. 4 among the gateway unit B. Gateway unit C is connected to network operator C (not shown) in this embodiment.

Fig. 4 illustrates the interconnection of gateway unit B and gateway unit A, and it is connected by the distributed-queuing system. Through formation " formation 1 input ", it is extracted by the message routing unit (MR4) among the gateway unit B from the message flow of the MR3 forward of gateway unit A. Then MR4 carried out the basic confirmation of message before message forwarding is arrived the authenticating unit AU2 of gateway unit B. AU2 is authorized to turn to the network operator B that is connected to gateway unit B to message authentication with definite message. Here, authentication comprises and for example checks whether network operator A is authorized to deliver message to network operator B; Whether initiate the subscriber is authorized to send a message in the network of network operator B via its messaging gateway; And whether the purpose subscriber is allowed to receipt message. Authentication information is stored in the configuration database (provisioning database), is shown in Figure 4 for database (DB) unit. Then this message be forwarded in another route entity that is called regular expression router-2 (RR2 of gateway B), and it is functional to be application load balance function and with in the line processor (LH2 of gateway unit B or LH3) of interconnection one of message forwarding. At last, line processor (LH2 of gateway unit B or LH3) via the message forwarding of the information gateway that is connected to gateway unit B after with suitable protocol conversion to mobile subscriber MS_b。

Therefore, in above embodiment from MS_aRepresented subscriber is to MS_bRepresented subscriber's message is taked following route: gateway A: MS_a→LH ₁→AU ₁→RR ₁→FR ₁→FI ₁→ FR ₂→MR ₃→ formation 1 → gateway B:MR₄→AU ₂→RR ₂→LH ₂→MS _b

In this process, message experiences many routes and determines and change.

The routing resolution logic

The purpose telephone number (TN) of encoding in the SMT formatting messages shown in Fig. 6 and service send by a series of logic modules shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, check that in module 5.2 TN is to see that whether it is as national or international number. Module 5.3 checks that national TN, need to number inspection whole 10 pollutions of execution or that transplant or no to see whether 6 NPA/NXX route inspections are enough to find purpose network operator's network. Module 5.4 and 5.6 checks to find network operator ID based on the TN performing database that provides. Particularly, module 5.6 comprises the routing inquiry with local service management systems (LSMS) database, and the data optimization ground of described local service management systems database upgrades on real-time basis continuously. Presenting preferably of these data obtains from the third party service provider of safeguarding the main configuration server that all network operators of the U.S. access. This continuous feeding provides the real time information about subscriber's order association in the situation that operator network ID is provided. This is presented and also preferably comprises about some information gateway in addition, such as the information of SMS service center (SMSC).

For international number, at first in module 5.5, extract country code. If this country has the number portability of having realized, then preferably seek the purpose network operator with one of two kinds of methods. In a kind of method, use the local database (be similar to for country and transplant number that of inquiry) of transplanting. The database of this transplanting makes up from the information that network operator and third party provider provide. Another method is to carry out the teledata library inquiry. Such method is to use the SS7 global title translation database, and wherein route request information is routed to correct attaching position register (HLR). Then HLR replys can be used for extracting the suitable routing iinformation and the roaming information that belong to operator network. Mention in the module 5.12 of SS7 method in Fig. 5.

In case the network operator of purpose TN is identified, then for COS, the institute that acquires operator network in module 5.7 might route (directly and indirectly). These routes typically are static in itself, and are determined during network operator's layoutprocedure.

In case route is identified, then in module 5.8, can attempt final address resolution. Because many reasons may need further address resolution in the module 5.8. For example, if allow directly to send (namely not storage and forward) SMS message to mobile phone by for example MSC, then importantly know the MSC gateway information of being interviewed that is dynamically updated by relevant attaching position register (HLR) in (if in module 5.12 logics, not yet obtaining) home network the network operator.

Route more than one is if possible arranged, then can calling module 5.11 with the current state of each link of acquiring mobile subscriber. Described link may be direct link or pass through another service provider's indirect link. Cost function in can calling module 5.13 is to seek the best route of delivery of messages based on some intended service rule. Cost function illustrates in next part.

During the routing resolution process, in case the identifying purpose network operator then can call one or more filter modules. For example in Fig. 3, the module of FI1 by name is served as converting unit, wherein stops all binary messages to walk still farther. This may be owing to be specified in the purpose network operator's of intermediary preference.

Resolve in case utilize two kinds of data of Static and dynamic to carry out like this final route, then the SMT formatting messages is forwarded to IR1 or the MR3 routing module among Fig. 3. Then these modules can be used for message forwarding further to process and send to the suitable gateway in the meta network.

Again with reference to figure 3, for recording messages strides across the event of system boundary, module LH1 (and other similar module) preferably by generate new information with another kind of transformation applications to the message that enters or go out. New information generates to be called as the SML form shown in Fig. 6. With this logout before database, this new information is again by some route and modular converter. For example the FL1 among Fig. 3 is modular converter, and it files the SML formatting messages with lasting file format, is used for debugging and wrong the recovery. DL1 among Fig. 3 is another conversion entity, it converts the SML formatting messages to data-base recording, can use described data-base recording for a lot of reasons, comprise for example generating the CDR (call details record) that many telecommunication operators are used for being fed to its charge system.

For the SMT formatting messages that describes in detail away, Fig. 4 illustrates the extended version of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 illustrates two unit that represented by intermediate gateway unit A and intermediate gateway unit B, and it is connected respectively to network operator A and network operator B network. These gateway units can be implemented as commercial server or the larger interior virtual process of computing unit. One of advantage of implementing a plurality of physical locations is for extensibility and fault-tolerant. For example when a processor failure, another processor can be taken over the task of failure handling device. Gateway interconnects by another group route entity that is called distributed-queuing system (Fig. 4). The task of this unit is that built-in system message is routed to another and during transition realizes queuing capability from a gateway unit.

Cost function

The following describing message how dynamic condition of service based rule and network and routing iinformation is delivered to down hop or final purpose network. Be used in the literature determining that several cost functions of optimum route are available. If route is state Network Based only, then typically, the closed loop cost function is possible. If will comprise business rule and other manual regulation, cost function typically rule-based (didactic or other) then.

Be purpose of the present invention, cost function is based on rule and evaluation cost function is embedded in one or more routing units.

Below illustrate and introduce the sample that business rule is used for the rule-based cost function that message finally sends:

If 1 message can directly be delivered to the purpose network operator via a direct link, then can use it.

If 2 exist the direct link to visited network in the situation of roaming mobile subscriber, then this link can use at other direct link to home network.

3, in the situation more than a direct link, select to provide the link of best service quality.

If 4 exist more than one and support the direct link of same protocol with the same services mass matrix, then carry out load balance with round robin algorithm.

5, if there is no direct link then uses indirect link and uses and the similar criterion of above-mentioned direct link (step 1 to 4).

6, from the pond, abandon link in the situation that in a direct or indirect link, occurs to stop up, until blockage alleviates.

7, do not having in the situation of active link, maximum 72 hours of storing message, and attempt sending with the exponential back algorithm that utilizes 5 minutes seeds wherein postpones to double during each retry.

Cost function can be based on the business agreement of reaching and to each purpose network operator difference. Always be pushed over the WAP proxy gateway for example for specific network operator's MMS message, even same message also may be delivered to network operator's MMS Tandem Gateway. Can ask such rule to reduce the load on its MMS Tandem Gateway by the network operator.

The route of load balance

Meta network can have a plurality of links to purpose network operator or next-hop network. When providing the link of same services quality that but the identical destination time spent is attempted load balance more than one. For example send for SMS message, if can use SMSC more than a SMPP (short message is point-to-point) link, then described SMPP link becomes the pond of load balancing, and one of following methods (Round Robin route or at random route) is attempted.

Ln represents to be selected for the link number that sends n message

N represents the sum of the healthy link that can use identical access point.

Round Robin route:

L _n＝(L _n-1+1)Mod N，

Route at random:

L _n＝Rand(N)

When the link height stops up or not so to managing business when unavailable, this link is restricted to nonactivated and removes from the available link pond, until that this link becomes again is healthy. Typically periodically carry out health examination and Real Time Effect message route.

Routing database

In order accurately also in time message to be routed to the purpose network from source network, intermediary must have complete, accurate and up-to-date routing database. Typically, the route utilization is finished with the telephone number (TN) of several format specifications in telecommunication environment. Each country can have its oneself numbering plan and have the canonical representation of some international numbering plan mutually to cooperate (interoperate) so that the subscriber dials each other to guarantee network.

In the North America, many countries follow the plan that is called North America numbering plan (NANP). The rule predetermining of NANP, telephone number will comprise the part that 10 and these can be divided into three separation (following, have the band point expression number refer to the number range that is used for the permission of certain bits in the code scheme):

1) area code. Three of telephone number comprise code scheme zone (NPA) or area code. The form of this part is (2..9) (0..9) (0..9), and it provides altogether 800 may make up, or value-200,201 ... 999.

2) interchange code. Interior specific central office (CO) or the switch of area code that lower three bit-identifies of telephone number are indicated. This part is commonly called the NXX part of telephone number. The form of this part is (2..9) (0..9) (0..9), and it provides altogether 800 may make up, or value-200,201 ... 999.

3) code of standing. Specific station in the indicated central office of last four bit-identifies of telephone number. The form of this part be (0..9) (0..9) (0..9) (0..9), it provides altogether 10000 may make up, or value-0000,0001 ... 9999.

In the North America, number range is given typically the network operator of NPA/NXX level, this means that each piece comprises about 10000 numbers. This means only be necessary to check telephone number 6 so that find the network operator who has this blocks of numbers. For message is routed to another from a communication network, if use the gateway of network rather than directly be delivered to the subscriber with switch, then only be necessary to find the network operator of this network. Message is noted by gateway to the further route of actual subscriber. For example the message to network operator's subscriber can be delivered to its E-mail gateway. This E-mail gateway then will be in this message of inner route.

Yet because the requirement (mandate) of Federal Communications Committee (FCC), it is licensed to allow the subscriber to transplant the wireless number portability (WNP) of his/her number when changing the service provider. Although WNP is also unrealized completely, is called number and concentrates the related notion of sharing to carry out. Number concentrate to share require that all network operators return that they distribute in the NPA/NXXX scope some unused portion of number range. Yet will concentrate before shared scope turns back to stored reservoir for reallocation the network operator, described untapped part still may comprise several numbers that used by the network operator. Such pond is called as pollution range, and wherein the minority telephone number is used, but this piece itself does not belong to the network operator.

Because the above, for intermediary, the NPA/NXX of NANP that mate 6 is partly no longer enough. Be necessary to mate 7 accurately to find the network operator to order (carrier subscription). In addition, for pollution range, be necessary to mate the plan of NANP number whole 10 so that accurately find the network operator to order association (carrier subscription association). Because every day is actual to have 1,100 telephone numbers to be assigned to the user, so what be necessary is that information in real time agency can be in order to accurately to be routed to another with message from a network, perhaps or even in network.

In fact intermediary carries out the telecommunications jargon and is called innings route of border exchange (Inter-Exchange) route. Owning administration border switching and routing is finished with the database that is called local exchange route guide (LERG) traditionally. LERG comprises the information about the configuration of the current network in the network of local exchange provider and the variation that is ranked. LERG mainly is designed to be used for calling out between route LATA by the border exchange network operator of office (IXC). Guide's LERG notice NNX of telecommunications company is present in which end office (EO) or the tandem exchange (tandem office) and how route is also evaluated (rate) calling so that it can suitably end in suitable telephone number. The LERG database is updated periodically and is usually issued on basis per month by the company such as U.S. Telcordia. Yet because related time lag, the concentrated shared requirement that reaches portable FCC of permission number may significantly destroy the accuracy based on the route of LERG. Therefore except the LERG database update, also need number to concentrate and share and portable presenting in real time so that intermediary accurately is delivered to another with message from a network.

Figure 13 illustrates the route data system that implements in a preferred embodiment of the invention. This illustrates below system reference: SMS message is sent to another from a wireless network, and how routing database is used to obtain routing iinformation.

The route data of implementing in the preferred embodiments of the present invention comprises:

◆ the LERG data

◆ from each network operator's the renewal to " networking (in-network) " number

◆ from network operator's the renewal relevant with MVNO (MVNO) scope

◆ from other meta network and service provider's renewal

◆ the NPAC data

Zero portable scope

Zero concentrates the scope of sharing

Zero pollution range

Zero number of transplanting

◆ 800 number

◆ pager number

◆ the ID scope

◆ test specification

Some of above information are obtained in real time (upgrading such as NPAC) and other regularly obtains from each provenance, comprises network operator self. Thus obtained information is combined and is stored in the routing database shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 also illustrates the example of two SMS message exchange between the wireless network, and it has introduced a plurality of portable route dip. SMSC (13.2) by this network receives from the message 13.1 of wireless network. Two selections are arranged here. SMSC (13.2) can resolve the final purpose network with its inside routing database, and described database has and the similar ability of intermediary's routing database; Perhaps SMSC (13.2) can select simply message (13.12) to be forwarded to intermediary, and it is used for resolving route, carries out necessary conversion and is forwarded to down hop. In the first situation, SMSC (13.2) must be additional to message to purpose network identifier DNI (13.3) so that indicate clearly what the final purpose network of intermediary's message is. In the later case, message (13.12) is come intermediary and without any executed parsing to the final purpose network, in this case, complete routing resolution is carried out in intermediary, comprises number portability data dip. Figure 13 also illustrates LSMS database engine (13.13), and it obtains real time data from NPAC record (13.9) and presents. LSMS database engine (13.13) also comprises routing database (13.14), graphic user interface (13.11) and monitors operation console (13.10). When needs are carried out routing database dip, Switching Module (13.4), route database (13.14) is carried out SQL query with information extraction, and described Switching Module is the logical expressions of resolving the various unit in the cost function that are included in shown in Fig. 3.

According to above description, the present invention allows to use or do not use complete number and concentrates the flexibility of sharing with number portability databases dip, and it all needs in the enforcement of any reality. The reason that Virtual network operator can select to resolve route may be in order to reduce the cost of executing data dip in meta network.

The Routing Loop distribution

The inexactness of routing database can cause the another kind of problem of route loop form. When intermediary's network for example during to network operator's network, is supposed the mismatch that routing database is arranged with message forwarding between meta network and purpose network operator's network. It is contemplated that if think that described message belongs to another network operator who is connected to intermediary, then the purpose network operator can re-route described message and get back to intermediary. Because its database entry, intermediary can beam back described message again.

In fact, above situation occurs in real practice. Even although concentrate shared and portable FCC trustship (mandate) above problem can occur before at number, only owing to the amount that changes, the portability of mismatch is along with the pollution of number between the network operator increases with portable increase.

Therefore, in order to reduce the possibility of these route loops, in the network of intermediary, precise information is necessary in real time.

Roam situation and send optimization

Roaming is the center for the GSM network, and day by day is allowed to by the interconnection agreement between (interim standard) the IS-41 compatible network that is used for TDMA and CDMA technology. When mobile subscriber when partner's operator network (visited network) is roamed, subscriber's log-on message by forward to the attaching position register in the home network (HLR). By inquiry HLR, people can find gateway address so that the calling (message) in the termination visited network.

Typically, in the roaming situation, depend on the technology (SMS, MMS etc.) on SS7 or the IP-based interference networks, message is delivered to home network, and this home network is this message of forward again. For SMS message, if this message is delivered to ownership SMSC, then this ownership SMSC inquires about HLR and finds the roaming gateway switch. Then SMSC will usually send described message by visited network MSC network element. The shortcoming of this approach is by inquiring about HLR to obtain positional information, when message can directly be delivered to visited network, unnecessarily having related to ownership SMSC. In addition, before SMS message is sent, this message also will be crossed over the SS7 network from ownership place to the visited network section. Transmit for intercontinental SMS message, this may be significant Cost Problems, because SMS message must be crossed over several SS7 network segments that several service suppliers manage.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a well known fact, namely in many cases, transmit data for sending signaling and message, IP network provides the basic cost that is better than the SS7 network to save. For reaching this effect, in the field of business have several times by using the effort that unloads SS7 such as the standard of SIGTRAN. Voice over IP (VoIP, Voice over IP)) technique construction is on this model, and it provides and has been better than using the basic cost based on the solution of equivalent circuit of SS7 signaling to be saved.

According to the present invention, meta network provides a kind of optimization not relate to the mechanism that belongs to SMSC to the sending of SMS message transmission of visited network. The flexible Routing information database that the ability of attaching position register (HLR) was presented and inquired about to number with real-time transplanting can be used to SMS message (or MMS message) directly is delivered to suitable visited network gateway.

Fig. 8 is depicted as embodiments of the invention with above improvement. Fig. 8 illustrates 3 operator network that are numbered C1, C2 and C3, and meta network. The mobile subscriber M1 that has the reservation association of network operator C1 sends message to the mobile subscriber M2 that has the reservation association of network operator C2. In addition, as shown in Figure 8, mobile subscriber M2 is in network operator C3 netsurfing. When described message was received by meta network, this intermediary was according to the logical analysis routing iinformation of for example summarizing in Fig. 5 and find ownership network operator ID. In addition, depend on the business rules that disposes, meta network can be inquired about the attaching position register (HLR) of network operator C2 to find visited network (being the network of network operator C3 in the case) the gateway switch address that service is provided as forward direction subscriber M2. In case learn this address, meta network can directly be delivered to message the visited network gateway and (for example use the combination of SS7 or IP and SS7 network, this depends on method of attachment), rather than with message delivery to the home network gateway, as being used for the SMSC of SMS message. Another related example is by intermediary MMS message directly to be delivered to visited network MMSC, rather than ownership MMSC.

Above technology has several advantages. One, in the message process that receives the mobile subscriber of not accessing its home network, ownership SMSC is unnecessarily related to. Two, if visited network " away from " home network, the cost (all passing through the SS7 network although admit not all type of message) of then crossing over SS7 may be significant. If having the local POP of close visited network gateway areas, described intermediary (exists a little, Point of Presence), if and this POP is connected on the IP network, then before ending in the visited network gateway, by via IP network with the most of distance of described message delivery, can realize basic cost savings. But another advantage of this situation is the speed of delivery of messages. For example by being that SMS message transmits bypass ownership SMSC, bypass storage and forward element.

Virtual address represents

Mobile subscriber can designated a plurality of addresses so that various types of message transmits works. In these addresses some only are the gateway address of other these mobile subscribers of network insertion. In fact, other addresses are assigned to telephone number itself. For example, in the GSM network, single international mobile subscriber ID (IMSI) can designatedly have a plurality of telephone numbers, and one is used for fax, and another is used for data, etc. Sometimes carrying out many telephone numbers for traditional POTS (plain old telephone service) access specifies.

Like this, in order to send message to mobile subscriber, people can use any one available address and associated protocol, as long as the type of message that its compatibility sends. For example, text message can be sent with e-mail address and easily without any information dropout. Yet, for 2-road messaging services, can reply in the situation of message (and need not to key in any " sending to " address) with return address, usually be necessary to represent with the same agreement/gateway address that is used to ending message the sender's that initiates mobile device. For example, initiate the text message that the subscriber sends with SMS message if Email is used to terminate, then need to have the return electron addresses of items of mail that is associated with the initiation mobile device, even origination message itself is in the SMS form.

In above example, SMTP addressable internet domain name might be attached to telephone number, and in new address structure, keep the initiation telephone address thus. In some other situation, may be necessary change to initiate the address so that message is transmitted in the purpose network works. For example, some portable terminal of the U.S. (for example pager of Skytel) tool related " 800 " telephone number. In the numbering plan of North America, " 800 " number represents free code. Although these numbers usually are routable (routable) (using another kind of basic NANP number) in many north-american networks, these numbers there is no need work (but route) in trans-oceanic network. Under these circumstances, send message to trans-oceanic subscriber if having the mobile subscriber of " 800 " directory number, then meta network may be necessary to represent to initiate the user with temporary transient or permanent routing number, and safeguards that a table comes translating address so that 2-road message transmits.

According to the present invention, above-mentioned discussion has caused novelty, and the subscriber who wherein provides service to come the telecommunication operator network of bridge joint (bridge) message by meta network can be represented by a plurality of virtual addresses in the meta network so that the message of some type transmits. These addresses are routables in its corresponding worldwide network domains typically, and these virtual addresses occur in the meta network to the translation of physics (specified network operator) address.

Examples set shown in Figure 9 this concept. In Fig. 9, mobile subscriber M1 belongs to network operator C1, and mobile subscriber M2 belongs to network operator C2, and mobile subscriber M3 belongs to network operator C3. In addition, (wherein) mobile subscriber M2 can be addressed by SMTP (Email) agreement, and (wherein) mobile subscriber M3 can be addressed by the SS7 network. Then send both for email delivery and SS7, meta network represented among Fig. 9 will have the virtual address of mobile subscriber M1. For email delivery, the territory is administered by having the intermediary that the name server of master server is pointed in the smtp protocol address. Initiating telephone number, is 8005551212 in the case, is represented as the dummy E-mail address in the meta network8005551212@C1MSG.NET When the side of being addressed M2 receives the message (message 4 among Fig. 9) of being initiated by M1, return address will reveal as making M2 can reply the dummy E-mail address of that address. When electronic mail reply was received by intermediary, this intermediary peeled off (strip) virtual address and uses the addressing of intrinsic (native) telephone number that this message is sent back to and initiate subscriber M1.

The another kind of virtual address that in Fig. 9, has also represented mobile subscriber roaming number (MSRN) form. (this may be necessary for some network or subscriber because intermediary may interconnect via the combination of IP and SS7 network, because be not that in the world all network operators can have the IP protocol interface for message exchange), need a kind of mode that the subscriber in the IP territory is expressed as routable address in the SS7 territory. This can carry out in many ways. In one embodiment, e.164 one of form group of virtual (but but route) telephone number (illustrating in Figure 11) is assigned to IP-SS7 docking gateway, and it specifies temporary transient routing number (MSRN) with these numbers so that the message from SS7 to the IP territory transmits. Virtual address question blank shown in Fig. 9 is used to the true telephone number of MSISDN form is mapped to MSRN. When message ended in MSRN, this message (was perhaps used some other territory of suitable agreement and addressing form) in the IP territory and is redirected in the expection recipient. Refer again to Fig. 9, wish that transmission message sends routing iinformation (SRI) inquiry to the mobile subscriber M3 of M1, it is the part of GSM MAP. Virtual MSRN number is then returned in described inquiry so that the route real messages. Then this MSRM number is used for real messages is terminated in the meta network by network operator C3 network. It is because the subscriber who belongs to operator network C1 and C2 is shown " roaming " subscriber in the meta network by virtual terrain that this MSRN is known as virtual, this is that MSRN is arranged owing to the message of pointing to these subscribers is designated, under the conventional situation as the roaming subscriber in reply SS7 network.

Like this, above two examples shown in Figure 9 show that virtual addressing concept is one of many features of implementing in an embodiment of the present invention, and it allows the seamless message transmission from an operator network to another operator network. Virtual addressing is typically supported by one or more converting units with related address translation.

The multi-hop meta network that is used for bridge joint source and destination wireless network

Final purpose network usually can arrive by one or more other meta networks or service supplier. Depend on the ability of this " in-between " network, may realize service quality and be professional other features of supporting between bridge coil. Under some extreme case, the forward direction message route from a network to another network may be different from return path. Therefore, meta network and system must consider the characteristic of various interconnection and the network capabilities of the service of transmitting that gives information.

Flexible routing mechanism described in the invention has been considered the characteristic by the various interconnection that connect specific conversion logic, comprehensive route data, and in the face of obstruction and fault the time, the real time parsing cost function comes route message.

Particularly, logical routing shown in Figure 5 has been considered the route by meta network. But table of the logic access shown in the module 5.7 of Fig. 5, wherein down hop gateway route is encoded so that arrive specific operator network. The down hop gateway can be the part of another intermediary or service provider network.

In the situation of multi-hop meta network, meta network can connect with multitude of different ways. Figure 12 illustrates two meta networks, IN A and IN B, and it is connected respectively to operator network X, Y and P, Q. Figure 12 also illustrates 3 grades of interconnection. These are interconnected among Figure 12 and represent that by L1, L2 and L3 equity it is illustrated following.

Level 1) initiating meta network (IN A) carries out the final agreement conversion of message is met its final purpose. In the case, the second intermediary of connecting of final purpose network only carries out the route of message with very little message and protocol conversion. In the case, cross the second meta network (IN B) and arrive its final purpose with minimum conversion (such as the character conversion etc.) " wearing (tunnel) " from the message of initiating meta network (INA).

Level 2) initiates meta network (IN A) and resemble and treat the second meta network (IN B) other operator network, and meet the message protocol translation of the second meta network (IN B) standard. In case receive the message from the first intermediary, the second intermediary carry out the conversion be necessary and routing function with delivery of messages successfully to its final purpose.

Level 3) initiate meta network (IN A) at first detect-message before arriving its final network purpose, whether need through another meta network. If such determining is successfully (after through the necessary route and cost function logic described in the present invention), message is sent to the second meta network (IN B). Then the second meta network will receive described message and before being delivered to the final purpose network described message be carried out the conversion that is necessary.

In level 1 interconnection situation, when message was left its home network, the burden (as being compatible with the final purpose network) of final message conversion depended on the first meta network. In level 3 interconnection situations, before message entered its purpose network, the burden (as being compatible with the final purpose network) of final message conversion depended on the first meta network. The level 2 be interconnected in when between somewhere.

In fact, this situation is similar to and makes a plurality of agencies that represent two clients carry out issued transaction and decision work how to be divided between the representative agency.

Unique flexi mode that route and converting unit are set that is characterised in that of the present invention, all above possible interconnecting methods can easily be supported in the situation that multi-hop intermediary interconnection message transmits.

Selectively store and resend

According to the present invention, when message was sent to another wireless network from a wireless network, this message was passed through meta network. Depend on the delivery mechanism in the purpose network, meta network may need to support that the flexible storage based on several factors is machine-processed.

For example, in the situation of Short Message Service (SMS), if message is the SMSC that will be delivered to the purpose network, then subscriber's availability is not factor, and in the situation of subscriber's mobile phone outside service or coverage, depend on purpose SMSC for the storage of the SMS message that is delivered to the subscriber. On the other hand, if message directly is delivered to mobile phone by purpose network operator's GMSC gateway, because GMSC and related follow-up unit do not have long-term message stores ability, the storage of message and follow-up resending are depended on meta network.

In the situation of multimedium message (MMS), similar situation occurs. If MMS message is sent by purpose network operator's MMSC Tandem Gateway unit, then depended on purpose network operator's MMSC by the storage of message when contacting the subscriber. On the other hand, if IP network (such as GPRS) or WAP proxy gateway are used to delivery of messages, then the burden of storage depends on intermediary system.

The present invention processes above situation by introducing flexibly memory mechanism, and wherein related route entity is stored and forward message intelligently, and this depends on delivering method and the ability of purpose network gateway. If the purpose network has storage and forward ability, then message is not stored in the intermediate gateway. If the purpose network is storage and forward ability not, then meta network can be stored described message, is delivered to the expection recipient until conclude message. According to the present invention, this logic is programmed in the route entity in the meta network.

As in the situation of many other factors, be importance of the present invention according to source and destination network operator's needs to route and converting unit wiring and based on the flexibility that described needs route messages to memory cell.

Message details record production process

Each communication network element produces the record of the business of the system that flows through. Described record typically is delivered to the central store storehouse with the flat file storage and by mediation system (mediation system). Coordinated record is called as call details record (CDR). Describe according to " message center " of the present invention, in this manual, CDR is called as message details record (MDR). The MDR production process describes in detail in Figure 14.

Figure 14 is illustrated in the message (being represented by " messaging service ") that flows through various gateway entities (being represented as " gateway machine room ") when being routed through the meta network system. Message be converted and route when the system, the main software program entity (not shown in Figure 14) that loads in each gateway entity in the gateway machine room and these gateways produces business diary. These business diaries typically are in the form of SML file (Fig. 6) form, although many other " standard " forms (such as Apache network server journal format, the daily record of Windows OS Events etc.) are also in a preferred embodiment of the invention available. These log store are in database or file system (DB1 among Fig. 6). Then before storing (DB2 in Fig. 6) in to final data described record filling (populate), in the data storage, carry out one group and deposit into journey so that coordinate described record and carry out integrity checking.

Then described data can be used for many purposes, are included on the website to show statistics, and for example are used for the purpose that monitors; Record is delivered to interference networks, is used for to its internal coordination of record keeping and other system; Be delivered in another data warehouse, be used for data analysis etc.

Because flexible routing mechanism provided by the present invention, the route that message is taked with and the conversion of experience according to related interference networks, according to real-time route data present, according to subscriber's roaming and in the situation of a plurality of conditions, greatly change according to the real time business condition. Therefore, the STA representation of message route and related service quality matrix, account data time to time change. For example, if message directly is delivered to roaming network, then this message can different prices be kept accounts when being delivered to subscriber's home network from it.

Although the above catches the process of MDR in the field of business from network element is suitable standard, SML file format (Fig. 6) is caught the various complexity (intricacy) of the mode that message propagates with the metadata tag form. The example (example instantiation) of the log information of SML format is shown in Figure 7.

In Fig. 7, the form of project 7.1 expression message is SML in the case. In Fig. 7, project 7.2 expression purpose telephone numbers, project 7.3 expression source telephone numbers. Next item 7.4 expression message identifiers, it is unique in the system. The conditional code of project 7.5 expression message, what it indicated whether to have the system of entering enters message, outbound message etc. In addition, the agency of project 7.6 expression log clauses and subclauses. Project 7.7 is illustrated in Message Signal Unit (MSU) counting in the situation of the SS7 transmission of message, the employed delivering protocol of 7.8 expressions, the employed delivering method of 7.9 expressions. Delivering method for example regulation message is directly to be delivered to final purpose or its another intermediary of process. Project 7.10 is illustrated in the outer agency who tackles message on the output boundary of system. And last, 7.11 are illustrated in it is transmitted through the error code that runs in the process of the module that produces log recording, if any.

The data record of mentioning in above example is the representative inventory of the project in the SML formatting messages in the preferred embodiment. When new route and modular converter were added in mixture (mix), the SML form allowed interpolation any arbitrarily markup tags (also being called metatag). Then described markup tags is used for the purpose of analysis by the post processing instrument.

Project 7.6 to 7.11 is called as markup tags, as with shown in the SML message format of Fig. 6. When new needs, gateway and agreement were supported in system, these markup tags were added to the SML message format. The purpose of markup tags is additional information to be passed to record and analysis entities (in the situation of SML log information processing) when message flow is crossed the various piece of system.

As can be seen, by the mechanism such as SML format daily record entity of the flexibility of using metatag to record special data is provided, so that the flexible combination of route and modular converter becomes possibility.

The descriptive inventory of conversion and route entity

The present invention (Fig. 1) has illustrated a kind of flexible meta network system, comprise one group of conversion and routing unit, make up by the logic of calculating by the prewiring logic OR, so that acceptance, processing messages and message is forwarded to another (wireless) network from (wireless) network. In addition, the present invention (Fig. 1) lists one group of input and output unit as interface unit.

Following table 1,2 and 3 provides the descriptive inventory of these unit that produce in certain embodiments of the invention. In addition, the present invention or embodiment are not got rid of the generation that is combined in the logic entity of one or more conversions of enumerating and routing unit in these tables. It may be noted that the inventory that presents can be developed into the various conversions of part of specific embodiment and the representative sample of routing unit.

Protocol conversion	Describe
		ANSI 41MAP→SMT	TIA/EIA 41MAP is to the SMT protocol converter
CIMD→SMT	The CIMD agreement is to the SMT protocol converter
		GSM MAP→SMT	GSM MAP is to the SMT protocol converter
HTTP→SMT	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
		SMPP→SMT	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
SMT→ANSI 41MAP	SMT is to TIA/EIA 41MAP protocol converter
		SMT→CIMD	SMT is to the CIMD protocol converter
SMT→EMI/UCP	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
		SMT→GSM MAP	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
SMT→HTTP	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
		SMT→SMPP	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
SMT→SMTP	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
		SMT→SNPP	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
SMT→WAP	SMT is to the wap protocol converter
		SMT→WCTP	SMT is to the WCTP protocol converter
SMTP→SMT	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
		SNPP→SMT	SMPP is to the SMT protocol converter
UCP→SMT	UCP is to the SMT protocol converter
		WAP→SMT	WAP is to the SMT protocol converter
WCTP→SMT	WCTP is to the SMT protocol converter

The representative inventory of table 1. conversion unit of protocol

Message conversion	Describe
		Address transition	Change original or destination address according to specified rule.
The Content Block filter	The filter that blocks content according to its characteristic. The binary message filter is such example.
		Black and white inventory filter	Regulation allows or blocks message to some mobile subscriber address or from the logical block of some mobile subscriber address.
The message generator	Produce new information in response to the message of initiating. This new information can be error message, affirmation or copy, and this depends on the needs of the operator network of interconnection.
		Character Mapping and Converting device	Depend on purpose network and network characteristic, character is mapped to the coding of another form from the coding of a form.
The Segmentation and Reassembly unit	Based on source or purpose agreement and the network characteristic ability to the message Segmentation and Reassembly
		Message interpreter	Message content is become another kind of language from a kind of Language Translation.

The representative inventory of table 2. message conversion logical block

Routing unit	Describe
		The regular expression router	Based on the regular expression change application is come route message in message
Authenticating unit	To inputing or outputing mobile subscriber address authentication.
		Generic router	Be routed to another unit based on specified rule from a unit (such as change unit).
The message queue router	In information exchange network, route messages to the particular message formation.
		The load balance router	Using the load balance rule, such as round-robin or route messages at random the purpose network when system of selection.
Timing unit message forwarding router	Forward message after then. Resending after the sending of failure is an example that uses such routing unit.
		The NPA/NXX querying router	Front 6 based on telephone number are come route.

The LSMA/NPAC querying router	Based on pollute/range of telephone numbers of transplanting comes route.
		SS7 GTT routing unit	(Global Title Translation) comes route based on the Global Title translation in the SS7 network
The dns resolution device	Resolve domain name so that route messages for some protocol method

The representative inventory of table 3. logical routing unit

The acronym inventory

ANSI	ANSI
		BSC	Base station controller
BSS	Base station sub-system
		BTS	The base transceiver station
C7	Common channel signalling system 7
		CDMA	CDMA
CIMD	Be connected to the Nokia network element, such as the data exchange agreement of SMS service center (SMSC)
		EMI/UCP	External Machine Interface/general connective agreement
EMS	Strengthen messaging services
		GMSC	GMSC
GSM	Global system for mobile communications
		HLR	Attaching position register
HTTP	HTTP
		iDEN	Variant by the TDMA agreement of Motorola Inc. exploitation
MDN (intermediary)	Media network (mediary network). The two or more wireless networks of bridge joint are so that the network of message exchange and system.
		IP	Internet protocol

IWMSC	Intercommunication mobile switching centre
		LERG	The guiding of local exchange route
LSMS	Local service management systems
		MAP	The messages application part
MMS	Multimedia Message transmits service
		MMSC	MMS Relay/Server
MO	The mobile message (Mobile Originated Message) of initiating
		MSC	Mobile switching centre
MSU	Message Signal Unit
		MT	Mobile terminating message (Mobile Terminated Message)
MVNO	MVNO
		NANP	The North America numbering plan
NPAC	Number portability administration committee
		PLMN	PLMN
POP	Exist a little
		SML	System format message logging (internal journal message format)
SMPP	Short Message Peer to Peer
		SMS	Short Message Service
SMSC	SMS service center
		SMT	System format source template (inside story form)
SMTP	The simple mail delivery protocol
		SS7	Signaling system 7
TDMA	Time division multiple acess
		VLR	Visitor location register
WAP	WAP
		WNP	Wireless number portability

SME	Short Message Entity
		ESP	External service supplier

Claims (78)

1. the meta network system of a plurality of networks that are used for interconnecting comprises:

At least one input block optionally can be connected to an entity, from described entity receipt message;

At least one output unit optionally can be connected to an entity, and message can arrive destination address via described entity;

At least one converting unit, described converting unit can be operated that message is operated, to revise at least a portion that receives and be sent to the described message of described output unit from described input block; And

At least one routing unit, described routing unit can be operated to determine the next hop address of described message.

2. the system of claim 1, wherein said next hop address are the address with a network associate, described network be not with described message mean the related network of recipient.

3. the system of claim 2 further comprises:

The first meta network communicates with at least one first network operator; And

The second meta network is communicated by letter with the first meta network with at least one second network operator,

Wherein said message exchanges between the first and second network operators via the first and second meta networks,

Wherein the first and second meta networks have predetermined peer-to-peer each other, so that just knew which conversion and route action in message before the first meta network is passed to the second meta network, if any, will be carried out by the first and second meta networks.

4. the system of claim 3, wherein the first meta network carries out all conversions and route action.

5. the system of claim 3, wherein the second meta network carries out all conversions and route action.

6. the system of claim 3, wherein switching motion comprises at least one in message conversion and the protocol conversion.

7. the system of claim 3, wherein each in the first and second meta networks communicates with a plurality of network operators.

8. the system of claim 7, wherein said predetermined peer-to-peer is based on the network operator who exchanges messages therebetween.

9. the system of claim 1, wherein said entity is at least one in gateway and another network.

10. the system of claim 9, wherein said gateway comprises at least one in SMSC gateway, MMSC gateway, E-mail gateway, IWMSC gateway and the GMSC gateway.

11. the system of claim 1, the message based content of wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message.

12. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message to receive described message by described interface based on an interface.

13. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message based on the predetermined business rules of initiating network and message purpose network associate with message.

14. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message based on the dynamic analysis of available interconnects link.

15. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message based on message purpose network of network order and access information.

16. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit at least in part based on determine the purpose telephone number whether (i) pollution range part and (ii) at least one in the volumes of ported numbers determine the next hop address of described message.

17. the system of claim 16, wherein the third party supplier provides the information of relevant pollution range and volumes of ported numbers to the meta network system.

18. the system of claim 17, wherein said third party supplier operates the NPAC database.

19. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is at least in part based on whether the recipient determines described message in roaming the next hop address that means of described message.

20. the system of claim 1, wherein converting unit is connected to the external service supplier, so that the outsourcing message conversion service to be provided.

21. the system of claim 1 further comprises message details record (MDR) database.

22. the system of claim 21, wherein MDR be used for to coordinate to be connected to the message exchange amount between the network of meta network system.

23. a distributed message switch comprises:

The message exchange service network, it is connected at least the first and second networks, and first network is that second network is the network that message will send to from the network of receipt message wherein;

The address that whether only could determine based on the information that receives in the substantially same time from described first network receipt message by the address that means the recipient of determining message at least in part, described message exchange service network can be operated that described message is routed to second network from first network.

24. the distributed message switch of claim 23, wherein said switch and subscriber and route data communicate.

25. the distributed message switch of claim 23, wherein said switch and mobile network's attaching position register (HLR) communicate.

26. the distributed message switch of claim 23, wherein said switch and is presented and is communicated, and at least one the information of about (i) volumes of ported numbers and (ii) polluting in the number range provides via described presenting.

27. the distributed message switch of claim 23, wherein said switch comprise a plurality of links to second network.

28. the distributed message switch of claim 27, at least some in its link are for adopting the same type of same protocol.

29. the distributed message switch of claim 27, at least two in the wherein said link for adopting the dissimilar of different agreement.

30. a meta network system comprises:

The first line processor, itself and first network communicate and from the first network receipt message, described the first line processor is the second form with the message that receives from the first format conversion, and the second form is intrinsic for the meta network system;

The second line processor, itself and first network communicate and send message to first network, and described the second line processor is the first form with message from the second format conversion;

The authentication device unit, itself and the first line processor communicate, and described authentication device unit can be operated with the message process meta network system that allows based on predetermined criterion to be received or get clogged; And

Router, it resolves the destination address related with second network,

Wherein said destination address is determined based on cost function at least in part.

31. the system of claim 30, wherein the first form is SMPP.

32. the system of claim 30, wherein said predetermined criterion comprise the many message that receive from given transmit leg.

33. the system of claim 30 further comprises the regular expression router, it can be operated with the number that will lack at least in part and be attached to the address that means the recipient.

34. the system of claim 33, wherein said address is telephone number.

35. the system of claim 30 further comprises for the device that the error message route is back to first network.

36. the system of claim 30 further comprises filter unit.

37. the system of claim 36, wherein said filter unit removes binary data from message.

38. the system of claim 30, wherein second network is operator network.

39. the system of claim 30, wherein the meta network system comprises the entity connected to one another via the distributed-queuing system.

40. the system of claim 39, wherein said entity is connected to respectively the first and second gateways.

41. the system of claim 40, wherein at least one in the first and second gateways is directly related with the network operator.

42. the system of claim 30, wherein said message are the mobile phone short message service message.

43. a method of resolving the message route, the destination movement-based telephone number of wherein said message, described method comprises:

Determine whether telephone number is international telephone number;

If described telephone number is international telephone number:

Obtain mobile country code;

Determine whether the country related with described country code supports number portability, and if, carry out route information query with extraction purpose network operator ID and roaming information, and if not, mobile network network operator ID obtained based on described telephone number;

If described telephone number is not international telephone number:

Based on the NPA/NXX of (i) telephone number and (ii) at least one among the LSMS NPAC database dip obtain network operator's id information;

Acquisition is for purpose network operator's the route list that is allowed to and service ID;

Resolve route and address to obtain the purpose telephone number;

Obtain real-time routing performance matrix; And

Find the solution cost function to identify the suitable route of described message.

44. the method for claim 43, the step of wherein carrying out route information query comprises access SS7 global title translation database.

45. the method for claim 43, the step of wherein resolving the route addressing comprises from mobile network's attaching position register (HLR) access information.

46. the method for claim 43, the step that wherein obtains real-time routing performance matrix comprises the capacity of determining route.

47. the method for claim 43, wherein applied cost function is different to different network operators.

48. the method for claim 43, wherein cost function is considered service quality.

49. the method for claim 43 further comprises the load balance that carries out in a plurality of available routes.

50. the method for claim 49, wherein the step of load balance comprises execution round robin routine.

51. the method for claim 49, wherein the step of load balance comprises and implements at random route.

52. the method for claim 43 further comprises sending of message that delay and storage and forward mechanism is consistent.

53. the method for claim 43, wherein said message are SMS message.

54. the method for claim 43 further comprises:

The intermediary of foundation and the first and second gateway communications, described intermediary is the Business Entity that is different from the entity that operates the first and second gateways; And

To be shown such entity by the first user virtual terrain of the first gateway passes message, its have with by the address via the employed communication means compatibility of the second user of the second gateway receipt message.

55. the method for claim 54, wherein the step of virtual representation comprises the address mapping.

56. the method for claim 54, wherein the step of virtual representation comprises the territory mapping.

57. the method for claim 54, wherein the step of virtual representation comprises implementation virtual roaming example.

58. the method for claim 54, wherein the step of virtual representation comprises telephone number is mapped as e-mail address.

59. the method for claim 54, wherein the step of virtual representation comprises e-mail address is mapped as telephone number.

60. the method for claim 54, wherein the step of virtual representation comprises the gateway communication with SS7.

61. the method for claim 54, wherein the user of the second gateway uses the user of virtual address answer the first gateway that represents in described intermediary.

62. a system that is used for route messages between the first network operator and the second network operator comprises:

The intermediary that communicates by letter with the first and second network operators, each among the first and second network operators has the device for storage and forward message; And

The number route system, described number route system and described intermediary and at least one data except described intermediary provide the source to communicate, and can be operated to provide the source to receive dynamic data from described data, it makes the number route system determine suitable route for the message that receives from the first network operator, thereby makes described message be routed to suitably the second network operator.

63. the system of claim 62, wherein said intermediary and the first and second network operators' corresponding SMS service center communicates.

64. the system of claim 62, wherein the first and second network operators are the mobile phone network operator.

65. the system of claim 62, wherein the first and second network operators represent different group's entities.

66. the system of claim 62, wherein the number route system comprises routing database.

67. the system of claim 66, at least one in route data library storage LERG data, network operator's data, 800 number, international number scope, test specification and the pseudo-number range wherein, and wherein said message is SMS message.

68. the system of claim 62, wherein said dynamic data comprises the data that represent number portability.

69. the system of claim 68, wherein said dynamic data receives from the entity of safeguarding number portability administration committee (NPAC) database.

70. the system of claim 62, wherein said intermediary enquiry number route system is so that described message routes to the second network operator from the first network operator.

71. the system of claim 62 further comprises be used to identifying described message whether with the device of routine cycling.

72. one kind is used for message comprising from the method that the first mobile phone user routes to the second mobile phone user who is roaming:

Receive the message that will be sent to the second mobile phone user from the first mobile phone user, described message is received by an intermediary;

Determine which mobile telephone network the second mobile phone user orders;

The HLR of inquiry mobile telephone network just operates in which roaming mobile telephone network to determine the second mobile phone user, when the second mobile phone user registers in roaming network, has adopted roaming information to upgrade before the described HLR;

Receive roaming information in response to query steps; And

Directly with described message forwarding to roaming network, and described message is not sent to the mobile telephone network that the second mobile phone user orders.

73. the method for claim 72, wherein said message are Short Message Service (SMS) message.

74. the method for claim 72, wherein cited step is undertaken by an intermediary, and it is the Business Entity irrelevant with the first and second mobile telephone networks.

75. the method for claim 72, wherein said message are Multimedia Message.

76. the method for claim 72, wherein said message use Internet protocol (IP) to come forward at least in part.

77. the method for claim 72, wherein said message is come forward with the SS7 network at least in part.

78. the method for claim 72, wherein said message are Multimedia Message.

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