KR100533572B1 - Method and telephone system for controlling the initiation of secondary number telephone service characteristics during call transfer operation - Google Patents

Abstract

In response to an incoming call 34 to the primary telephone number subscribed to the Call Diversion Call Service feature, the first switching node 12 (1) may retrieve (38) the database to retrieve at least one diversion secondary number. Ask (20) (36). The first switching node signals 46 to another switching node 12 in the telephone network 10 to establish an outgoing leg 48 to each secondary number telephone. The signal sent by the first switching node also instructs each of the other switching nodes in the network to prohibit the initiation of any call transfer service feature associated with the secondary number telephone. The signal may further include a divert service indicator and counter 80 that identifies the number of previous call transfers that have occurred for the originally received signal. If the counter exceeds the predetermined preset threshold 100, the other switching node rejects 102 further call transfers.

Description

Method and telephone system for controlling initiation of secondary telephone service feature during call transfer operation

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a telephone network, and more particularly, to a call transfer made to a secondary number in response to an incoming call made to a primary number through a telephone network, and to the disclosure of a secondary number service characteristic following such call transfer. Pertaining to control.

Today, many people have work phones, home phones, and cellular (cellular) phones for use when away from the office or home. Some may also have multiple offices and / or homes that reconnect with a particular telephone. Each individual telephone is unfortunately usually assigned a different telephone number by the telephone service provider. In order to maximize the opportunity for the caller to contact such persons, the caller must know or investigate each of the other party's telephone numbers (home, office, and mobile telephone numbers) and then participate in multiple calls to the numbers. This manual numbering and calling method is inefficient and often inefficient.

One known solution to solve this problem makes it possible to use a call forwarding operation and to designate a call divert to a predetermined second number in response to an outgoing call to the first number. It involves doing it. One drawback associated with this solution is that the call must be forwarded to only one other pre-specified number, and the individual must know where he will be located to effectively forward any subsequent incoming call. Another drawback is that the telephone associated with the first number is bypassed by an incoming call transfer operation so that this person cannot answer while the transfer characteristic is started. Another drawback is that many of these systems are not easy to remotely initiate and release the transfer feature, so that a person must access the first number phone to assign a new second transfer number.

Another known solution to this problem is to provide a special call handling equipment for each telephone. Using a second telephone line or three-way calling feature, the special equipment responds to an incoming call by generating an alert simultaneously or sequentially to the primary and remote (secondary) telephone being called. The call connection is completed by the equipment to the first telephone of the plurality of telephones that can be alerted. Problems with this solution include that only a limited number of calls can be alerted; Installation of expensive consumer specific hardware at the primary call location; And subscription to an additional line or three-way calling feature.

Another known solution to this problem utilizes a telephone exchange to answer an incoming call made to a primary telephone number by calling one or more designated secondary numbers simultaneously and / or sequentially. This is commonly referred to in the prior art as a call forwarding operation, in particular a multi-leg (or multi-destination call), when an incoming call is received at the telephone exchange, the calling party is called. Acknowledge that the primary number is associated with the multi-leg call the subscriber desires, the exchange responds to the above by routing the incoming call to multiple telephones of the subscriber-specified number through a number of different outgoing legs. The first telephone, which is connected to the outgoing leg for response, is connected to the received incoming call through the exchange, and the remaining outgoing leg is disconnected.

Call transfer call operations under the control of a telephone exchange (rather than at the original call location of a particular subscriber) provide flexibility in call options and satisfactorily address the various issues associated with the previously mentioned call handling and routing solutions. However, call transfer calls controlled by telephone exchanges have some communication related problems. One or more secondary numbers designated for use in call transfer in response to an incoming call to the primary number may be initiated by being associated with a service characteristic controlled by its telephone exchange. In many cases, however, it is not desirable for these service features to be initiated in response to a call involving one of the outgoing legs in a call transfer call operation. This is especially true for service features that provide single or multi-leg call transfer operations that follow a preceding call transfer call operation.

For example, if a voice mailbox is associated with a predetermined secondary number specified in the call transfer call list associated with the primary number, a call transfer to the primary number that triggers the transfer call connects to the voice mailbox of the secondary number. It may be desirable not to Instead, it is desirable to first try another call option of call transfer, and also (if any), leave a random message in the voice mailbox associated with the primary number that received the original call. Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for performing control over secondary number service feature initiation during or as a result of previous call transfer calling operations.

1 is a simple block diagram of a telephone network in which call transfer calling operation is supported.

2 is a flow diagram for telephone network operation and call processing to prohibit secondary number call transfer calling operations in accordance with the present invention.

3 is a flow diagram for telephone network operation and call processing for limiting call transfer calling operations in accordance with the present invention.

In a telephone network comprising a plurality of switching nodes, the first switching node receives an incoming call to the primary telephone number. In response to the incoming call, the first switching node queries the database to determine whether the telephone associated with the primary number is subscribed to a call transfer calling service characteristic (such as an incoming call transfer or a multi-leg call). If so, at least one secondary telephone number subjected to the call transfer call operation is retrieved from the database. In order to establish at least one outgoing leg connected to the telephone associated with each retrieved secondary telephone number to the voice trunk, a command is sent by the first switching node to another switching node in the network via a signal link. The sent command includes a control command instructing each other switching node to prohibit initiating any call transfer service characteristic associated with the secondary telephone number with respect to the diverted call.

Optionally, or in addition, the control command also includes a redirection inhibiting, incoming call forwarding characteristic identifier, and a redirection information counter that identifies the number of previous call transfers that occurred with respect to the originally received call. If the counter exceeds a predetermined preset threshold, the other switching node rejects further call transfers. This feature serves to prevent infinite call diversion or excessive numbers of diversions.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a telephone network 10 including a plurality of interconnected switching nodes (SNs) 12. Switching node 12 is one of a number of known telecommunication switching devices that are commonly used to provide digital or analog landline or cellular telephone service to a number of subscriber telephones 14, including those known in the prior art. It may include. Switching nodes 12 are interconnected to communicate over both signal link 16 and voice trunk 18. Voice trunk 18 provides voice and data communication paths used to carry subscriber communications between nodes 12. Signal link 16 communicates command signals between nodes 12, which are used to establish and tear down voice and data communication links over voice trunk 18, and to request and control specific service characteristics.

Switching node 12 is connected to database 20 (or a plurality of databases, if necessary) by signal link 16. Signal link 16 in this example carries a command signal that is used to locate and pre-route the subscriber. In the case of a landline network, the database 20 includes a switch control point database. In the case of a cellular telephone network, the database 20 includes a home location register to which a telephone number for the called mobile station is assigned.

The database 20 stores information about subscriber phone 14, including subscriber telephone numbers, for identification of certain service characteristics that subscribers are entitled to use associated with the telephone number. Such service characteristics may include call waiting, three-way calling, paging, voicemail, call forwarding, and multi-leg calling. The latter three service characteristics include examples of call transfer service characteristics, the network will include more databases than just one database 20, and multiple databases in the network (not shown) are also mentioned above. It can be seen that they are interconnected by signal links (such as link 16) that carry command signals used for the same purpose.

In the example of a call transfer service feature, the voicemail service feature includes selection and storage for subsequent subscriber retrieval of the recorded voice message in response to an incoming call to the subscriber's telephone number. Call forwarding service characteristics include automatic forwarding an incoming call to a subscriber's telephone number to another number designated by the subscriber. The multi-leg call service feature includes calling a plurality of subscriber designated numbers in a simultaneous or sequential manner in response to an incoming call to a subscriber telephone number. Other types of call transfer service features are known to those skilled in the art.

Attendant node 12 (and its associated database 20) that facilitates call transfer calling service characteristics for terrestrial or cellular subscribers is well known in the art. For example, US Pat. No. 5,206,901 to Harlow et al. Discloses a method and apparatus for implementing a multi-leg call by generating an alert for an incoming call to multiple telephones. The attendant node 12, which handles the incoming call, queries the database 20 to retrieve routing instructions for the call that includes identification of the multiple phones for which alerts will be generated. In response to one of the identified telephones answering the alert, an incoming call is connected to the answering telephone and the other potential connection is disconnected. For the purpose of implementing the multi-leg service feature, the multiple telephones identified in the routing instruction do not need to be serviced by the same switching node 12 that first received the incoming call and initiated the multi-leg call. Also, a designated service node may be used if necessary. Multiple telephones identified in the routing commands may be alerted by the telephone exchange node 12 during multi-leg calls simultaneously or sequentially at the request of the called party.

Call forwarding and voicemail conversion are well known in the art. Less well known multi-leg call operations will be better understood with reference to specific examples. Assume that a telephone call to a primary number (associated with the called subscriber's telephone 30) is originated from the telephone 32 by the subscriber and received at the switching node 12 (1). In response to receiving such an incoming call (via incoming leg 34), switching node 12 (1) locates the called mobile subscriber and determines which service characteristics the called party is subscribed to. Query the database 20 (using a signal (not shown) transmitted from the initial database to another database, if necessary). The retrieved property 38 is processed by the switching node 12 (1) to further process the incoming call.

If one of the retrieved service characteristics 38 includes a multi-leg call, the switching node 12 (1) also responds to the question, whether a sequential call is made as well as a list of secondary telephone numbers to be called or concurrently. Multi-leg routing information is provided that includes an indication of whether the call is being made. If the service characteristic 38 includes call forwarding or voicemail switching, a similar routing command is retrieved. Assume that the secondary telephone number list identifies phones 40, 42, 44 for multi-leg calls. Switching node 12 (1) sends command 46 to another node 12 via signal link 16, connecting to telephones 40, 42, 44 associated with the numbers listed and generating an alert. Multiple outgoing legs 48 (sequentially or simultaneously) are set up via voice trunk 18 in order to make them appear. The first of the telephones 40, 42, 44 to answer is connected to the incoming leg 34 by the switching node 12 (1) via the associated outgoing leg, thereby making a call between the calling party and the called party. Complete the connection.

Call Transfer Service Feature It can be appreciated that one or more telephones identified in the routing command may connect themselves with call transfer service features, such as voicemail, call forwarding, multi-leg calls, etc., in the same or other database 20. If such a telephone includes a primary number for an incoming call, the initiation of the selected service characteristics of these subscribers is required and performed by the switching node 12. On the other hand, if the telephone includes a secondary number called in connection with providing a call transfer call operation, it is not always desirable for the call transfer service feature to be initiated. In this predetermined selected situation, it may be desirable for any call transfer service characteristic associated with the telephone number for the secondary telephone called during a call transfer call operation to be ignored or forbidden to initiate.

In order to facilitate the control by initiating call transfer service characteristics during call transfer call operations, the switching node 12 may also use a telephone to access the secondary number for which the outgoing leg of the forwarded call has been called. 20 to transmit over the signal link 16 (including the IS-41 and CCITT7 / ANSISS7TUP / ISUP protocol links) that specify not to cause any related call transfer service characteristics in And generate control command 50 (which may include parameters). Switching node 12 responds to receipt of command 46 by connecting to the voice trunk and alerting the telephone associated with the called secondary number. In response to the control command 50, because the call being processed is part of a previous (and service limited) call transfer call operation, a secondary number database 20 analysis to identify call transfer service characteristics is performed by the switching node ( 12) is not made. However, switching node 12 may continue to provide other service characteristics (such as call waiting or direction calling) to the called secondary number's telephone during the forwarded call that do not include call transfer. If the call does not answer, the switching node 12 stops and returns control via call back to the switching node where the incoming call is received (preferably originally received).

Execution of control by the service node through the initiation of the secondary number telephony feature using the message 50 can be better understood with reference again to the multi-leg call example. The switching node 12 (1) receives a list of secondary telephone numbers to be called as well as an indication of whether a sequential call or a simultaneous call is to be performed (multi-leg routing command). In this example, the list of secondary telephone numbers identifies the telephones 40, 42, 44 for multi-leg calls. Next, the switching node 12 (1) sends a command 46 to the other node 12 via the signal link 16, to the telephones 40, 42, 44 associated with the secondary numbers listed. Multiple outgoing legs 48 (sequentially or simultaneously) are set up via voice trunks to connect and alert them. In addition to the command 46 or as a parameter in the command 46, the switching node 12 (1) may call the telephones 40, 42, for the secondary number to which the outgoing leg 48 of the multi-leg call is to be called. 44 is used to send a control command 50 that does not cause any related call transfer service characteristics in the database 20. Thus, if the database 20 records the voicemail call transfer service characteristics associated with the telephone 40, this characteristic may indicate that the switching node 12 (3) upon receipt of the outgoing leg 48 (1) of the multi-leg call. Is not performed by Similarly, if the database 20 records incoming call forwarding service characteristics associated with the telephone 42, this characteristic is determined by the switching node 12 (4) upon receipt of the outgoing leg 48 (2) of the multi-leg call. Is not performed by In addition, if the database 20 records the multi-leg call service characteristics associated with the telephone 44, this characteristic is the outgoing leg 48 (3) of the multi-leg call initiated by the switching node 12 (1). Is not performed by the switching node 12 (2) upon receipt of As mentioned above, the first comparator 40, 42 or 44 of the telephones to be answered is connected to the switching node 12 (through the associated outgoing leg 48) to complete the call connection between the subscriber and the called party. 1)) to the incoming leg 34.

Reference is made to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart of a telephone network operation during a call transfer calling operation using controlled secondary number service feature initiation in accordance with the present invention. A call to the primary number via the incoming leg is initiated (step 60) and received by the switching node (step 62). The network fails the attempt to forward the call to the primary subscriber. This failure may be indicated by a timeout, an IS-41 switch request, or an ISUP call release message. Next, the switching node determines whether the called party associated with the incoming primary number has subscribed to the call transfer calling service characteristic (step 64). If not, the incoming call is further processed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art (step 66). If it is subscribed, the exchange node can check the database for retrieval (relative to multi-leg calls) as well as routing instructions containing secondary numbers to which calls will be diverted, as well as whether sequential or concurrent calls are being made. Ask (step 68). In order to establish one or more outgoing legs via the voice trunk to the secondary telephone, a message is sent to another switching node in the network via the included signaling link in accordance with the retrieved routing instruction (step 70). A control message is also sent (independent of the message in step 70 or as a parameter in the message) instructing each switching node to prohibit the initiation of any call transfer service feature associated with the secondary number telephone (step 72). This message may include a divert counter and service identifier parameter if necessary. Next, an alert is issued to the secondary number telephone (step 74). Next, the switching node tests for the response of the alerted telephone (step 76) and the incoming call is completed to the responding secondary number telephone (step 78).

Reference is again made to FIG. 1. To facilitate control over the initiation of the call transfer service feature during the call transfer call operation, the switching node 12 keeps track of the number of the call transfer actions that were initiated in response to the original incoming call, thereby making the previously executed call. And store the tracked number of the transition in the counter 80 associated with the control command 50. Command 50 and counter 80 are transmitted over signal link 16 (including the IS-41 and CCITT7 / ANSISS7 TUP / ISUP protocol links). Switching node 12 responds to receipt of counter 80 by comparing the stored call transfer value with a preset threshold. If the stored value exceeds the threshold, the database 20 analysis on the secondary number for the purpose of identifying call transfer service characteristics is performed by the switching node 12, since the call has already been sent so many times the system considers it too many. Not performed at all. However, the switching node 12 may continue to provide other service characteristics (such as call waiting or three-way calling) that do not involve a call transfer to the called secondary number telephone during the diverted call.

Performing control by the switching node through the initiation of the secondary number telephone service feature using the counter 80 may be better understood by referring back to the example of the multi-leg call. The switching node 12 (1) receives a list of secondary telephone numbers to be called as well as an indication (multi-leg routing command) of whether a sequential call or a simultaneous call is to be performed. In this example, the secondary telephone number list identifies the telephones 40, 42, 44 for multi-leg calling. Next, the switching node 12 (1) relays a plurality of outgoing stations across the voice trunk 18 in order to contact and alert the telephones 40, 42, 44 associated with the secondary numbers listed. Command 46 is sent to another node 12 via signal link 16 to establish leg 48 (sequentially or simultaneously). In addition to the command 46 or as a parameter in the command 46, the switching node 12 (1) may also call the called secondary number telephones 40, 42, 44 and (only one for the original call). A control command indicating that the outgoing leg 48 of the multi-leg call does not cause any associated call transfer service characteristics in the database 20 using a counter 80 with a value of 1 (indicating that only the transfer of. Send 50. Suppose that exchange 12 (30) is not upgraded to ignore or respond to the injunction 50. Thus, the database 20 is an incoming call (designating phone 42) associated with phone 40. If you record the divert service characteristic, this characteristic is improperly executed by the switching node 12 (3), which causes the command 46 to set the outgoing leg to the switching node 12 (4). In addition to the command 46 or as a parameter in the command 46, the switching node 12 (1) also controls the control command 50 and indicating that a second transition has been initiated for the original call. Sends a counter 80 having a value of 2. In response to receiving the diverted call, the switching node 12 (4) compares the value of the counter 80 with a preset threshold value of 1; If the counter value exceeds the threshold, the switching node 12 (4) is no longer able to transfer calls. It will not do this.

In accordance with the present invention, reference is made to FIG. 3, which is a flowchart of a telephone network operation during a call transfer calling operation using controlled secondary number service feature initiation. A call to the primary number via the incoming leg is sent (step 82) and received by the switching node (step 84). The network fails the call forwarding attempt to the first subscriber. This failure may be indicated by a timeout, an IS-41 switch request, or an ISUP disconnect message. Next, the switching node determines whether the incoming primary number subscribes to the call transfer calling service characteristic (step 86). If not, the incoming call is further processed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art (step 88). If so, the switching node queries the database to retrieve a routing command that includes the secondary divert number (step 90). In order to establish one or more outgoing legs via the voice trunk to the secondary telephone, a message is sent to another switching node in the network via the included signaling link in accordance with the retrieved routing instruction (step 92). In addition, a counter and service indicator indicating the number of conversions performed on the originally received call are sent (step 94 or separately as a parameter in the message). A prohibition of conversion can also be sent using this message. Next, the switching node tests if call transfer is initiated by the call (step 96). If not initiated, the call is handled in the usual manner (perhaps via the initiation of a response or other calling service characteristic). When initiated, the switch node tests whether the counter value exceeds a preset threshold (step 100). If not exceeding, the process returns to step 90 to perform a transition, and the counter value is incremented by 1 to reflect the occurrence of further transitions. If the threshold is exceeded, the transition is prohibited (step 102).

Another advantage of using the counter 80 to monitor call transfer is that call transfer looping situations can be avoided. By monitoring the value of the counter 80, the switching node, from a large number of recorded numbers, indicated that the problem call was involved in the switching of the infinite loop (that is, A designates B as switching subscriber and B designates C as switching subscriber). And C designates A as the converting subscriber). This situation must be identified and aborted, otherwise infinite looping switching calls will quickly occupy all calling circuits in one or more switching nodes, resulting in switching congestion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, existing messages and parameters set up for use within the digital telephone network may be adopted and adjusted for use in providing control messages 50 and counters 80. For example, in the case of a digital terrestrial telephone network, an existing Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISDN-USP) message initial address message (IAM) transmitted through a signaling link may be an initiation of an exchange node of a secondary telephone telephone transfer service characteristic. It can be modified to provide a parameter switching prohibition, a service identifier, and switching information (including the control message 50 and the counter 80) necessary to prohibit the operation. In addition, in the case of cellular telephone networks, these parameters may also be used for signaling (switching to location, numbering, and routing) to the corresponding switching node in connection with a call transfer call operation in which secondary number call transfer service characteristics are not initiated. Such as a request message).

Although the preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been described in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of the invention, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims. It should be noted that various rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are possible.

Claims (32)

A method of controlling the initiation of a secondary number telephone service characteristic during a mobile network call transfer calling operation, One of a plurality of secondary telephone numbers associated with the first telephone number, from the mobile network database associated with the primary telephone number, in response to receipt of a telephone call to the primary telephone number of the mobile station subscribing to the call transfer service characteristic of the mobile communication network. Searching for anomalies, Establishing a diversion call to a mobile station for each of the plurality of retrieved secondary telephone numbers through at least one mobile switching node, and Signaling each mobile switching node to deactivate a service characteristic associated with a secondary telephone number in connection with setting up a call forwarding. According to claim 1, The divert call includes a multi-leg call, wherein the setting step includes setting up the multi-leg call in a sequential manner to the mobile stations of the plurality of retrieved secondary telephone numbers. A method of controlling the onset of a characteristic. According to claim 1, The divert call comprises a multi-leg call, wherein the setting step includes the step of establishing a multi-leg call in a mobile manner of the plurality of retrieved secondary telephone numbers in a simultaneous manner. To control the initiation of the reaction. According to claim 1, And a service characteristic associated with the secondary number telephone comprises a call transfer service characteristic. The method of claim 4, wherein Wherein the call transfer service feature comprises an incoming call transfer operation from a secondary number mobile station to another terminal. The method of claim 4, wherein The call transfer service feature comprises voicemail transfer from a secondary number mobile station to a voicemail box. The method of claim 4, wherein And wherein the mobile network call transfer service feature comprises a multi-leg call operation originating from a secondary number mobile station. A mobile telephone system that provides call transfer calling operation, A first mobile switching node that receives an incoming call to a primary number of a mobile station that subscribes to a call divert calling service characteristic in a mobile telephone system and establishes a divert call to one or more identified secondary number telephones; A plurality of interconnected mobile switching nodes comprising one or more second mobile switching nodes, and A mobile system database for storing information related to the primary number comprising the number of one or more identified secondary number mobile stations, And the first mobile switching node signals each of the second mobile switching nodes in connection with the telephone call setting so that the service characteristic associated with the secondary number mobile station is not activated for the switching call. The method of claim 8, And the diverting call comprises a multi-leg call set up by the first mobile switching node to a second mobile switching node identified by the secondary number mobile station in a sequential manner. The method of claim 8, And the diverting call comprises a multi-leg call set up by the first mobile switching node to a second mobile switching node identified by the secondary number mobile station in a concurrent manner. The method of claim 8, And the service characteristic associated with the secondary number mobile station includes a call transfer service characteristic. The method of claim 11, wherein And the call transfer service characteristic includes an incoming call transfer operation from a secondary number mobile station to another terminal. The method of claim 11, wherein And the call transfer service characteristic comprises voice mail transfer from the secondary number mobile station to the voice mail box. The method of claim 11, wherein And the call transfer service characteristic comprises a multi-leg call operation originating from a secondary number mobile station. As a cellular telephone system, Multiple cellular switching nodes, A plurality of voice trunks connecting the plurality of cellular switching nodes, and A plurality of signal links connecting the plurality of cellular switching nodes; An originating switching node of the cellular switching node retrieves a number for one or more terminating mobile stations from a database and signals to another predetermined cellular switching node via a signal link to set up a transfer call to one or more terminating mobile stations on the voice trunk. Wherein the signal comprises a control command to instruct the other predetermined cellular switching node to prohibit the initiation of a service characteristic associated with one or more terminating mobile stations during the switching call. The method of claim 15, And the prohibited service characteristic comprises a call forwarding operation from a called mobile station to another terminal. The method of claim 15, And the forbidden service characteristic comprises voicemail transfer from the destination mobile station to the voicemail box. The method of claim 15, And the forbidden service characteristic comprises a multi-leg call originating from a terminating mobile station. A method of controlling service characteristic initiation during a call transfer call operation in a cellular telephone network in which at least one outgoing call leg is established to a destination mobile station via at least one cellular switching node, Retrieving a number for the called mobile station from the database of the cellular telephone network, Transmitting a command control signal during a call set up for a called mobile station number identifying each outgoing call leg as part of a divert call; and Prohibiting initiation of a call transfer service feature associated with a terminating mobile station connected to each outgoing call leg at each cellular switching node receiving the transmitted command control signal during a transfer call period. How to control service characteristic initiation during The method of claim 19, And wherein the call transfer service characteristic comprises an incoming call transfer operation from the called mobile station to another terminal. The method of claim 19, And the call transfer service feature comprises voicemail transfer from the destination mobile station to the voicemail box. The method of claim 19, And the call transfer service feature comprises a multi-leg call originating from a terminating mobile station. A method for controlling the initiation of a secondary number telephone service characteristic during a call transfer calling operation, the method comprising: Responsive to receiving a telephone call to a telephone number subscribed to a call transfer service characteristic, retrieving at least one of a plurality of secondary telephone numbers associated with the telephone number, Establishing a divert call through at least one switching node with a telephone for each of the retrieved plurality of secondary telephone numbers, Signaling to each switching node about divert call setup using a counter identifying a number of previous call diversions associated with a telephone call, and Comparing the number of call diversions from the counter with a preset threshold to inhibit further call diversion if the number of counters exceeds the threshold. The method of claim 23, wherein Service specification associated with the secondary number telephone comprises a call transfer service characteristic. The method of claim 24, Wherein the call transfer service feature comprises an incoming call transfer operation from the secondary number telephone to the other telephone. The method of claim 24, And wherein the call transfer service feature comprises voice mail transfer from the secondary number telephone to the voicemail box. The method of claim 24, And wherein the call transfer service feature comprises a multi-leg call operation originating from a secondary number telephone. As a telephone system, Multiple switching nodes, A plurality of voice trunks connecting the plurality of switching nodes, and A plurality of signal links connecting the plurality of switching nodes, The switching node currently processing of the switching nodes transmits a signal over the signaling link to another predetermined switching node to set up the divert call on the voice trunk as the called telephone, and the signal is the number of previous call transfers associated with the divert call. And a counter for identifying a counter, wherein the counter is interpreted by another switching node to prohibit initiation of a service characteristic associated with an incoming telephone when the number of call transfers exceeds a preset threshold. The method of claim 28, And the telephone system is a cellular telephone system. The method of claim 28, And said service characteristic comprises a call forwarding operation from the called telephone to another telephone. The method of claim 28, The service characteristic comprises a voicemail transfer from the called telephone to the voicemail box. The method of claim 28, The service characteristic comprises a multi-leg call originating from the called telephone.