CA2275092A1 - Method for providing telecommunications services as well as switching nodes, service control nodes and switching system - Google Patents
Method for providing telecommunications services as well as switching nodes, service control nodes and switching system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2275092A1 CA2275092A1 CA002275092A CA2275092A CA2275092A1 CA 2275092 A1 CA2275092 A1 CA 2275092A1 CA 002275092 A CA002275092 A CA 002275092A CA 2275092 A CA2275092 A CA 2275092A CA 2275092 A1 CA2275092 A1 CA 2275092A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0029—Provisions for intelligent networking
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0025—Provisions for signalling
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13003—Constructional details of switching devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1305—Software aspects
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13106—Microprocessor, CPU
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13176—Common channel signaling, CCS7
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13204—Protocols
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13345—Intelligent networks, SCP
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13389—LAN, internet
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method for providing telecommunications services as well as a switching node, a service control node and a switching system for implementing the method. A
call request by a subscriber (A) of a telecommunications network (T_NET) activates a service switching function (SSF) executed by the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) to send a service request message to a service control function (LSCF1) whereupon the service control function (LSCF1) controls the provision of the telecommunications service. The control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) reroutes the request message to a LAN, which connects the system platform (SPL1) of the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) with the system platform of the service control node (LSCP1, LSCP2). The service control node (LSCP1, LSCP2) thus connected via the LAN now executes the service control function (SCF1). To provide the service, a service switching function (SSF) exchanges INAP messages (INAPM) with the service control function (SCF1), which messages are transported by means of a LAN protocol between the switching node (SSP) and the service control node (LSCP1).
call request by a subscriber (A) of a telecommunications network (T_NET) activates a service switching function (SSF) executed by the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) to send a service request message to a service control function (LSCF1) whereupon the service control function (LSCF1) controls the provision of the telecommunications service. The control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) reroutes the request message to a LAN, which connects the system platform (SPL1) of the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) with the system platform of the service control node (LSCP1, LSCP2). The service control node (LSCP1, LSCP2) thus connected via the LAN now executes the service control function (SCF1). To provide the service, a service switching function (SSF) exchanges INAP messages (INAPM) with the service control function (SCF1), which messages are transported by means of a LAN protocol between the switching node (SSP) and the service control node (LSCP1).
Description
Method for Providing Telecommunications Services as well as Switching Nodes, Service Control Nodes and Switching System The invention relates to a method for providing telecommunications services according to the preamble of Claim 1, a switching node for a telecommunications network according to the preamble of Claim 9, a service control node for supporting the provision of telecommunications services according to the preamble of Claim 10 and a switching system for a telecommunications network according to the preamble of Claim 11.
The invention proceeds from the provision of telecommunications services in accordance with IN
architecture (IN - Intelligent Network) as described, for example in the article entitled "Intelligent Networks," Nachrichtentechnik, Elektronik, Berlin 40, 1990, pp. 162 to 164.
A central service control point is connected via Signaling Network No. 7 with a plurality of service switching points. The service control point centrally controls the provision of one or a plurality of telecommunications services for the service switching points connected with it. The service switching points are specially equipped switching exchanges of a telecommunications network. If one of these switching exchanges receives a special call request from a subscriber of the 2 0 telecommunications network, a service switching function integrated in the switching exchange is triggered, which then sends a service request message to the service control point. In the service control point, this service request message triggers the associated service logic, which then controls the provision of the telecommunications service by instructing, for example, the service switching point to further switch the call request with a different destination dial number or controls a service support system that creates voice announcements. The communication between the central service control point and the service switching points is routed via Signaling Network No.
7.
The object of the invention is to increase the number of telecommunications services that can be provided in parallel in a telecommunications network.
This object is attained by a method for providing telecommunications services according to the teaching of Claim 1, a switching node for a telecommunications network according to the teaching of Claim 9, a service control node for supporting the provision of telecommunications services according to the teaching of Claim 10 and a switching system for a telecommunications network according to the teaching of Claim 11.
The idea underlying the invention is to equip a switching node additionally with one or a plurality of server computers, which are connected with the computer system of the switching node via a LAN
and which locally process the service control functions for the service switching functions of the switching node. These local service control functions communicate with the local service switching functions by means of INAP messages, which are transported by means of a LAN
protocol.
The invention proceeds from the provision of telecommunications services in accordance with IN
architecture (IN - Intelligent Network) as described, for example in the article entitled "Intelligent Networks," Nachrichtentechnik, Elektronik, Berlin 40, 1990, pp. 162 to 164.
A central service control point is connected via Signaling Network No. 7 with a plurality of service switching points. The service control point centrally controls the provision of one or a plurality of telecommunications services for the service switching points connected with it. The service switching points are specially equipped switching exchanges of a telecommunications network. If one of these switching exchanges receives a special call request from a subscriber of the 2 0 telecommunications network, a service switching function integrated in the switching exchange is triggered, which then sends a service request message to the service control point. In the service control point, this service request message triggers the associated service logic, which then controls the provision of the telecommunications service by instructing, for example, the service switching point to further switch the call request with a different destination dial number or controls a service support system that creates voice announcements. The communication between the central service control point and the service switching points is routed via Signaling Network No.
7.
The object of the invention is to increase the number of telecommunications services that can be provided in parallel in a telecommunications network.
This object is attained by a method for providing telecommunications services according to the teaching of Claim 1, a switching node for a telecommunications network according to the teaching of Claim 9, a service control node for supporting the provision of telecommunications services according to the teaching of Claim 10 and a switching system for a telecommunications network according to the teaching of Claim 11.
The idea underlying the invention is to equip a switching node additionally with one or a plurality of server computers, which are connected with the computer system of the switching node via a LAN
and which locally process the service control functions for the service switching functions of the switching node. These local service control functions communicate with the local service switching functions by means of INAP messages, which are transported by means of a LAN
protocol.
The advantage of the invention on the one hand is that the telecommunications services requested by a switching node can be provided very rapidly. Between service control functions and service switching functions there is a very fast communication connection (LAN) and the service control functions for telecommunications services requested by the switching node are provided in the immediate vicinity of the switching node. Due to the very fast communication connection between service control and service switching functions, many telecommunications services can be provided in parallel without collisions being expected.
The server computers, which execute the service control functions, and the computer platform of the switching node, despite the spatial proximity and the LAN coupling, can be completely separate systems (e.g. based on completely different operating systems) which are merely coupled via the INAP protocol. This makes it possible largely to decouple the service control functions and the service switching functions. Thus, the software complexity is reduced and components that are adapted to the special function can be used.
The data processing capacity available for processing telecommunications services can be easily adjusted to meet requirements by adding additional server computers. This is also possible with respect to the communications connection service switching functions - service control functions by adding additional LAN connections.
2 0 The invention furthermore reduces the load of the signaling network and the other service switching points are provided with a greater data processing capacity when accessing a central service control point.
The server computers, which execute the service control functions, and the computer platform of the switching node, despite the spatial proximity and the LAN coupling, can be completely separate systems (e.g. based on completely different operating systems) which are merely coupled via the INAP protocol. This makes it possible largely to decouple the service control functions and the service switching functions. Thus, the software complexity is reduced and components that are adapted to the special function can be used.
The data processing capacity available for processing telecommunications services can be easily adjusted to meet requirements by adding additional server computers. This is also possible with respect to the communications connection service switching functions - service control functions by adding additional LAN connections.
2 0 The invention furthermore reduces the load of the signaling network and the other service switching points are provided with a greater data processing capacity when accessing a central service control point.
A further decisive advantage of the invention is the fact that using the INAP
protocol permits the reuse of existing components so that the invention can be cost-effectively implemented.
The server computers executing the service control functions can be set up quite simply if they only provide services for service switching functions that are executed by the switching node connected with them via the LAN. Furthermore, a tight spatial arrangement of server computers and switching nodes is advantageous, such as, for example, an arrangement within a switching exchange.
Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.
Below, the invention is explained by means of several exemplary embodiments with the aid of the attached drawings.
Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an inventive switching system with an inventive switching node and several inventive service control nodes Fig. 2a is a functional representation of the communication between the switching node and the service control node in accordance with Fig. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2a [sic] is a functional representation of the communication between the switching node and the service control node in accordance with Fig. 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a functional representation of a service control node in accordance with Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 shows a telecommunications network T NET, with which a terminal TE of a subscriber A is connected. The telecommunications network T NET has a signaling network S-NET
and a switching system EXS, which in turn has a switching node SSP, two service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 and a local communications network L NET.
The telecommunications network T NET, in addition to switching node SSP, has a plurality of other switching nodes. These switching nodes can of course also be assigned to different network operators.
The switching node SSP is connected with the signaling network S NET and with the local communications network L NET with which the service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 are also connected. The selected number of service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 is exemplary.
However, at least one such service control node is connected with the communications network L NET. The service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 are advantageously arranged in very close spatial proximity to the switching node SSP. They form, for example, different components of one and the same exchange system (exchange system in a spatial sense).
The switching node SSP is a telephone switching node, e.g., Alcatel 1000512.
The switching node SSP can of course also be a switching node that switches not only telephone connections but also video communication andlor data connections.
The switching node SSP has an interface module for connecting subscriber lines and/or access lines to other switching nodes of the telecommunications network T NET via a coupling network for switching connections between the interface modules and via a control CONTR, which controls, inter alia, the setup of connections and the signaling v~rith subscribers and with other switching nodes. The interface modules can also serve to connect mobile subscribers. Among the components of the switching node in this exemplary embodiment, only the control CONTR differs from the corresponding components of a conventional switching node. The control CONTR is based on a computer system comprised of a powerful central computer or several individual computers connected via an internal communications network. Superposed on this computer system is an operating system platform on which the control programs controlling the functions of the switching node SSP are superposed. The operating system platform is advantageously based on a real-time operating system specially tailored to meet the requirements of a switching node.
The computer system and the operating system platform together form a system platform SPL 1 for the control programs superposed thereon. Out of the functions that these control programs provide, Fig. 1 shows merely a function SSF.
Function SSF represents a service switching function. It monitors call requests of subscribers to the telecommunications network T NET, which are routed via the switching node SSP. If it detects a special call request that requires performing a telecommunications service, it communicates with the service control function assigned to this telecommunications service. A
criterion for a special call request can be, for example, the dial number of the called subscriber entered in the call request or the calling subscriber that sent it.
Furthermore, it executes the instruction of the service control function, transfers, for example, the call request to a different destination subscriber, or sets up a basic channel to the calling subscriber.
The service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 respectively have a system platform SPL2 or SPL3 which are [sic] formed, respectively, by one or a plurality of interconnected computers and one or a plurality of operating system platforms superposed thereon. The operating system is, for example, a UNIX operating system, on which middleware is superposed, which is adapted to the special function of the service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2, e.g. Alcatel Nectar Telecom middleware. Out of the functions provided by the control programs superposed on the operating system platforms SPL2 and SPL3, Fig. 1 shows only a function SCF1 and SCF2, respectively.
Functions SCF1 respectively SCF2 represent service control functions.
Triggered by a request message from a service switching function they control the provision of a special telecommunications service. Functions SCF1 and SCF2 control the provision of the telecommunications service according to the service logic program provided for this service in service control node LSCP1 or LSCP2.
A Signaling Network No. 7 forms the signaling network S NET.
One or several LANs (Local Area Networks) form the local communications network L NET. Such 2 0 a ~N is a fast multi-computer systems [sic] (currently up to 100 Mbit/sec) with preponderantly decentralized communications control, which makes it possible for a plurality of users jointly to use the transmission bandwidth of a fast transmission medium within a spatially tightly limited space. Physically, such a LAN comprises a bus, ring or star networks, on which a multi-access protocol is advantageously superposed. Examples for a LAN are Ethernet, fast Ethernet, token ring and FDDI networks.
Subscriber A with his terminal TE sends a call request to the telecommunications network T_NET.
The telecommunications network T NET routes the call request to the switching node SSP.
Function SSF detects that a telecommunications service is to be provided for this call request and sends a request message to the service control node LSCP1. The request message triggers the function SCF1, which then controls the provision of the telecommunications service. Functions SSF and SCF1 communicate with each other by means of messages INAPM. These messages INAPM are IN applications messages. Control CONTR does not route the messages INAPM to the signaling network S NET and packs them into the protocol stack No. 7 as is typical for such messages, but routes them to the local communications network L NET and packs them in a LAN
protocol stack. In turn, control CONTR monitors the messages received by the local communications network L NET and switches the messages INAPM that are assigned to the communication between functions SSF and SCF1 to the function SSF. Thus, this LAN protocol transports the messages INAPM between the switching node SSP and the service control node LSCP1.
A first exemplary embodiment for the communication between the service switching node SSP
and the service control node LSCP1 will now be explained by means of Fig. 2a.
On the side of the switching node SSP, Fig. 2a shows several function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3, which communicate via the local communications network L NET with several function modules SCFM1 to SCFM2 on the side of the service control node LSCP1. The function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3 and SCFM1 to SCFM2 respectively have four processing units LPL, ADL, TCAPL and INAPL that are built on each other.
The function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3 represent, respectively, the sequence of a service switching function executed by control CONTR. The function modules SCFM1 to represent, respectively, the sequence of a service control function executed by the service control node LSCP1.
The processing unit INAPL processes the INAP protocol (INAP = Intelligent Network Applications protocol) by means of which the service switching functions and the service control functions interact in accordance with the IN architecture. The IN application messages (INAP messages) exchanged in the context of this protocol as well as the fundamental services and actions of this protocol are discussed, for example, in the recommendation ITU-T Q.1219, Chapter 6.5 Intelligent Network Applications Protocol, pp. 26 to 40 and, in more detail, in the recommendation ITU-T
Q.1219 for IN CS-1. Elements of a communication D2 between the processing units INAP of the switching node SSP and the service control node LSCP1 are the implementation of the INAP
protocol for the "IN Capability Set" used (CS-1, CS-2 and other future sets).
The processing unit TCAPL represents a protocol processing unit, which controls the send and 2 0 receive side handling of the TCAP protocol of the ITU-T Signaling System No. 7 (TCAP =
Transport Capabilities Application Part). This unit provides an application, in this case the processing unit INAP, with a set of operations that the application can use to activate the execution of procedures in a different node and to receive the result of the execution. The TCAPL
processing unit can be divided into two parts: a first part processes the exchange of "components,° which are protocol data units that represent either requests for executing operations or data representing the answer to requested operations. A second part, the transaction part, provides the exchange of messages containing such components as a service.
The second part may. also be eliminated since there is a one to one allocation between dialogs of the first part and transactions of the second part. Elements of a communication D1 between the processing units INAPL of the switching node SSP and the service control node LSCP1 are component, dialog, and transaction protocol data unit.
The processing unit LPL provides to the processing unit ADL the transport of messages by means of a LAN protocol via the local communications network L NET as a service. For this purpose, the 10 Protocol processing unit processes a protocol stack of several conventionally used protocols for the communication in LAN computer networks.
The protocol processing unit LPL has functions for processing the MAC
protocols (MAC = Medium Access Layer) of the communications network L NET. Such protocols, which are typical for LANs, are also referred to as LAN protocols and include, for example, Ethernet, fast Ethernet, FDDI or token protocols. Superposed on these functions are functions for processing the IP protocol (IP =
Internet Protocol). Above the IP protocol layer, one possibility is to use the TCP protocol (TCP =
Transport Control Protocol), which offers a connection-oriented service and to integrate the corresponding TCP protocol processing function in the protocol processing unit LPL. Another possibility is to use the UDP protocol (UDP = User Datagram Protocol), which offers a connectionless service. It is advantageous to use the TCP protocol since it is more likely to provide the same service quality that can be expected from the comparable layer of Signaling System No. 7.
The processing unit ADL provides additional functions that permit the cooperation between the processing units TCAPL and LPL.
For this purpose, the processing unit ADL provides to the processing unit TCAPL a pseudo SCCP
"primitive" interface (SCCP = Signaling Control Capability Part), an interface that simulates a SCCP "primitive" interface. The SCCP protocol is that No. 7 protocol on which the TCAP protocol is typically superposed.
It is sufficient to simulate the following "primitives":
UNITDATA Request (Called Address, Calling Address, Sequence Control, Return Option, User Data) ~ UNITDATA Indication (Called Address, Calling Address, Sequence Control, Return Option, User Data) ~ NOTICE Indication (Called address, Calling Address, Reason of Return, User Data) The processing units ADL furthermore accepts and transfers [sic] TCAP protocol data units from and to the processing unit LPL. This function is advantageously implemented by means of access to a "socket" interface. For this purpose, the protocol processing unit ADL
manages the "sockets,"
executes, for example the initialization and the release of the "sockets," and provides secure communication. To access the processing units ADL, the program interface (API
= Application Program Interface) is located in the "socket' interface. The latter makes it possible to open TCP
connections, to send and receive data via such connections and to terminate TCP connections.
The processing units TCAPL, ADL AND LPL can also process other protocols, which permit the transport of INAP messages via the local communications network L NET.
A second exemplary embodiment for communication between the service switching node SSP
and the service switching node LSCP1 will now be explained by means of Fig.
2b.
Fig. 2b on the side of the switching node SSP shows a plurality of function modules SSFM1' to SSFM3', which communicate with the function modules SCFM1 to SCFM2 on the side of the service control node LSCP1 via a communications network INTKOM, several gateway modules GM1 to GM2 and via the local communications network L NET. The function modules SCFM1 to SCFM2 are set up according to Fig. 2a. The function modules SSFM1' to SSFM3' are set up in the same manner as the function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3 except that the processing unit LPL
is replaced, respectively, by a processing unit PPL. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2 have a processing unit PPL and LPL, respectively, via which they are connected with the communications network INTKOM or L NET.
Control CONTR in this exemplary embodiment is formed by a plurality of computers, which are interconnected via the communications network INTKOM. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2, respectively, represent the implementation of a gateway function between the communications networks INTKOM and L NET. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2 can be located in one or a plurality of computers, which are respectively physically connected with both communications networks INTKOM and L NET.
The communications network INTKOM is formed by a fast computer network. The telecommunications network T NET can also be used as the communications network INTKOM.
The processing unit PPL processes the communications protocols used for the data transport via the communications network INTKOM. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2 by means of processing units PPL and LPL mutually effect a conversion of the transport protocols of the communication networks INTKOM and L NET, which is transparent for the processing unit ADL. It is thereby advantageous that different gateway modules serve physically separate LANs, which in this case can also be based on different MAC protocols. Of course, data for other purposes can also be exchanged via gateway modules GM1 to GM2.
The setup of the service control node LSCP1 will now be explained by way of example by means of Fig. 3.
Fig. 3 shows the service control node LSCP1, which is connected with the communications network L NET. The service control node LSCP1 has two function groups FEF and BEF. If the service control node LSCP1 is made up of plurality of computers, it is possible to connect only the computer processing the function group FEF with the communications network L
NET and to connect the other computers with this computer via a self-contained communications network. Of course, all these computers can also be interconnected via the communications network L NET.
The function group FEF has the processing units LPL, ADL and TCAPL, which are set up according to Fig. 2a, and additional processing units UD and SD. The function group DEF has database UDT and two service processes SPA and SPB. The selected number of service processes is exemplary.
The processing units SD assigns [sic] TCAP messages to service processes. When it receives a TCAP message, it decides to which service process the TCAP message is to be forwarded. If the message is a service request messages [sic], which trigger the execution of a service for the first time, it executes this assignment based on the number of the requested service. The message is then routed to a computer where the associated service logic program is stored, the execution of the program is started and the service process thus generated. If the message is one that is to be assigned to a previously generated service process, it determines the address of this service process by means of the processing unit UD and forwards the TCAP message to this service process.
The processing unit UD, by accessing database UDT, determines the address of the service process for which a TCAP message with a specific sender address is intended.
Furthermore, it continuously updates database UDT. For this purpose, it continuously receives messages indicating the generation and the end of service processes. It then stores this data in database UDT.
The service processes SPA and SPB represent the execution of a service logic program and thus control the execution of telecommunications services. From a functional perspective, they have a TCAP program interface (Application Program Interface) with superposed functions IN1 and IN2 for executing the INAP interaction necessary for the specific telecommunication service controlled 2 0 by them.
It is thereby advantageous that the service logic program during its execution accesses the data stored in the switching node via the communications network L NET. Such data includes, for example, subscriber data required by the service logic program for providing the service. This has the advantage that such data does not also have to be stored and kept consistent in a database of the service control node LSCP1.
During such access, a database query message is routed to the switching node SSP by means of the service provided by the processing unit LPL. The protocols that are provided by the processing units TCAPL and INAPL are not used as higher protocol layers. For example, an object infrastructure, e.g. CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) or a database language can serve as the interaction mechanism for such data queries.
protocol permits the reuse of existing components so that the invention can be cost-effectively implemented.
The server computers executing the service control functions can be set up quite simply if they only provide services for service switching functions that are executed by the switching node connected with them via the LAN. Furthermore, a tight spatial arrangement of server computers and switching nodes is advantageous, such as, for example, an arrangement within a switching exchange.
Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.
Below, the invention is explained by means of several exemplary embodiments with the aid of the attached drawings.
Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an inventive switching system with an inventive switching node and several inventive service control nodes Fig. 2a is a functional representation of the communication between the switching node and the service control node in accordance with Fig. 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2a [sic] is a functional representation of the communication between the switching node and the service control node in accordance with Fig. 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a functional representation of a service control node in accordance with Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 shows a telecommunications network T NET, with which a terminal TE of a subscriber A is connected. The telecommunications network T NET has a signaling network S-NET
and a switching system EXS, which in turn has a switching node SSP, two service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 and a local communications network L NET.
The telecommunications network T NET, in addition to switching node SSP, has a plurality of other switching nodes. These switching nodes can of course also be assigned to different network operators.
The switching node SSP is connected with the signaling network S NET and with the local communications network L NET with which the service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 are also connected. The selected number of service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 is exemplary.
However, at least one such service control node is connected with the communications network L NET. The service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 are advantageously arranged in very close spatial proximity to the switching node SSP. They form, for example, different components of one and the same exchange system (exchange system in a spatial sense).
The switching node SSP is a telephone switching node, e.g., Alcatel 1000512.
The switching node SSP can of course also be a switching node that switches not only telephone connections but also video communication andlor data connections.
The switching node SSP has an interface module for connecting subscriber lines and/or access lines to other switching nodes of the telecommunications network T NET via a coupling network for switching connections between the interface modules and via a control CONTR, which controls, inter alia, the setup of connections and the signaling v~rith subscribers and with other switching nodes. The interface modules can also serve to connect mobile subscribers. Among the components of the switching node in this exemplary embodiment, only the control CONTR differs from the corresponding components of a conventional switching node. The control CONTR is based on a computer system comprised of a powerful central computer or several individual computers connected via an internal communications network. Superposed on this computer system is an operating system platform on which the control programs controlling the functions of the switching node SSP are superposed. The operating system platform is advantageously based on a real-time operating system specially tailored to meet the requirements of a switching node.
The computer system and the operating system platform together form a system platform SPL 1 for the control programs superposed thereon. Out of the functions that these control programs provide, Fig. 1 shows merely a function SSF.
Function SSF represents a service switching function. It monitors call requests of subscribers to the telecommunications network T NET, which are routed via the switching node SSP. If it detects a special call request that requires performing a telecommunications service, it communicates with the service control function assigned to this telecommunications service. A
criterion for a special call request can be, for example, the dial number of the called subscriber entered in the call request or the calling subscriber that sent it.
Furthermore, it executes the instruction of the service control function, transfers, for example, the call request to a different destination subscriber, or sets up a basic channel to the calling subscriber.
The service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2 respectively have a system platform SPL2 or SPL3 which are [sic] formed, respectively, by one or a plurality of interconnected computers and one or a plurality of operating system platforms superposed thereon. The operating system is, for example, a UNIX operating system, on which middleware is superposed, which is adapted to the special function of the service control nodes LSCP1 and LSCP2, e.g. Alcatel Nectar Telecom middleware. Out of the functions provided by the control programs superposed on the operating system platforms SPL2 and SPL3, Fig. 1 shows only a function SCF1 and SCF2, respectively.
Functions SCF1 respectively SCF2 represent service control functions.
Triggered by a request message from a service switching function they control the provision of a special telecommunications service. Functions SCF1 and SCF2 control the provision of the telecommunications service according to the service logic program provided for this service in service control node LSCP1 or LSCP2.
A Signaling Network No. 7 forms the signaling network S NET.
One or several LANs (Local Area Networks) form the local communications network L NET. Such 2 0 a ~N is a fast multi-computer systems [sic] (currently up to 100 Mbit/sec) with preponderantly decentralized communications control, which makes it possible for a plurality of users jointly to use the transmission bandwidth of a fast transmission medium within a spatially tightly limited space. Physically, such a LAN comprises a bus, ring or star networks, on which a multi-access protocol is advantageously superposed. Examples for a LAN are Ethernet, fast Ethernet, token ring and FDDI networks.
Subscriber A with his terminal TE sends a call request to the telecommunications network T_NET.
The telecommunications network T NET routes the call request to the switching node SSP.
Function SSF detects that a telecommunications service is to be provided for this call request and sends a request message to the service control node LSCP1. The request message triggers the function SCF1, which then controls the provision of the telecommunications service. Functions SSF and SCF1 communicate with each other by means of messages INAPM. These messages INAPM are IN applications messages. Control CONTR does not route the messages INAPM to the signaling network S NET and packs them into the protocol stack No. 7 as is typical for such messages, but routes them to the local communications network L NET and packs them in a LAN
protocol stack. In turn, control CONTR monitors the messages received by the local communications network L NET and switches the messages INAPM that are assigned to the communication between functions SSF and SCF1 to the function SSF. Thus, this LAN protocol transports the messages INAPM between the switching node SSP and the service control node LSCP1.
A first exemplary embodiment for the communication between the service switching node SSP
and the service control node LSCP1 will now be explained by means of Fig. 2a.
On the side of the switching node SSP, Fig. 2a shows several function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3, which communicate via the local communications network L NET with several function modules SCFM1 to SCFM2 on the side of the service control node LSCP1. The function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3 and SCFM1 to SCFM2 respectively have four processing units LPL, ADL, TCAPL and INAPL that are built on each other.
The function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3 represent, respectively, the sequence of a service switching function executed by control CONTR. The function modules SCFM1 to represent, respectively, the sequence of a service control function executed by the service control node LSCP1.
The processing unit INAPL processes the INAP protocol (INAP = Intelligent Network Applications protocol) by means of which the service switching functions and the service control functions interact in accordance with the IN architecture. The IN application messages (INAP messages) exchanged in the context of this protocol as well as the fundamental services and actions of this protocol are discussed, for example, in the recommendation ITU-T Q.1219, Chapter 6.5 Intelligent Network Applications Protocol, pp. 26 to 40 and, in more detail, in the recommendation ITU-T
Q.1219 for IN CS-1. Elements of a communication D2 between the processing units INAP of the switching node SSP and the service control node LSCP1 are the implementation of the INAP
protocol for the "IN Capability Set" used (CS-1, CS-2 and other future sets).
The processing unit TCAPL represents a protocol processing unit, which controls the send and 2 0 receive side handling of the TCAP protocol of the ITU-T Signaling System No. 7 (TCAP =
Transport Capabilities Application Part). This unit provides an application, in this case the processing unit INAP, with a set of operations that the application can use to activate the execution of procedures in a different node and to receive the result of the execution. The TCAPL
processing unit can be divided into two parts: a first part processes the exchange of "components,° which are protocol data units that represent either requests for executing operations or data representing the answer to requested operations. A second part, the transaction part, provides the exchange of messages containing such components as a service.
The second part may. also be eliminated since there is a one to one allocation between dialogs of the first part and transactions of the second part. Elements of a communication D1 between the processing units INAPL of the switching node SSP and the service control node LSCP1 are component, dialog, and transaction protocol data unit.
The processing unit LPL provides to the processing unit ADL the transport of messages by means of a LAN protocol via the local communications network L NET as a service. For this purpose, the 10 Protocol processing unit processes a protocol stack of several conventionally used protocols for the communication in LAN computer networks.
The protocol processing unit LPL has functions for processing the MAC
protocols (MAC = Medium Access Layer) of the communications network L NET. Such protocols, which are typical for LANs, are also referred to as LAN protocols and include, for example, Ethernet, fast Ethernet, FDDI or token protocols. Superposed on these functions are functions for processing the IP protocol (IP =
Internet Protocol). Above the IP protocol layer, one possibility is to use the TCP protocol (TCP =
Transport Control Protocol), which offers a connection-oriented service and to integrate the corresponding TCP protocol processing function in the protocol processing unit LPL. Another possibility is to use the UDP protocol (UDP = User Datagram Protocol), which offers a connectionless service. It is advantageous to use the TCP protocol since it is more likely to provide the same service quality that can be expected from the comparable layer of Signaling System No. 7.
The processing unit ADL provides additional functions that permit the cooperation between the processing units TCAPL and LPL.
For this purpose, the processing unit ADL provides to the processing unit TCAPL a pseudo SCCP
"primitive" interface (SCCP = Signaling Control Capability Part), an interface that simulates a SCCP "primitive" interface. The SCCP protocol is that No. 7 protocol on which the TCAP protocol is typically superposed.
It is sufficient to simulate the following "primitives":
UNITDATA Request (Called Address, Calling Address, Sequence Control, Return Option, User Data) ~ UNITDATA Indication (Called Address, Calling Address, Sequence Control, Return Option, User Data) ~ NOTICE Indication (Called address, Calling Address, Reason of Return, User Data) The processing units ADL furthermore accepts and transfers [sic] TCAP protocol data units from and to the processing unit LPL. This function is advantageously implemented by means of access to a "socket" interface. For this purpose, the protocol processing unit ADL
manages the "sockets,"
executes, for example the initialization and the release of the "sockets," and provides secure communication. To access the processing units ADL, the program interface (API
= Application Program Interface) is located in the "socket' interface. The latter makes it possible to open TCP
connections, to send and receive data via such connections and to terminate TCP connections.
The processing units TCAPL, ADL AND LPL can also process other protocols, which permit the transport of INAP messages via the local communications network L NET.
A second exemplary embodiment for communication between the service switching node SSP
and the service switching node LSCP1 will now be explained by means of Fig.
2b.
Fig. 2b on the side of the switching node SSP shows a plurality of function modules SSFM1' to SSFM3', which communicate with the function modules SCFM1 to SCFM2 on the side of the service control node LSCP1 via a communications network INTKOM, several gateway modules GM1 to GM2 and via the local communications network L NET. The function modules SCFM1 to SCFM2 are set up according to Fig. 2a. The function modules SSFM1' to SSFM3' are set up in the same manner as the function modules SSFM1 to SSFM3 except that the processing unit LPL
is replaced, respectively, by a processing unit PPL. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2 have a processing unit PPL and LPL, respectively, via which they are connected with the communications network INTKOM or L NET.
Control CONTR in this exemplary embodiment is formed by a plurality of computers, which are interconnected via the communications network INTKOM. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2, respectively, represent the implementation of a gateway function between the communications networks INTKOM and L NET. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2 can be located in one or a plurality of computers, which are respectively physically connected with both communications networks INTKOM and L NET.
The communications network INTKOM is formed by a fast computer network. The telecommunications network T NET can also be used as the communications network INTKOM.
The processing unit PPL processes the communications protocols used for the data transport via the communications network INTKOM. The gateway modules GM1 to GM2 by means of processing units PPL and LPL mutually effect a conversion of the transport protocols of the communication networks INTKOM and L NET, which is transparent for the processing unit ADL. It is thereby advantageous that different gateway modules serve physically separate LANs, which in this case can also be based on different MAC protocols. Of course, data for other purposes can also be exchanged via gateway modules GM1 to GM2.
The setup of the service control node LSCP1 will now be explained by way of example by means of Fig. 3.
Fig. 3 shows the service control node LSCP1, which is connected with the communications network L NET. The service control node LSCP1 has two function groups FEF and BEF. If the service control node LSCP1 is made up of plurality of computers, it is possible to connect only the computer processing the function group FEF with the communications network L
NET and to connect the other computers with this computer via a self-contained communications network. Of course, all these computers can also be interconnected via the communications network L NET.
The function group FEF has the processing units LPL, ADL and TCAPL, which are set up according to Fig. 2a, and additional processing units UD and SD. The function group DEF has database UDT and two service processes SPA and SPB. The selected number of service processes is exemplary.
The processing units SD assigns [sic] TCAP messages to service processes. When it receives a TCAP message, it decides to which service process the TCAP message is to be forwarded. If the message is a service request messages [sic], which trigger the execution of a service for the first time, it executes this assignment based on the number of the requested service. The message is then routed to a computer where the associated service logic program is stored, the execution of the program is started and the service process thus generated. If the message is one that is to be assigned to a previously generated service process, it determines the address of this service process by means of the processing unit UD and forwards the TCAP message to this service process.
The processing unit UD, by accessing database UDT, determines the address of the service process for which a TCAP message with a specific sender address is intended.
Furthermore, it continuously updates database UDT. For this purpose, it continuously receives messages indicating the generation and the end of service processes. It then stores this data in database UDT.
The service processes SPA and SPB represent the execution of a service logic program and thus control the execution of telecommunications services. From a functional perspective, they have a TCAP program interface (Application Program Interface) with superposed functions IN1 and IN2 for executing the INAP interaction necessary for the specific telecommunication service controlled 2 0 by them.
It is thereby advantageous that the service logic program during its execution accesses the data stored in the switching node via the communications network L NET. Such data includes, for example, subscriber data required by the service logic program for providing the service. This has the advantage that such data does not also have to be stored and kept consistent in a database of the service control node LSCP1.
During such access, a database query message is routed to the switching node SSP by means of the service provided by the processing unit LPL. The protocols that are provided by the processing units TCAPL and INAPL are not used as higher protocol layers. For example, an object infrastructure, e.g. CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture) or a database language can serve as the interaction mechanism for such data queries.
Claims (11)
1. Method for providing telecommunications services to subscribers (A) of a communications network (T_NET), in which method a call request of a subscriber (A) activates a service switching function SSF executed by the control (CONTR) of a switching node (SSP) of the telecommunications network (T_NET) to send a service request message to a service control function (LSCF1), whereupon the service control function (LSCF1) controls the provision of the telecommunications service, characterized in that the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) reroutes the service request message to a LAN (L_NET), which connects the system platform (SPL1) of the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) with the system platforms) (SPL1, SPL2) of one or a plurality of service control nodes (LSCP1, LSCP2), that the service control function (SCF1) is executed by the, or by one of the, service control nodes (LSCP1, LSCP2) connected with the service switching node (SSP) via the LAN (L_NET), and that the service switching function exchanges INAP messages (INAPM) with the service control function (SCF1) to provide the service, which messages are transported by means of a LAN protocol between the switching node (SSP) and the service control node (LSCP1), which executes the service control function (SCF1 ).
2. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that the service control node (LSCP1 ), when providing the service, accesses data managed by the switching node (SSP) via the LAN (L_NET) without intervention by the service switching function (SSP) [sic].
3. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that the service control node (LSCP1 ) provides service control functions (SCF1) exclusively for service switching functions (SSF), which are executed by the switching node (SSP) connected with the service control node via the LAN
(L_N ET).
(L_N ET).
4. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that the INAP messages are superposed on a TCAP protocol.
5. Method according to Claim 4 characterized in that the TCAP protocol via an adaptation layer is superposed on a TCP/IP protocol, which in turn is superposed on the LAN protocol.
6. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that the switching node (SSP) executes one or several gateway functions (GM1, GM2) which convert the internal communications protocol of the switching node (SSP) to the LAN protocol.
7. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that when the service request message is rerouted a selection is made dynamically depending on utilization between two or more service control nodes (LSCP1, LSCP2) connected via the LAN (L NET).
8. Method according to Claim 1 characterized in that the system platform (SPL2) of the service control node (LSCP1) is based on two or more server computers.
9. Switching node (SSP) for a telecommunications network (T_NET) provided with a control (CONTR), which is arranged such that it executes one or several service switching functions (SSF) that are activated, respectively, by a call request of a subscriber (A) of the telecommunications network (T_NET) to send a service request message to a service control function (SCF1), which controls the provision of a telecommunications service, characterized in that the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) is provided with a system platform (SPL1), which is designed such that it is connectable via a LAN (L_NET) with the system platforms) (SPL1, SPL2) of one or several service control nodes (LSCP1, LSCP2), that the control (CONTR) is furthermore designed such that it reroutes service request messages from the, or from several of the, service control functions (SSF) executed by it to the LAN (L_NET), and that the control (CONTR) is furthermore designed such that one or several of the service switching functions (SSF) executed by it exchange INAP messages (INAPM) with one or several service control functions (SCF1) to provide the service, which messages are executed by a service control node (LSCP1, LSCP2) connected with the switching node (SSP) via the LAN, whereby the INAP
messages (INAPM) are transported, respectively, by means of a LAN protocol between the switching node (SSP) and the service control node (LSCP1) that executes the service control function (SCF1).
messages (INAPM) are transported, respectively, by means of a LAN protocol between the switching node (SSP) and the service control node (LSCP1) that executes the service control function (SCF1).
10. Service control node (LSCP1) for supporting the provision of telecommunications services for subscribers (A) of a telecommunications network (T_NET), whereby the service control node (LSCP1) is provided with means (FEF, BEF) for executing one or a plurality of service control functions (SCF1) which, activated respectively by the receipt of a service request message from a service switching function (SSF), control the provision of a telecommunications service characterized in that the service control node (LSCP1) is provided with a system platform (SPL2), which is arranged such that it is connectable via a LAN (L_NET) with the system platform (SPL1) of a switching node (SSP), that the means (FEF, BEF) for executing one or a plurality of service control functions (SCF1) are furthermore arranged such that they permit the execution of one or a plurality of service control functions (SCF1) for service switching functions (SSF), which are executed by a switching node (SSD) connected with the service control node (LSCP1) via the LAN (L_NET), and that the means (FEF, BEF) for executing one or a plurality of service control functions (SCF1) are furthermore arranged such that it exchanges INAP messages (INAPM) with the service switching function(s) (SSF) to provide the service, which messages are transported, respectively, by means of a LAN protocol between the service control node (LSCP1) and the switching node (SSP) that executes the service switching function.
11. Switching system (EX) for a telecommunications network (T_NET) with a switching node (SSP) that is designed such that a call request by a subscriber (A) of the communications network (T_NET) activates a service switching function (SSF) executed by the control (CONTR) of the switching node (SSP) to send a service request message to a service control function (LSCF1), characterized in that the switching system (EXS) is provided with one or a plurality of service control nodes (LSCP1, LSCP2) and a LAN (L_NET) by means of which the service switching node (SSP) is connected with the service control node(s) (LSCP1, LSCP2), that the switching node (SSP) is furthermore arranged such that it reroutes a service request message from the service switching function (SSP) [sic] to the LAN, that the service control nodes) (LSCP1, LSCP2) are respectively arranged such that the respective service control node (LSCP1, LSCP2) executes service control function (SCF1, SCF2)) [sic] for the service switching node (SSP), which is connected with it via the LAN (L_NET), and that the switching node (SSP) and the service control nodes) (LSCP1, LSCP1 ) [sic], are designed such that the service switching function (SSF) exchanges INAP messages (INAPM) with the service control function (SCF1) to provide the service, which messages are transported by means of a LAN protocol between the switching node (SSP) and the service control node (LSCP1) that executes the service control function (SCF1).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19829024A DE19829024A1 (en) | 1998-06-30 | 1998-06-30 | Process for the provision of telecommunications services and switching nodes, service control nodes and switching system |
| DE19829024.1 | 1998-06-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2275092A1 true CA2275092A1 (en) | 1999-12-30 |
Family
ID=7872419
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002275092A Abandoned CA2275092A1 (en) | 1998-06-30 | 1999-06-16 | Method for providing telecommunications services as well as switching nodes, service control nodes and switching system |
Country Status (4)
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|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0969677A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000124995A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2275092A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19829024A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100853320B1 (en) * | 2001-12-04 | 2008-08-20 | 노키아 지멘스 네트웍스 게엠베하 운트 코. 카게 | Method and network device for running especially personalised communication services in a communication system |
| DE102014019240A1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-07-07 | Unify Gmbh & Co. Kg | Telecommunication system and method for flexible control of the telecommunication system by a issued by an application to a platform switching order |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2114274C (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 1997-12-02 | Michael L. Bridges | Information services platform |
| JP2981084B2 (en) * | 1993-06-18 | 1999-11-22 | 富士通株式会社 | How to Create Detailed Billing Information for Service Switching Node |
| FI100496B (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 1997-12-15 | Nokia Telecommunications Oy | Telephone voting in an intelligent network |
| DE19515856A1 (en) * | 1995-04-29 | 1996-10-31 | Sel Alcatel Ag | Connection establishment procedure as well as service computer for it and communication network with it |
| US5737517A (en) * | 1995-12-21 | 1998-04-07 | Ericsson, Inc. | Testing tools in an intelligent network system |
| SE9700770L (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-24 | Telia Ab | Improvements in, or with respect to, intelligent network architectures |
| EP0804044A1 (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 1997-10-29 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Service control in an intelligent network |
| DE19626131A1 (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1998-01-08 | Sel Alcatel Ag | Method for introducing a telecommunications service as well as service unit, service computer, terminal and communication network |
-
1998
- 1998-06-30 DE DE19829024A patent/DE19829024A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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1999
- 1999-06-16 CA CA002275092A patent/CA2275092A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-16 JP JP11169972A patent/JP2000124995A/en active Pending
- 1999-06-18 EP EP99440153A patent/EP0969677A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2000124995A (en) | 2000-04-28 |
| EP0969677A2 (en) | 2000-01-05 |
| EP0969677A3 (en) | 2000-06-28 |
| DE19829024A1 (en) | 2000-01-05 |
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