CA2283369A1 - Method and apparatus utilizing ss7 signalling for establishing broadband connections - Google Patents
Method and apparatus utilizing ss7 signalling for establishing broadband connections Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2283369A1 CA2283369A1 CA 2283369 CA2283369A CA2283369A1 CA 2283369 A1 CA2283369 A1 CA 2283369A1 CA 2283369 CA2283369 CA 2283369 CA 2283369 A CA2283369 A CA 2283369A CA 2283369 A1 CA2283369 A1 CA 2283369A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- broadband
- network
- connection
- server
- narrowband
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/67—Transmitting arrangements for sending billing related information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0025—Provisions for signalling
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
- H04M2215/22—Bandwidth or usage-sensitve billing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
- H04M2215/48—Sending information over a non-traffic network channel or another connection than the one actually used, e.g. signalling, D-channel, data and voice
Abstract
A system and method for tracking aspects of a broadband communications connection via SS7 protocols and systems in a narrowband network is disclosed. When a broadband connection is initiated, a narrowband call to an SS7 server is generated. The SS7 server queries the station at the originating point of the call for details about the requested broadband connection. Once answered, the SS7 server sends a proxy to the broadband server to establish a connection. A
complementary proxy is generated at the destination point of the network. The broadband connection is established and the SS7 server maintains information about the broadband connection. Upon completion of the broadband connection, a termination signal is generated and sent through the broadband network. The broadband network then tears down the connection and the SS7 server sends the appropriate statistics about the broadband connection to the end office associated with the originating point of the communications.
complementary proxy is generated at the destination point of the network. The broadband connection is established and the SS7 server maintains information about the broadband connection. Upon completion of the broadband connection, a termination signal is generated and sent through the broadband network. The broadband network then tears down the connection and the SS7 server sends the appropriate statistics about the broadband connection to the end office associated with the originating point of the communications.
Description
FOR ESTABLISHING BROADBAND CONNECTIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for establishing a connection to a broadband network using SS7 signalling protocols to track aspects of the broadband connection.
BACKGROUND OF 1'HE INVENTION
Various communications networks utilize several different protocols and technologies to establish, maintain and monitor connections between points in the networks.
With narrowband networks the Common Channel Signalling System No. 7, commonly referred to as SS7, is the global standard for procedures and protocols used by telephones and other terminal devices over a public switched telephone network (PSTN) over a digital signalling network to provide wireless and wireline call setup, routing and control. The SS7 network and protocol are used for basic call setup, management and tear down, call billing, wireless services (such as PCS and roaming), toll-free (1-800, 1-888 and 1-877 numbers) and toll (1-900) wireline services and call management features (including call forwarding, call display and three-way calling).
Broadband networks have higher bandwidth than narrowband networks.
Accordingly, broadband networks are commonly used in applications requiring high bandwidth, such as video and data services.
Broadband connections, such as xDSL, do not use SS7 signalling. Accordingly, separate systems must be developed and maintained to provide billing services for bandwidth usage.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for establishing a connection to a broadband network using SS7 signalling protocols to track aspects of the broadband connection.
BACKGROUND OF 1'HE INVENTION
Various communications networks utilize several different protocols and technologies to establish, maintain and monitor connections between points in the networks.
With narrowband networks the Common Channel Signalling System No. 7, commonly referred to as SS7, is the global standard for procedures and protocols used by telephones and other terminal devices over a public switched telephone network (PSTN) over a digital signalling network to provide wireless and wireline call setup, routing and control. The SS7 network and protocol are used for basic call setup, management and tear down, call billing, wireless services (such as PCS and roaming), toll-free (1-800, 1-888 and 1-877 numbers) and toll (1-900) wireline services and call management features (including call forwarding, call display and three-way calling).
Broadband networks have higher bandwidth than narrowband networks.
Accordingly, broadband networks are commonly used in applications requiring high bandwidth, such as video and data services.
Broadband connections, such as xDSL, do not use SS7 signalling. Accordingly, separate systems must be developed and maintained to provide billing services for bandwidth usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an aspect of the invention to relate SS7 protocol functionality to a broadband connection.
The invention comprises a system for tracking aspects of a broadband connection over a broadband network through SS7 signalling protocols over a narrowband network.
The system includes an access terminal connecting a narrowband terminal and a broadband terminal to the narrowband network and the broadband network. Various signals are sent between elements in the network to establish, query, maintain and tear down a broadband connection. These signals include: a first signal sent through the narrowband terminal to notify a SS7 server on the narrowband network that a broadband connection through the broadband network is being requested; a second signal sent between the SS7 server and the narrowband terminal to establish the broadband connection; and signals sent between the SS7 server and a broadband switch in the broadband network and between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in the broadband network at the destination of the broadband connection to establish the broadband connection. There is a monitor in the SS7 server to monitor and store data of aspects of the broadband connection. A fourth signal is initiated at the termination of said broadband connection and is sent over said broadband network to the broadband switch to notify the switch of the termination of the broadband connection. A fifth signal is sent between the SS7 server and an end office of the narrowband network incorporating the data generated by the monitor.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method for tracking aspects of a broadband connection through a SS7 signalling protocols on a narrowband network is provided which includes signalling a SS7 server on the narrowband network that a broadband connection through the broadband network is being requested, negotiating between the SS7 server and the narrowband terminal to establish the broadband connection, signalling between the SS7 server and a broadband switch in the broadband network and between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in the broadband network at the destination of the broadband connection to establish the broadband connection; monitoring of aspects of the broadband connection;
signalling at the termination of the broadband to the broadband switch to notify the broadband switch of the termination ofthe broadband connection; and signalling the SS7 server and an end offce with data generated during said monitoring of aspects of the broadband connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, and the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by example only, the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional telephone network;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a broadband network; and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of network embodying elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a diagram of the architecture of a conventional PSTN telephone switch. The SS7 protocol is illustrated by way of example. When a caller wishes to make a "1-900" toll call, he dials the number on his telephone. After dialling the number, the SS7 server establishes the call setup and management for the call. When the user completes the call, the server handles the call tear down. Billing information is tracked by the SS7 server.
Fig. 2 illustrates a typical broadband network. Here a plurality of ATM
switches are connected to each other through an ATM network. Each ATM switch is also associated with its host site. There is no SS7 server associated with the ATM network.
It is an aspect of the invention to relate SS7 protocol functionality to a broadband connection.
The invention comprises a system for tracking aspects of a broadband connection over a broadband network through SS7 signalling protocols over a narrowband network.
The system includes an access terminal connecting a narrowband terminal and a broadband terminal to the narrowband network and the broadband network. Various signals are sent between elements in the network to establish, query, maintain and tear down a broadband connection. These signals include: a first signal sent through the narrowband terminal to notify a SS7 server on the narrowband network that a broadband connection through the broadband network is being requested; a second signal sent between the SS7 server and the narrowband terminal to establish the broadband connection; and signals sent between the SS7 server and a broadband switch in the broadband network and between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in the broadband network at the destination of the broadband connection to establish the broadband connection. There is a monitor in the SS7 server to monitor and store data of aspects of the broadband connection. A fourth signal is initiated at the termination of said broadband connection and is sent over said broadband network to the broadband switch to notify the switch of the termination of the broadband connection. A fifth signal is sent between the SS7 server and an end office of the narrowband network incorporating the data generated by the monitor.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method for tracking aspects of a broadband connection through a SS7 signalling protocols on a narrowband network is provided which includes signalling a SS7 server on the narrowband network that a broadband connection through the broadband network is being requested, negotiating between the SS7 server and the narrowband terminal to establish the broadband connection, signalling between the SS7 server and a broadband switch in the broadband network and between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in the broadband network at the destination of the broadband connection to establish the broadband connection; monitoring of aspects of the broadband connection;
signalling at the termination of the broadband to the broadband switch to notify the broadband switch of the termination ofthe broadband connection; and signalling the SS7 server and an end offce with data generated during said monitoring of aspects of the broadband connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, and the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by example only, the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional telephone network;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a broadband network; and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of network embodying elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a diagram of the architecture of a conventional PSTN telephone switch. The SS7 protocol is illustrated by way of example. When a caller wishes to make a "1-900" toll call, he dials the number on his telephone. After dialling the number, the SS7 server establishes the call setup and management for the call. When the user completes the call, the server handles the call tear down. Billing information is tracked by the SS7 server.
Fig. 2 illustrates a typical broadband network. Here a plurality of ATM
switches are connected to each other through an ATM network. Each ATM switch is also associated with its host site. There is no SS7 server associated with the ATM network.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the architecture of a system incorporating the invention.
Aspects of the invention are best illustrated by an example, wherein at a site l, a user wishes to make a broadband communications connection with site 15. Telephone 2 and datasource 3 are connected to terminal 4, which is provides a single physical access point for narrowband and broadband communications.
To establish a broadband connection, the user first establishes a narrowband connection to SS7 processor 5 by dialling a special routing number (e.g. a 1-900 number) through the PSTN.
The call is processed by the end office 7. As with narrowband calls, the dialling information is processed by a SS7 processor 5. The SS7 processor processes dialled number and ascertains that the routing number is associated with a broadband destination. The SS7 processor requests confirmation that from the user that a broadband connection is requested. This can be accomplished by a voice message sent through the narrowband connection back to the telephone terminal.
The user then sends a confirmation signal to the SS7 call server. This can be accomplished via by pressing a key on the phone keypad, which would send an appropriate DTMF tone to the SS7 call server. It can be appreciated that further functionality can be incorporated into the call setup system, including different options or features for the broadband connection. For example, the user may be able to choose from a series of different bandwidths.
After the confirmation signal is received by the SS7 processor, the SS7 processor notifies the broadband network to establish an appropriate connection between the destination and the broadband line at the user's end. This is accomplished via ATM proxy signal 12, which is effected on the broadband nodes. The PSTN billing system 8 manages billing aspects of the broadband connection.
With this system, the user can then terminate the call on the narrowband line and then the narrowband line is free for other calls. The SS7 processor releases the narrowband call (i.e. the user can hang up) allowing the originating end office to create a billing record to indicate service initiation. With the broadband connection, the user then proceeds to appropriate log on (identification/authentication) routine to access the called end point.
Trai~ic on the broadband link is monitored by a non-obtrusive supervisory module on the broadband link. When the user releases the broadband connection (e.g. by pressing a button on the modem or terminating it using software application) a termination data packet (or cell) 16 is inserted in the data flow. When the supervisory module recognizes the termination data packet, it notifies the call server that the session is completed. The call server tears down the broadband connection, and initiates a call to the originating end office to create a billing record indicating service termination. The billing system can proceed to reconcile the service initiating billing record with the service termination billing record to deduce the appropriate billing for the broadband connection and apply it to the bill of the narrowband primary line.
It can be appreciated that the user input may be automated through software and hardware controlling the dialling, signalling and responding to the session over the narrowband connection at call setup.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method for establishing a broadband connection utilizing $S7 signalling over a narrowband network to setup, monitor, and tear down the broadband link. Statistical and billing aspects of the broadband connection are handled by an appropriate SS7 call server. With the method, a user first establishes a call to an SS7 server to request a broadband connection. Optional negotiation with the server for an appropriate level of service may occur at this point. The SS7 server then signals the appropriate broadband switch to establish an appropriate connection for the requested broadband connection.
When the user terminates the connection, a termination signal is inserted into the datastream and the broadband server tears down the call and notifies the SS7 server that the call is terminated. At that time the SS7 server then provides billing data for the broadband connection to the end office.
Aspects of the invention are best illustrated by an example, wherein at a site l, a user wishes to make a broadband communications connection with site 15. Telephone 2 and datasource 3 are connected to terminal 4, which is provides a single physical access point for narrowband and broadband communications.
To establish a broadband connection, the user first establishes a narrowband connection to SS7 processor 5 by dialling a special routing number (e.g. a 1-900 number) through the PSTN.
The call is processed by the end office 7. As with narrowband calls, the dialling information is processed by a SS7 processor 5. The SS7 processor processes dialled number and ascertains that the routing number is associated with a broadband destination. The SS7 processor requests confirmation that from the user that a broadband connection is requested. This can be accomplished by a voice message sent through the narrowband connection back to the telephone terminal.
The user then sends a confirmation signal to the SS7 call server. This can be accomplished via by pressing a key on the phone keypad, which would send an appropriate DTMF tone to the SS7 call server. It can be appreciated that further functionality can be incorporated into the call setup system, including different options or features for the broadband connection. For example, the user may be able to choose from a series of different bandwidths.
After the confirmation signal is received by the SS7 processor, the SS7 processor notifies the broadband network to establish an appropriate connection between the destination and the broadband line at the user's end. This is accomplished via ATM proxy signal 12, which is effected on the broadband nodes. The PSTN billing system 8 manages billing aspects of the broadband connection.
With this system, the user can then terminate the call on the narrowband line and then the narrowband line is free for other calls. The SS7 processor releases the narrowband call (i.e. the user can hang up) allowing the originating end office to create a billing record to indicate service initiation. With the broadband connection, the user then proceeds to appropriate log on (identification/authentication) routine to access the called end point.
Trai~ic on the broadband link is monitored by a non-obtrusive supervisory module on the broadband link. When the user releases the broadband connection (e.g. by pressing a button on the modem or terminating it using software application) a termination data packet (or cell) 16 is inserted in the data flow. When the supervisory module recognizes the termination data packet, it notifies the call server that the session is completed. The call server tears down the broadband connection, and initiates a call to the originating end office to create a billing record indicating service termination. The billing system can proceed to reconcile the service initiating billing record with the service termination billing record to deduce the appropriate billing for the broadband connection and apply it to the bill of the narrowband primary line.
It can be appreciated that the user input may be automated through software and hardware controlling the dialling, signalling and responding to the session over the narrowband connection at call setup.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method for establishing a broadband connection utilizing $S7 signalling over a narrowband network to setup, monitor, and tear down the broadband link. Statistical and billing aspects of the broadband connection are handled by an appropriate SS7 call server. With the method, a user first establishes a call to an SS7 server to request a broadband connection. Optional negotiation with the server for an appropriate level of service may occur at this point. The SS7 server then signals the appropriate broadband switch to establish an appropriate connection for the requested broadband connection.
When the user terminates the connection, a termination signal is inserted into the datastream and the broadband server tears down the call and notifies the SS7 server that the call is terminated. At that time the SS7 server then provides billing data for the broadband connection to the end office.
Claims (2)
1. A system for tracking aspects of a broadband connection over a broadband network through SS7 signalling protocols over a narrowband network, comprising an access terminal connecting a narrowband terminal and a broadband terminal to said narrowband network and said broadband network;
first signalling means sent through said narrowband terminal to notify a SS7 server on said narrowband network that a broadband connection through said broadband network is being requested;
second signalling means sent between said SS7 server and said narrowband terminal to establish said broadband connection;
third signalling means sent between said SS7 server and a broadband switch in said broadband network and sent between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in said broadband network at the destination of said broadband connection to establish said broadband connection;
monitoring means in said SS7 server to monitor and store data of aspects of said broadband connection;
fourth signalling means initiated at the termination of said broadband connection sent over said broadband network to said broadband switch to notify said broadband switch of the termination of said broadband connection; and fifth signalling means sent between said SS7 server and an end office of said narrowband network incorporating said data generated by said monitoring means.
first signalling means sent through said narrowband terminal to notify a SS7 server on said narrowband network that a broadband connection through said broadband network is being requested;
second signalling means sent between said SS7 server and said narrowband terminal to establish said broadband connection;
third signalling means sent between said SS7 server and a broadband switch in said broadband network and sent between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in said broadband network at the destination of said broadband connection to establish said broadband connection;
monitoring means in said SS7 server to monitor and store data of aspects of said broadband connection;
fourth signalling means initiated at the termination of said broadband connection sent over said broadband network to said broadband switch to notify said broadband switch of the termination of said broadband connection; and fifth signalling means sent between said SS7 server and an end office of said narrowband network incorporating said data generated by said monitoring means.
2. A method of tracking aspects of a broadband connection over a broadband network through SS7 signalling protocols over a narrowband network, comprising signalling a SS7 server on a narrowband network that a broadband connection through said broadband network is being requested;
negotiating between said SS7 server and said narrowband terminal to establish said broadband connection;
signalling between said SS7 server and a broadband switch in said broadband network and between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in said broadband network at the destination of said broadband connection to establish said broadband connection;
monitoring of aspects of said broadband connection;
signalling initiated at the termination of said broadband to said broadband switch to notify said broadband switch of the termination of said broadband connection; and signalling said SS7 server and an end office with data generated during said monitoring of aspects of said broadband connection.
negotiating between said SS7 server and said narrowband terminal to establish said broadband connection;
signalling between said SS7 server and a broadband switch in said broadband network and between a second SS7 server and a second broadband switch in said broadband network at the destination of said broadband connection to establish said broadband connection;
monitoring of aspects of said broadband connection;
signalling initiated at the termination of said broadband to said broadband switch to notify said broadband switch of the termination of said broadband connection; and signalling said SS7 server and an end office with data generated during said monitoring of aspects of said broadband connection.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283369 CA2283369A1 (en) | 1999-09-24 | 1999-09-24 | Method and apparatus utilizing ss7 signalling for establishing broadband connections |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283369 CA2283369A1 (en) | 1999-09-24 | 1999-09-24 | Method and apparatus utilizing ss7 signalling for establishing broadband connections |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2283369A1 true CA2283369A1 (en) | 2001-03-24 |
Family
ID=4164198
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2283369 Abandoned CA2283369A1 (en) | 1999-09-24 | 1999-09-24 | Method and apparatus utilizing ss7 signalling for establishing broadband connections |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2283369A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9930560B2 (en) | 2013-10-23 | 2018-03-27 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Methods for managing a broadband connection using a narrowband connection |
-
1999
- 1999-09-24 CA CA 2283369 patent/CA2283369A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9930560B2 (en) | 2013-10-23 | 2018-03-27 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | Methods for managing a broadband connection using a narrowband connection |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |