CN101375552B

CN101375552B - An electronic communications recording system

Info

Publication number: CN101375552B
Application number: CN2007800035738A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·C·阿克曼; G·A·布鲁姆霍尔; F·格洛布勒
Original assignee: Vastech Pty Ltd SA
Current assignee: Vastech Pty Ltd SA
Priority date: 2006-01-25
Filing date: 2007-01-25
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-25
Also published as: TW200729842A; ZA200806178B; CN101375552A

Abstract

An electronic communications recording system (20) comprises a packet data network (PDN) (22) configured to support a PDN protocol. A gateway (24) comprises at least one gateway input port which is connectable to a respective one of at least one communications carrier (No to Nn) carrying data relating to a plurality of communications events according to a respective carrier protocol type; and at least one PDN port connected to the PDN. The gateway is configured to translate data at said at least one input port from the respective carrier protocol type to PDN data in the PDN protocol. At least one communications event analyzer (26) is connected to the PDN and configured to receive as addressed destination at a service access point (19), translated PDN data associated with at least one predetermined port of said at least one gateway input port, to process the received PDN data and to extract from the received PDN data, communications event data relating to at least one communications event.

Description

Electronic communications recording system

Technical field

The present invention relates to electronic communications recording system and associated method.

Background technology

Electronic communications recording system is known; Be generally used for supplying information service mechanism and law enforcement agency to keep watch on; Specifically, be used for the data that intercepting, supervision and writing down with the electronics mode relates to the related communication event of target data or number on the communication network with intercepting.Destination number can be telephone number, Internet Protocol (IP) address, URL or the like.The service provider is also increasing the demand of the business telecommunication register system in the communications carrier network.

Generally speaking, known system is the center with hardware, therefore becomes out-of-date easily, and can not be scalable fully.Scalability receives the restriction of capacity of time division multiplexing (TDM) switching matrix of a part that constitutes these known systems.The TDM switching matrix is used for switching between a plurality of outputs of a plurality of inputs (these inputs are connected to by the network of intercepting) and synchrodata in synchrodata.In addition, the input data receive with first digital transmission form (like E1) usually, and dateout also receives with this form.Then, each output all is connected to the input of the special-purpose E1 data logger that between corresponding output and LAN, connects.System controller also is connected to LAN.These known systems generally are specific to by the network of intercepting, can not revise like a cork or integrated to adapt to the multiple network type of skill or carrier protocol type.The physical size of known system, power supply and cooling require also to exist serious capacity limit.

In recent years, the traffic carrying capacity on the communication network has had significant increase.Foregoing known system does not have capacity to handle all traffic carrying capacitys, therefore, and only to carrying out optionally record with some the related incident of destination number that identifies in advance.Such selectivity record possibly be not satisfied for many application.Specifically, need more fully search information, therefore, need more powerful and scalable product, allow record ratio practicable and possible much more data at present.

For example, estimate that at present surveillance can surpass 30,000 data channels in each city processing, and adopt the emerging technology such as voice-based Internet protocol (VoIP).

Summary of the invention

Correspondingly, the purpose of this invention is to provide the applicant thinks and can be used for alleviating at least the register system and the method for foregoing shortcoming.

According to the present invention, a kind of electronic communications recording system is provided, comprising:

-be configured to support the packet data network (PDN) of PDN agreement;

-at least one gateway comprises that at least one gateway input port, this gateway can be connected to carry the respective communication carrier that relates to according at least one communications carrier of the data of a plurality of communication events of corresponding carrier protocol type; And at least one PDN port that is connected to PDN; Said gateway is configured to the data of said at least one input port are converted into from corresponding carrier protocol type the PDN data of PDN agreement; And

-at least one communications event handler; This processor is connected to PDN; And be configured to receive the PDN data after the conversion related with at least one predetermined port of said at least one gateway input port; As the destination that is addressed, handle the PDN data that receive, relate to the communications event data of at least one communication event from the PDN data extract that receives.

Term " communication event " includes but are not limited in its scope, the communication session such as call, facsimile transmission, internet session, Email or the like, and other incidents such as SMS or similar message or the like.

" communications carrier " or " communication medium " includes but are not limited in its scope, physical conductor, fiber optic cables, Radio Link or the like.

" carrier protocol type " or " data carrier type " includes but are not limited in its scope, such as the form of PDH (PDH), for example; The E-carrier system (for example; E1....E5), T-carrier system (for example T1....), DSO multiples; Synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH), SONET or the like, and so on digital transmission form.Each carrier protocol type can be supported one or more signaling protocols, like SS7 and SS5.

Term " primary rate carrier " is used in related system or hierarchical structure, indicating representes the lowest capacity data carrier type with bit rate; For example; E1 under the situation of E-carrier system, the T1 in the T-carrier system, and the JI in the J-carrier system.

Communications event handler can comprise the communication event analyzer, and this system can further include at least one data storage device that is connected to PDN, is used to store the communications event data of extraction.

At least one gateway can comprise first gateway and second gateway at least; First gateway can be configured to convert data into the PDN data from first carrier protocol type; Second gateway can be configured to convert data into the PDN data from second carrier protocol type, and first carrier protocol type is different from second carrier protocol type.

This system can comprise a hybrid gateway at least, is configured to convert data into the PDN data from least the three carrier protocol type and the 4th carrier protocol type.

PDN preferably includes Ethernet, and the PDN agreement preferably includes known transmission control protocol/internet protocol stack (TCP/IP), and this is asynchronous.

At least one communications event handler can comprise first communications event handler that is connected to PDN and the second communication event handler that is connected to PDN at least; First communications event handler can be configured to receive the PDN data after the conversion related with said at least one gateway port of predetermined first group; As the destination that is addressed; The second communication event handler can be configured to receive the PDN data after the conversion related with said at least one gateway port of predetermined second group, as the destination that is addressed.

First group can be different from second group.In other embodiments, between first group and second group, can have at least some overlapping.

The external client computers of at least one running client application of computer program or server can be through being connected to PDN the application server of system be connected to PDN, so that the access through the data of gateway after to conversion to be provided.Application server can be configured to run application.

Also comprise the method for record communication event data within the scope of the invention, this method comprises the following steps:

-will be referred to a plurality of communication events and be asynchronous packet data network (PDN) agreement according to the data transaction that the sync vector protocol type carries on communications carrier; And

-data forwarding after will changing on the PDN is to the communications event handler as the destination that is addressed.

Further comprise the distributed communication register system within the scope of the invention, comprising:

-be configured to support first packet data network (PDN) of PDN agreement;

-at least one gateway comprises at least one gateway input port, and this gateway can be connected at first website and carry the respective communication carrier that relates to according at least one communications carrier of first group of the data of a plurality of communication events of respective carrier protocol type; And at least one PDN port that is connected to PDN; Said gateway is configured to the data of said at least one input port are converted into from respective carrier protocol type the PDN data of PDN agreement;

-at least one communications event handler; This processor is connected to PDN; And be configured to receive the PDN data after the conversion related with at least one predetermined port of said at least one gateway input port; As the destination that is addressed, handle the PDN data that receive, relate to first's communications event data of at least one communication event from the PDN data extract that receives;

-be configured to support the 2nd PDN of PDN agreement;

-at least one gateway; Comprise at least one gateway input port, this gateway can be connected at second remote site and carry the respective communication carrier that relates to according at least one communications carrier of second group of the second portion data of said at least one communication event of respective carrier protocol type; And at least one the PDN port that is connected to the 2nd PDN, said gateway is configured to the data of said at least one input port are converted into from respective carrier protocol type the PDN data of PDN agreement;

-at least one communications event handler, this processor is connected to the 2nd PDN, and is configured to receive the PDN data after the conversion that comprises said second portion data, as the destination that is addressed, and extracts the second portion data;

-PDN is connected to the network of the 2nd PDN; And

-said communications event handler is connected to the 2nd PDN, and is configured to through network the second portion data forwarding to the communications event handler that is connected to a PDN, as the destination that is addressed.

At least one communications carrier of first group can extend along first path between first switch and second switch, and at least one communications carrier of second group can extend along second path between first switch and second switch.

First's data can comprise the communication event content-data, and the second portion data can comprise the signaling data that relates to said communication event.

Network can comprise wide area network (WAN).

The method that also further comprises the record communication event data within the scope of the invention; Wherein the first of data carries according to the respective synchronization carrier protocol type on the communications carrier that extends along first path; And the second portion of data is to carry according to the respective synchronization bearer type on the communications carrier that extends along second path, and this method comprises the following steps:

-at first website, be asynchronous packet data network (PDN) agreement with first's data transaction along first path;

-make first's data can be used for the communications event handler on the PDN;

-at second website, be the PDN agreement with the second portion data transaction along second path, and make the second portion data can be used for the 2nd PDN; And

-network through between a PDN and the 2nd PDN, extending, with the second portion data forwarding to said processor as the destination that is addressed.

Description of drawings

Referring now to accompanying drawing and by means of example, the present invention is done further description, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a part of block diagram of the electronic communications recording system of typical prior art;

Fig. 2 is the high-level block diagram according to the basic architecture of electronic communications recording system of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the more detailed block diagram according to system of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the sketch map of formation according to the translation function of a kind of gateway type of the part of system of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is the sketch map that rudimentary E and T data format is multiplexed with higher form;

Fig. 6 is the more detailed block diagram of a kind of gateway type of a part that can construction system;

Fig. 7 is the more detailed block diagram of the another kind of gateway type of a part that can construction system; And

Fig. 8 is the block diagram according to system of the present invention that on the geographical position, disperses.

Embodiment

The basic block diagram of the typical prior art electronic communication event recording system that the Reference numeral 10 among Fig. 1 has been represented in the foreword of this specification, to quote prevailingly.

System 10 comprises time division multiplexing (TDM) switching matrix 12, can be at a plurality of input I of synchrodata ₀To I ₈₃(these inputs are connected to by the network N 1 to N of intercepting ₈₃) and a plurality of output O of synchrodata ₀To O ₈₃Between switch.The input data receive with first data carrier type (like E1) usually, and dateout also receives with this form.Then, each output all is connected to the special-purpose E1 data logger DR that corresponding output end and local area network (LAN) (LAN) at the TDM switching matrix connect between 14 ₀To DR ₈₃Controller 16 also is connected to LAN.There is the shortcoming of stating in the foreword of these specifications in these known systems, that is, they can not be scalable fully, generally are specific to by the network of intercepting, can not revise like a cork or integrated to adapt to the multiple network type of skill and carrier protocol type.Their physical size, power supply and cooling require also existing problems.

Reference numeral 20 among Fig. 2 has been represented the high-level block diagram of the basic architecture of system according to the invention prevailingly.System 20 can be connected to carrying of any suitable type and relate at least one communications carrier or medium N according to the data of a plurality of communication events of respective carrier protocol type ₀To Nn.System 20 comprises inside or the local packet data network (PDN) 22 that is configured to support the PDN agreement; And at least one gateway 24; This gateway 24 comprises a gateway input port 21.1 to 21.n (these input ports are connected to the respective communication carrier of said at least one communications carrier) at least, and at least one the PDN output port 23 that is connected to PDN.Gateway is configured to convert the data of said at least one gateway input port into the PDN agreement from corresponding carrier protocol type, and this agreement is different from said respective carrier protocol type.System further comprises a communications event handler at least; This processor exists with the form that is connected to PDN communication event analyzer 26; And be configured to receive the PDN data after the conversion related with at least one predetermined port 21.1 to 21.n, as the destination that is addressed, common as the Service Access Point on the PDN (19); The PDN data that processing receives relate to the communications event data of at least one communication event from the PDN data extract that receives.System further comprises the data storage device that is connected to PDN, is used to store the communications event data of extraction.Like what below will describe, be configured to carry out and support at least one component computer 29 of attendant application to be connected to PDN, further handle and analyze data.

PDN preferably includes switching Ethernet, and the PDN agreement preferably includes known transmission control protocol/internet protocol stack (TCP/IP), and this is asynchronous.Gateway 24 comprises internal buffer (below will than describing in greater detail), and the TDM frame that is used to receive, buffer are configured to according to various parameter optimization Ethernet throughputs.

The PDN data are sent to communication event analyzer 26 in the PDN IP that is addressed divides into groups.IP divides into groups to preferably include address date, and said address date comprises that the address is right, and this address is to comprising the network address and the transport address that relates to Service Access Point 19, and access can be carried out by the communication event analyzer in this address.Therefore, the data that mail to the predetermined port 21.1 to 21.n of analyzer 26 are addressed to Service Access Point 19, and automatically are forwarded to gateway.Correspondingly, the communication event analyzer need not smelt spy between other data on the PDN, to search the data that it needs.The desired data of predetermined input port is addressed, and is sent to the communication event analyzer by gateway through PDN 22.

In start-up course, communication event analyzer 26 reads clear channel or basic rate data flow at input 21.1 to 21.n from system configuration data, and said communication event analyzer is predetermined and is configured to receive these data flow.The communication event analyzer is configured to indicate respective gateway addressing automatically and data flow is forwarded to Service Access Point 19.Data flow can be addressed to one or more gateways 26.

Computer 29 also communicates with PDN 22 through Service Access Point 27.

In Fig. 3, shown more detailed block diagram according to the system 30 of the system that comprises foregoing basic architecture.System 30 can be connected to a plurality of N of the communications carrier 32 of the external network that will be kept watch on ₁To Nn, comprise the communications carrier of any suitable type, like physical conductor, optical fiber, Radio Link or the like, and carry the data that relate to according to a plurality of communication events of respective carrier protocol type.This system comprises a plurality of gateways 34.1 to 34.n that are connected to external network.Each gateway all comprises a plurality of input ports 31.1 to 31.128 (under the situation of gateway 34.1) that are connected to the respective communication carrier, and the corresponding output end that is connected to PDN.Be connected at least one communication event analyzer 38.1 to 38.r that also has of PDN.

As previously mentioned, this gateway is configured to convert the data of said input port into the PDN agreement from respective carrier protocol type.Encapsulated in higher order carrier types (like E3) under the situation of multiplexing lower-order bearer type (like E1); Higher order carrier types is primary rate carrier rank E1 by demultiplexing; And can not rank in addition, or clear channel scala media bearer type, like E2.Correspondingly, there is dissimilar gateways to use.Just represent the example of gateway type below:

-support first gateway type of 128 TDM carriers, these carriers can be configured to first carrier protocol type, like E1 or T1.Being expressed as 34.1 gateway #1 among Fig. 3 can be this type;

-support second gateway type of 12 TDM carriers, these carriers can be configured to support second carrier protocol type, like E3 or DS3.Being expressed as 34.2 gateway #2 among Fig. 3 can be this type;

-support the 3rd gateway type of an external ethernet port at least, this port can with 10 100 or 1000 or the speed of 10000Mbits be connected to external ethernet;

-support the 4th gateway type of one or more synchronous digital hierarchys (SDH) protocol port, these ports can be connected to the external network such as synchronous transfer mode (STM), like STM-1 and STM-4;

-support the 5th type of one or more sonet protocol ports, these ports can be connected to the external network such as OC-3; And

-support the mixed type of third and fourth carrier protocol type at least.Third and fourth carrier protocol type preferably is different each other.The 3rd carrier protocol type can be identical with first carrier protocol type, and the 4th carrier protocol type can be identical with second carrier protocol type, and 34.3 the 3rd gateway #3 of being expressed as among Fig. 3 can be this type.In other embodiments, third and fourth carrier protocol type be different from first and second carrier protocol type both.

Also by means of example referring to Fig. 4, the function of foregoing first type gateway 34.1 is the packets that the tdm data of clear channel on the input of gateway or framing converted into the ICP/IP protocol of output on the PDN or gateway 34.1.In the drawings, shown E1 frame 40.1 to 40.3, each frame all comprises 32 time slots 42.1 to 42.32.Similarly, the T1 frame all comprises 24 time slots separately.The asynchronous PDN grouping 44.1 to 44.n of each that is produced all comprises a plurality of TDM frames, perhaps, divides into groups 46.1 to shown in the situation of 46.n like data, clear channel data.Gateway 34.1 receives E1 and/or T1 frame at a plurality of E1/T1 Interface 52.1 to 52.q.Then, gateway gathers corresponding buffer (not showing among Fig. 4) individually with the frame of each interface, and buffer is configured to provide the acceptable of PDN frame sign to use, and the acceptable of the transfer of data between E1/T1 side and PDN side postpones.

In Fig. 5, shown the open-and-shut figure of the relation between the various data carrier type among foregoing E-carrier system, T-carrier system and the DS3.The function of foregoing second kind of gateway type is between the clear channel on the E3 of gateway and/or the DS3 external network or TDM frame-forming protocol and asynchronous PDN agreement, to change.

Clear channel E3 after the conversion and DS3 are addressed to as previously mentioned can be by the corresponding Service Access Point separately on the PDN of related communication event analysis device access.Is primary rate carrier E1 or T1 or J1 through E3 or DS3 multiplexed or encapsulation by demultiplexing, and can not be carrier in addition, converts asynchronous PDN agreement then into.Each underlying carrier form all with PDN on independent Service Access Point related, and can be clear channel or TDM.

Hybrid gateway 34.3 among Fig. 3 is supported 64 ports for the E1/T1 carrier protocol type, for the E3/DS3 carrier protocol type, supports two ports.Hybrid gateway is configured to convert data into the PDN data from these two kinds of protocol types, and with the appropriate services access point of foregoing data forwarding to the PDN.

Further be connected to having of PDN36: at least one application server 35, be used to store the database 37 of the information relevant (mainly being event metadata) with communication event, and the network file memory device 39 that is used for mainly storing the event content data.The data that external client computers and application program are only come access record through application server 35.Forcing external client programs and work station only to come the reason of access data through application server 35 is to strengthen fail safe, carries out audit trail, and presents data with standardized format.

Each communication event analyzer 38.1 to 38.r all carry out following function in some function at least:

-described like preceding text, be connected at least one gateway 34.1 to 34.n to receive the data after changing through PDN;

-from then on data are extracted

-telephone signaling message such as SS7;

-phone in-band signalling message such as SS5;

-content related data, as: the data that relate to voice conversation, fax, internet dialer session, SMS message or the like;

-voip signaling and content and other IP contents;

-from audio content data, extract related data, as relate to the data of SS7 continuity test sound, fax/modem training sound, dtmf tone or the like; And

The data that-use is extracted are stored in database 37 and are related to the metadata of communication event, as relate to following data: telephone number, time/date, duration, type (voice, fax/data, SMS or the like);

-confirm to relate to the data-like voice conversation and fax/transfer of data of beginning and end of the content of session-oriented; And

-memory of content data in network file memory device 39.

Can utilize a plurality of gateways 34.1 to 34.n and communication event analyzer 38.1 to be configured as required according to system of the present invention, to be connected to and to handle the intercepted carriers of requirement to 38.r.Can believe that therefore this architecture, can be expanded not by the limitations restrict of TDM switch matrix in proportion.

More particularly; The data that are positioned at first group of input port 31.1 to 31.64 can be addressed as previously mentioned and be sent to communication event analyzer 38.1; The data that are positioned at second group of input port 31.35 to 35.128 can be addressed and be sent to communication event analyzer 38.r, to help scalability.In other are used and for the reason such as operation requires, between first and second groups, can have at least some overlapping.

In Fig. 6, shown the more detailed block diagram of the foregoing first kind of gateway 34.1 that is connected to PDN 22.In addition, be connected to comprising in addition of PDN of a plurality of data flow processors 60.1 to 60.n the first communication event analyzer 38.1, each data flow processor 60.1 to 60.n all with PDN on respective service access point 62.1 to 62.n related.Gateway 34.1 comprises primary rate carrier framer 64 and bit stream extractor 66.Framer 64 is connected to a plurality of data aggregators 68.1 to 68.n with extractor 66.Each collector all comprises like described buffer 70 of preceding text and headend 72.Headend 72 is configured to the data forwarding in the associated buffer 70 to arriving 62.n with data flow processor 60.1 to 60.n related specified services access points 62.1.Transfer of data in opposite direction also can be carried out in the same way.

34.2 of gateways shown in Figure 7 are being different from gateway 34.1 aspect the demodulation multiplexer 76; It is the primary rate carrier of a plurality of components that demodulation multiplexer 76 is used for the higher order carrier types demultiplexing; And can not carrier in addition; So that data that receive by the data flow processor of communication event analyzer or carried out the basic rate format, or be higher order carrier types, but be clear channel.

Many other application programs are carried out the service of back-up system 30, and these application programs are by the computer run such as computer 29 that is connected to PDN 36.These services have constituted the part of system 30, and data recorded in direct accessing data storehouse 37 and the network file memory 39.

Be the example of important system service below:

-depending on the size and compression requirement of system, one or more servers can be configured to compress the data of the voice that relate to record;

-mobile sms service has guaranteed that through the data according to suitable tactful deletion record database 37 and network file memory device 39 will never overflow;

-migration service can be configured to selected data are moved to another part from a components of system as directed.This disperses on the geographical position with regard to permission system 30;

-can automatically dispose the facsimile demodulation service, so that the audio recording that comprises facsimile transmission is carried out demodulation.The facsimile signal that extracts is affixed to corresponding data recorded.The facsimile demodulation service is installed on one or more servers according to the performance requirement of system 30;

-data demodulates can be configured to automatically the dialing internet session carried out demodulation with the decoding service, and the content of transmission is decoded.The information of extracting (like Email, Web page or the like) is affixed in the corresponding data recorded.According to the performance requirement of system 30, data demodulates and decoding service are installed on one or more servers.

Some unit at least of the system 30 that connects or part (22,29,35,37,38.1 to 38.r and 39) can be distributed to a plurality of websites that on the geographical position, disperse, and are in the same place through suitable wide area network and suitable interconnection of routers.

It should be understood that this system can comprise a plurality of modules, each module all comprises foregoing basic architecture, and these modules can disperse on the geographical position, and is interconnected through the suitable network such as wide area network (WAN).Specifically, in Fig. 8, shown the system 80 that is distributed in first and second websites (website #1 and website #2).System 80 is configured in interior perhaps first data and signaling or second portion data not under the situation through identical switch route, and record relates to the data of communication event.For example, interested content-data can all provide along first path between first switch (switch #1) and second switch (switch #2).The part of related data also can be between switch #1 and switch #2 route, still, remaining signaling data is routed to switch #2 along second path through switch #3, switch #4.The described first communications records system 30.1 is deployed in website #1 like preceding text, and comprises the gateway of the necessity that is connected to the communications carrier that will be kept watch on and first packet data network (PDN#1).Be connected to the first communication event analyzer CEA#1 of PDN#1 just like the described type of preceding text.Be deployed in website #2 like the described second communication register system 30.2 of preceding text, and comprise the gateway of the necessity that is connected to the communications carrier that to be kept watch on and the 2nd PDN#2.Be connected to the second communication event analysis device CEA#2 of PDN#2 just like the described type of preceding text.PDN#1 is connected to PDN#2 through corresponding router R1, R2 and WAN82.CEA#2 is configured to the data that obtain from the communications carrier of website #2 between switch #3 and switch #4, extracts the signaling data that relates to the content-data on the communications carrier between switch #1 and the switch #2.CEA#2 further is configured to addressing and automatically with WAN signaling data is forwarded to the Service Access Point related with CEA#1 84 through PDN in real time.CEA#1 is configured to utilize the signal data that receives with extraction and processing content associated data, and makes the storage of data in real time ground.Therefore, can and catch signaling data, in real time it is forwarded to or be relayed to another resident website (website #1) that requires the CEA of these data then, to handle other data in remote site (website #2) intercepting.

Claims

1. An electronic communication recording system comprising:

- a PDN configured to support a packet data network PDN protocol;

- at least one gateway comprising at least one gateway input port connectable to a corresponding communication bearer of at least one communication bearer carrying data relating to a plurality of communication events according to a corresponding bearer protocol type; and connected to At least one PDN port of the PDN; the gateway is configured to convert the data of the at least one gateway input port from a corresponding bearer protocol type to PDN data of the PDN protocol;

- at least a first communication event handler and a second communication event handler, wherein said first communication event handler is connected to a PDN, and said second communication event handler is connected to a PDN, wherein said first communication event handler The processor is configured to receive the converted PDN data associated with the at least one gateway input port of a predetermined first set as an addressed destination; wherein the second communication event handler is configured to receive two sets of translated PDN data associated with said at least one gateway input port as addressed destinations; and

- said first communication event processor and said second communication event processor are configured to process said received PDN data and extract communication event data relating to at least one communication event from said received PDN data.

2. The system of claim 1, comprising a data storage device connected to the PDN for storing the extracted communication event data.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one gateway comprises at least a first and a second gateway, wherein the first gateway is configured to convert data from a first bearer protocol type to PDN data, The second gateway is configured to convert data from a second bearer protocol type to PDN data, and the first bearer protocol type is different from the second bearer protocol type.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one hybrid gateway configured to convert at least data from a third bearer protocol type and a fourth bearer protocol type into PDN data.

5. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the PDN comprises Ethernet.

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the PDN protocol is different from the corresponding bearer protocol.

7. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the PDN protocol comprises Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol TCP/IP.

8. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first set is different from the second set.

9. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein there is at least some overlap between the first set and the second set.

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one external client computer running a client application computer program is connected to the PDN through an application server connected to the PDN to access the transformed data through the gateway.

11. A method of recording communication event data, said method comprising the steps of:

- converting data related to a plurality of communication events and carried on at least one communication bearer according to a synchronous bearer protocol type into PDN data in an asynchronous packet data network PDN protocol;

- forwarding, on the PDN, converted PDN data associated with at least one gateway input port of a predetermined first group to at least a first communication event handler connected to the PDN as an addressed destination, and The translated PDN data associated with the at least one gateway input port of the second set is forwarded to a second communication event handler connected to the PDN as the addressed destination; and

- Utilizing said first communication event processor and said second communication event processor to process said received PDN data and extract communication event data relating to at least one communication event from said received PDN data.

12. A distributed communication recording system comprising:

- a first PDN configured to support a packet data network PDN protocol;

- at least one first gateway, comprising at least one first gateway input port, said at least one first gateway being connectable at a first site to a corresponding communication carrier of at least one communication carrier of a first group, said corresponding communication carrier carrying a communication carrier according to data of a plurality of communication events of the corresponding bearer protocol type; and at least one PDN port connected to the first PDN; the at least one first gateway configured to transfer the data of the at least one first gateway input port from the corresponding bearer protocol PDN data type converted to PDN protocol;

- at least one first communication event processor connected to the first PDN and configured to receive the transformed PDN data, as an addressed destination, processing said received PDN data, extracting from said received PDN data a first portion of data related to at least one communication event;

- a second PDN configured to support the PDN protocol;

- at least one second gateway, comprising at least one second gateway input port, said at least one second gateway being connectable at a second remote site to a corresponding communication carrier of at least one communication carrier of the second group, the corresponding communication carrier carrying the The second portion of data of the at least one communication event according to the corresponding bearer protocol type; and at least one PDN port connected to a second PDN, the at least one second gateway configured to input the at least one second gateway into the port The data of the corresponding bearer protocol is converted into the PDN data of the PDN protocol;

- at least one second communication event processor connected to a second PDN and configured to receive converted PDN data comprising said second portion of data as addressed Destination, and extract the second part of data;

- a network connecting the first PDN to the second PDN; and

- the at least one second communication event handler connected to the second PDN is configured to forward the second portion of data to the sought-after communication event connected to the first PDN via the network connecting the first PDN to the second PDN The at least one first communication event handler for the destination of the address.

13. The distributed communication recording system of claim 12, wherein at least one communication bearer of the first set extends along a first path between the first switch and the second switch, and the at least one communication bearer of the second set At least one communication carrier extends along a second path between the first switch and the second switch.

14. A distributed communication recording system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said first portion of data comprises communication event content data and said second portion of data comprises signaling data relating to said communication event.

15. A distributed communication recording system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the network connecting the first PDN to the second PDN comprises a Wide Area Network (WAN).