CN1152535C

CN1152535C - Telecommunication system

Info

Publication number: CN1152535C
Application number: CNB988074540A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 拉里・E・谢塞尔; 拉里·E·谢塞尔
Original assignee: Siemens Business Communication Systems Inc
Current assignee: Siemens Business Communication Systems Inc; Siemens Communications Inc
Priority date: 1997-06-30
Filing date: 1998-06-24
Publication date: 2004-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-24
Also published as: CA2295291A1; JP2002508912A; CN1265246A; BR9810926A; WO1999000954A1; AR015126A1

Abstract

A telecommunication system for enabling a subscriber to calling features available by a central office to have access to such calling features when such subscriber is accessing the central office through either a line connected to the central office or an Internet, Intranet, Extranet (i.e., IP) network which uses the TCP/IP network protocol. The method includes the steps of: processing signals received by the central office from the subscriber through either the IP network or the line connected to the central office to determine whether the subscriber is placing a call to the central office through either the line to the central or through the IP network; and making such calling features available to the subscriber independent of whether the subscriber is connected to the central office through the line to the central office or through the IP network. With such a system, calling features provided at a central office are available to a subscriber to such calling features anywhere in the world via the IP network.

Description

Communication system

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to communication system, the particularly suitable communication system of using Internet, in-house network, extranets (extranet) TCP/IP procotol.

Background technology

As known in the art, Internet, in-house network, the additional Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) of extranets (hereinafter referred to as IP network) provide telephone service.For example, client software can be used for making the Internet user to call out the callee by the Internet.Generally, the calling party utilizes modulator-demodulator or Local Area Network router to enter the Internet by Internet service supplier (ISP).Utilizing IP, generally is transmission control protocol (TCP), and the ISP from the calling party transmits by the Internet with data, and IP (IP) is referred to as TCP/IP.This ICP/IP protocol also is used to serve the in-house network/extranets of specific user/user's closed group.Thereby the term IP network generally comprises any network that uses the TCP/IP procotol.Set up the route of information based on the TCP/IP address by IP network.Long 32 of TCP/IP address is typically expressed as four decimal ranges of from 0 to 256, and each numeral by point separately.

As known in the art, when utilizing modulator-demodulator to insert ISP, by the mode that is referred to as " point-to-point " agreement sometimes, ISP can use the modulator-demodulator in the modulator-demodulator group.When utilizing through industrial siding from LAN or cable companies (CATV) access ISP, packet directly transmits between LAN or cable and IP network as the IP packets of information.As mentioned above, use the TCP/IP procotol to utilize each point on the IP network of TCP/IP address to set up route by IP network.Router server and IP network couple, E.164 to change between telephone number (promptly using the central office addressing protocol) and TCP/IP address (being IP TCP/IP network addressing agreement).For example, if wish to call out callee on the PSTN network based on the IP user of cable, the calling party dials callee's E.164 catalogue (directory) number so, router server is converted to the TCP/IP number with dialing, for call out selecting by arrive the route of the TCP/IP address of ISP gateway based on the IP network of cable, the central office arrival central office on (being trunk line) one of in the ISP gateway is called out by circuit for callee's catalogue telephone number E.164 and guiding the TCP/IP address transition then.

As known in the art, miscellaneous service or characteristic (features) can offer PSTN user.For resident PSTN user, these characteristics comprise: plain old telephone service (POTS); Customer call characteristic (for example: Call Waiting, calling transfer, third-party call and short calling etc.); The advanced call characteristic (for example: called ID); Be used for higher level service (ADSI) based on the telephone set that shows; Digitize voice on the single line and data (ISDN); The voice activation business; Operator service; And voice mail.For commercial PSTN user, these characteristics comprise: isdn line electric level interface (BRI); ISDN high bandwidth trunk interface (PRI); Centrex business telephone group (groups); Automatically call distribution (ACD); The frame relay data transmission; Video conference; The broadband services/bandwidth that dials with request.The characteristic of a series of registrations of storage in " characteristic " database (that is, user's central office, terminal (end) office, or local exchange) of the central office that links to each other with PSTN user.Thereby when calling party's off-hook, dialing tone is returned in the central office, and then the calling party imports callee's numeral.Processor utilization in the central office is commonly referred to calling party's calling party phone number E.164, addressing " characteristic " database (and management database, be used to account, etc.).The central office processor is read callee's numeral and switching signal is offered the central office switching network, is the route that call setup arrives the callee so that utilize the registration characteristic that is stored in " characteristic " database.Be noted that the central office utilizes the agreement (agreements of usefulness such as promptly suitable for example simulation (POTS), ISDN and PBX) that is different from the TCP/IP procotol, communicates by letter in inside and with other central office in PSTN.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, a kind of method is provided, this method can be called out by the obtainable characteristic in central office the user, when inserting the central office with the such user of box lunch by the circuit that is connected with the central office or by IP network, can use such calling features.This method comprises the following steps: to handle the signal from the user that is received by the central office by IP network or the circuit that is connected with the central office, to determine that whether the user is by circuit that is connected with the central office or the calling of sending the arrival central office by IP network; With this calling features is used for this user, and be to be connected with the central office by the circuit that is connected with the central office or by IP network to have nothing to do with the user.

Utilize this set, the calling features that is disposed at the central office can offer the user by IP network, makes calling features spread all over the world.

According to another characteristic of the present invention, the central office comprises database, and this database is used for storing by the central office provides relation between each user of service and by the calling features of this user's registration of the user who requires to serve.Processor in the central office detects by the central office provides the calling party of service whether to insert the central office from subscriber line unit or IP network interface.When setting up the route that arrives the callee for the calling party, processor uses the protocol addressed database in central office, and the calling features of registration is offered such calling party.

According to another characteristic of the present invention, the central office comprises the IP network interface, and the IP network interface is used for changing between central office agreement and IP agreement.Processor in the central office couples by IP network interface and IP network.Switching network in the central office has the port of being presented by subscriber line unit, TU Trunk Unit and IP network interface.Because the calling party has the available calling features by calling party's registration, switching network is set up route selectively according to the switching signal that the processor that uses the central office agreement provides between port.

According to another characteristic of the present invention, communication system is suitable for adopting the application of IP network.This system comprises the Public Service Telephone Network network, and the Public Service Telephone Network network comprises a plurality of continuous central offices, and each central office provides the user of service to be connected with a plurality of by the central office.At least one central office comprises processor, and this processor couples with the line unit of serving the user, and this user provides service by the central office; And couple with TU Trunk Unit that other innings of central office couples; With couple with the IP network interface.The IP network interface is changed between central office agreement and IP agreement.Processor couples by IP network interface and IP network.Switching network disposes the port of being presented by subscriber line unit, TU Trunk Unit and IP network interface.Switching network is the call setup route selectively according to the switching signal that the processor that utilizes the central office agreement provides between port.Database is provided, this database be used to be stored in by the central office provide between each user of service relation and by the characteristic of user's registration of this requirement service.Processor detects by the central office provides the calling party among the user of service when to insert the central office from subscriber line unit or IP network interface, and when arriving callee's route by switching network for calling party's foundation, processor uses the protocol addressed database in central office, offers such calling party with the calling features with registration.

Description of drawings

In order to understand the present invention better, with reference to following exemplary embodiment and accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1A-B is the block diagram of communication system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the flow chart of the step that communication system adopts of presentation graphs 1A-B, the user can be called out by the obtainable characteristic in the central office of system, when inserting the central office by the circuit that is connected with the central office or IP network, can use such calling features with the such user of box lunch;

Fig. 3 A-B is the block diagram of communication system of the present invention, and wherein this system configuration is based on the IP network of cable;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the step that communication system adopts of presentation graphs 3, wherein make the user can call out the obtainable characteristic in cable companies central office by system, when inserting the central office by IP network, can use such calling features based on cable with the such user of box lunch;

Fig. 5 A-B is the block diagram of the communication system of another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the flow chart of the step that communication system adopts of presentation graphs 5A-B.

Specific embodiments

Below with reference to figure A-B1, Figure 1A-B illustrates communication system 10, and communication system 10 comprises Public Service Telephone Network network (PSTN) 12 and IP network 14.The business of IP network 14 is provided by IP network service supplier (ISP) 13.By be connected with modulator-demodulator for example at the unshowned personal computer (PC) on PSTN user's firm, dwelling house, accommodation, airport or by visit these ISP 13 from the industrial siding of LAN 19.Should also be noted that ISP 13 also is connected with cable companies (CATV) 21, can insert IP network 14 from PC or digital telephone by direct and obstructed ovennodulation demodulator.Each ISP 13 has special-purpose TCP/IP address, can make them pass through IP network 14 interconnection.When utilizing modulator-demodulator to insert ISP 13, ISP 13 utilizes " point-to-point " agreement that the modulator-demodulator in the modulator-demodulator group is used.When utilizing through industrial siding from LAN19 or cable companies (CATV) 21 access ISP 13, packet directly transmits between LAN 19 or cable companies 21 and IP network 14 as the IP packets of information.Under each situation, utilize each point on the IP network 14 of TCP/IP address to adopt the TCP/IP procotol to set up route by IP network 14.Be noted that router server 30 and IP network 14 couple, E.164 to change between telephone number and the TCP/IP address.For example, if the cable user wishes to call out the callee on cable system, the calling party dials callee's E.164 catalog number (Cat.No.) so, router server 30 is converted to the TCP/IP number with dialing, for the route of call setup, be callee's catalogue telephone number E.164 then with the TCP/IP address transition by the TCP/IP address of IP network 14 arrival gateways 32.The output of gateway 32 is connected with PSTN 12.

PSTN 12 comprise a plurality of continuous central offices (c.o.s) 16a, 16b ... 16n.Among the 16a-16n of central office each is identical, is shown specifically the central office 16a as one of example below.By user/central office telephone wire 20 (that is, general twisted-pair feeder in three kilometers of central office 16a), central office 16a is connected with a plurality of PSTN users 18.PSTN user 18 comprises commercial affairs and the resident user who inserts PSTN12.For example, a resident user 18 also should have by the modulator-demodulator (not shown) to be connected in personal computer (PC) on the subscriber's telephone line 20 except that phone is arranged.Business users 18 can be connected in central office 16a by for example POTS, PBX or ISDN business.The central office 16a-16n that illustrates is by trunk line (that is unit) 23 interconnection.Article one, trunk line 23 is connected with gateway 32.Some central offices for example central office 16b directly are connected with central office 16a by trunk line or other, and farther central office for example central office 16n directly be connected by unshowned tandem switch 25 with central office 16a.Should be appreciated that PSTN 12 wherein is that global network and the interconnection in the 16a-16n of central office comprise for example satellite communication link or optical cable (SONET).In addition, when the link in the network 12 uses bag switching (packet switches) for example during the ATM switching, also can interconnect by virtual circuit.

For exemplary central office 16a, such central office 16a comprises: the processor 22 that is couple to a plurality of users 18 by concentrator 27 and subscriber line unit 24; The TU Trunk Unit 23 that couples with other innings among as shown in the figure the central office 16a-16n; The IP network interface of between central office agreement and TCP/IP procotol, changing 27; Switching network 28; Management database 30; Property database 32 as shown in the figure.As shown in the figure, processor 22 couples with IP network 14 by TU Trunk Unit 29 and IP network interface 27.

Switching network 28 has the port of being presented by subscriber line unit 24, TU Trunk Unit 23, TU Trunk Unit 29 and IP network interface 27.Switching network 28 is set up routing call selectively according to the switching signal that the processor 22 according to the central office agreement provides between the port of switching network 28.E.164, management database 30 can carry out addressing and storage charge information and other statistical information in the address by the calling party.Property database 32 is stored in by central office 16a relation between each PTSN user 18 of service is provided, and these characteristics are by so serviced PTSN user 18 registrations.These characteristics that below are referred to as calling features for example comprise: Call Waiting, calling transfer, third-party call, short calling, called ID, voice mail and Centrex business telephone group (Centrex BusinessTe1ephone Groups).

As shown in Figure 1A-B, utilize and to adopt E.164 number with the protocol addressed property database in central office of identification calling party phone number.For example, in this example, PSTN user 18 keeps according to the Call Waiting, third-party call, calling transfer, calling of registration and is that the telephone number NXX-XXX1 of Centrex group (centrexgroup) number calls out.

Processor 22 comprises the user port ID unit 40 of the Directory Number that is used for the call identifying user (that is, E.164 number agreement).Processor 22 also comprises and is used to discern calling party or callee's E.164 Directory Number and the trunk line ID unit of being presented by TU Trunk Unit 23 42.When the user received the calling that arrives central office 16a by IP network 14, the E.164 number that is produced by IP network interface 27 also was fed to call processing device 22.This also can be PSTN user 18 on the road and login in for example situation of ISP 13 16n of service center office.Processor 22 comprises IP network " mark " 31 set when calling out PSTN user 18 by IP network 14 (that is, by IP network interface 27) access central office 16a.

Calling party among the user 18 of service is provided is from subscriber line unit 40 or IP network interface 27 inserts central offices 12 by central office 12 during processor 22 detection of call.Processor 22 utilizes central office agreement (that is, simulation, ISDN or PBX) addressing property database 32 and management database 30, and his calling features of registration is offered such calling PSTN user 18.

Below with reference to Fig. 2, describe two kinds of situations: the left side is that the calling party passes through the situation of IP network interface 27 when IP network inserts central office 16a; The left side is described is the situation of calling party when passing through subscriber line unit 24 or trunk line 23 (that is, by PSTN 12) and inserting central office 16a.Like this, when calling out by PSTN 12 access central office 16a, calling party's " off-hook ", step 202.Central office 16a returns " dialing tone " and discerns users E.164, step 204 by user port ID unit 40.The calling party imports callee's numeral, step 206.Central office processor 22 utilizes E.164 respectively addressing " characteristic " database 30 and " management " database 32 of calling party, will offer processor 22, step 208 by the calling features that the calling party registers.Central office 16a reads callee's numeral, produces the route control signal of backbone office switching network 28, step 210.Processor 22 utilizes E.164 addressing " characteristic, " database 30 and " management " database 32 of callee, will offer processor 22, step 211 by the characteristic of callee's registration.Processor 22 detects callee's IP network sign, that is is, IP network " sign " 31 set?, step 212.If the callee registers on IP network, IP network interface 27 at central office 16a is the TCP/IP procotol that is used for switching network 22 with the central office protocol conversion so, and utilize callee's TCP/IP IP network address agreement to be the route of call setup by IP network 14 arrival callees, step 216.On the other hand, if the callee does not register, that is, IP network " sign " 31 is not set on IP network, E.164 what switching network 28 utilized the callee so is that call setup passes through the route that PSTN 12 arrives callees, step 214.

Consider to have inserted the situation of central office 16a now by IP network 14.Wherein, the calling party utilizes native ip network service supplier (ISP) 13 registration on IP network 14, step 218.In calling party's PC, call client software, step 220.Client software comprises: the IP network TCP/IP address of central office; The user E.164; With user's PIN(Personal Identification Number), step 220.The calling party imports callee's numeral, step 222 on his/her PC.Client software uses central office TCP/IPIP procotol E.164 to arrive central office, step 224 by PC via what ISP 13 sent users.IP network interface 27 at called central office 16a is the central office agreement with the protocol conversion of TCP/IP IP network and " IP network sign " 31 is set, with indication calling party registration on IP network 14, step 226.At this moment, central office 16a handles from the calling of PSTN 12 or IP network 14 accesses by same way as.Like this, central office processor 22 utilizes E.164 respectively addressing " characteristic " database 30 and " management " database 32 of calling party, will offer processor 22, step 208 by the calling features that the calling party registers.Central office 16a reads callee's numeral, produces the route control signal of backbone office switching network 28.Processor 22 utilizes E.164 addressing " characteristic " database 30 and " management " database 32 of callee, will offer processor 22, step 211 by the characteristic of callee's registration.Processor 22 detects callee's IP network sign, that is is, IP network " sign " 31 set?, step 212.If the callee registers on IP network, IP network interface 27 at central office 16a is the TCP/IP procotol that is used for switching network 22 with the central office protocol conversion so, and utilize callee's TCP/IP IP network address agreement to be the route of call setup by IP network 14 arrival callees, step 216.On the other hand, if the callee does not register, that is, IP network " sign " 31 is not set on IP network, E.164 what switching network 28 utilized the callee so is that call setup passes through the route that PSTN 12 arrives callees, step 214.

Be noted that because of IP network interface 27, comprise that the central office 16a of switching network 28, processor 22 and

database

30,32 can be used as all users' of IP network 14 inserted annex.Therefore the central office that has the IP network interface can constitute global consolidated formula subscriber exchange (Centrex), can insert the central office and set up the user that arrives PSTN or other user's of being connected with IP network based on cable route for call or other data based on the IP supplier of cable.

More particularly, with reference to Fig. 3 A-B, Fig. 3 A-B illustrate communication system 10 ', wherein based on the IP network 14 of cable ' couple with cable modem 400 and cable companies central office 16a '-16n '.As shown in the figure, cable modem 400 couples with user personal computer (PC) 402 and telephone set 404.With similar with reference to the described central office 16a-16n of Figure 1A-B, and identical label is represented identical part based on the central office 16a '-16n ' of cable.Therefore, as shown in the figure, central office 16a '-16n ' is connected with PSTN 12 by TU Trunk Unit 23.Each central office among central office 16a '-16n ' all comprise call processing device 22 ', trunk line ID40, pipe database 30, property database 32, IP network 27 interfaces that couple with IP network 14 and switching network 28 based on cable '.

Utilize this system 10 ', can register (the telephone features that Figure 1A-B) is identical by modulator-demodulator 400 and user with the user who is used for central office 16 based on the IP network 14 ' connection of cable.With reference to Fig. 4, the step that communication system adopted of this flowcharting Fig. 3 A-B, wherein make the user can call out the obtainable characteristic in cable companies central office, when inserting the central office by IP network, can use such calling features based on cable with the such user of box lunch by system.Be noted that this method does not adopt the above-mentioned steps 202,204 or 206 with reference to Fig. 2, and " Internet sign " 31 wherein always is in good " setting " state.

Below with reference to Fig. 5 A-B, Fig. 5 A-B illustrates remote system 10 ".Wherein, as shown in the figure, IP network 14 " is connected with PSTN 12 by gateway 32; Be connected with user PC by ISP 13; And be connected with router three 0.Each central office 16a " 16n " all comprise with reference to the identical processor 22 of the described processor of Fig. 3 A-B '.Fig. 6 is the flow chart of the used step of communication system of presentation graphs 5A-B.Wherein, as utilize with reference to Fig. 3 A-B and 4 described systems 10 ', " internet sign " 31 always is in good " setting " state.Wherein, because of all-calls come from and end at IP network 14 ' on central office 16a '-16n ', so do not adopt step 202-206 and step 212 and 214 (Figure 1A-B).

Wherein, each central office 16a " 16n " can be had and is used for IP network 14 by global network merchant (carrier) " global user for example the user of all in global company general technical characteristic service is provided.

System 10 " can make the member of common group (common group) (that is company) utilize " the public setting of the calling features the available property database from central office 16a.System 10 " handle by central office 16a " receive for example by IP network 14 " from common group member's signal and make such calling features for these members' uses.

Other embodiment is all in the spirit and scope of claim.

Claims

One kind in communication system (central office equipment method of operating in 10 "), this communication system comprise operation IP network protocol of I P network (14 "); Be coupled to the Public Service Telephone Network network (12 ") of IP network (14 "); With at least one central office equipment that is coupled to IP network (16a "), this central office equipment (16a ") operation center's office's communication protocol also comprises: processor (22 "); (27 ") are coupling in processor and IP network and (between 14 "), are used for changing between IP network agreement and central office agreement the IP network interface; And database (32 ") are used to store the relation between described central office user and the relative users calling features, and identification is by the characteristic of described user registration; And by with the processor of central office agreement (22 ") control, and with switching network (28 ") of IP network interface coupling;

Wherein, will be undertaken and, become the central office agreement from the IP network protocol conversion, and send to processor (22 ") by the central office user by this IP network interface (27 ") from the call request that IP network (14 ") receives;

By obtaining customer call characteristic from this database (32 ") corresponding to the calling party with the processor (22 ") of central office agreement;

The control signal that is produced the selected switching network of central office agreement route (28 ") by processor (22 ") is called out the called subscriber to send this; With

This switching network (28 ") will send to the called subscriber from calling party's calling by IP network interface (27 ").
2. according to the central office equipment of the method for claim 1 operation, this equipment comprises:

Processor (22 ");

(27 ") are coupling between described processor (22 ") and the described IP network (14 ") the IP network interface, are used for changing between IP network agreement and central office agreement; With

(32 ") are used to store the relation between described central office user and the relative users calling features to database, and identification is by the characteristic of described user's registration; And

By with the processor of central office agreement (22 ") control, and with switching network (28 ") of described processor coupling;

Wherein, will be undertaken and, become the central office agreement from the IP network protocol conversion, and send to processor (22 ") by the central office user by this IP network interface (27 ") from the call request that IP network (14 ") receives;

Obtain customer call characteristic by processor (22 ") from this database (32 ") corresponding to the calling party;

The control signal that is produced the selected switching network of central office agreement route (28 ") by processor (22 ") is called out the called subscriber to send this; With

This switching network (28 ") will send to the called subscriber from calling party's calling by IP network interface (27 ").
3. central office equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein database (32 ") are preserved the public calling features of user's group, and central office equipment (16a ") provides any said user is organized the said calling features that can use.
4. a communication system comprises operation IP network protocol of I P network; Be coupled to the Public Service Telephone Network network of IP network; And as at least one central office equipment that is coupled to IP network (16a ") of claim 2 or 3.