DE10237302A1 - Method for administration of telecommunications installation e.g. for speech- and data-traffic, requires signal processing to be carried out in central switching matrix control - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for administrating a telecommunications installation (100) to which a number of terminals (11,12) are connected. After directing a directory number for a terminal (11,12)by establishing authorization and power features the processing of the signals in the communication with this terminal (11,12) follows in a central switching matrix control (10) according to a processing mode depending on an evaluation of the directory number for identifying the type of terminal. An Independent claim is included for a device for management of a telecommunications installation.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the administration of a telecommunications system to which a plurality of end devices is connected, the affiliation of a terminal to one of several defined device types with specific signal processing properties using a given by the administrator assigned characteristic number is.

In connection with the growing Importance of cross-network Telecommunications it is increasingly important to have different network types in terms of data transmission to make it compatible. The network infrastructure is among network types understood which of the underlying switching technology, the protocol and the telecommunications terminals. With a cross-network Communication between the corresponding telecommunications terminals must be the compatibility the respective underlying protocols and any necessary ones Conversion of voice or data traffic are taken into account so that this processed with the appropriate mediation technologies can.

In practice, this is often the case Need IP end devices, Standard ISDN terminals or analog devices, which exist in different network types for one Connect voice and data traffic. In a modern company finds, for example, the Inteanet as a standard Internet technology realized company-internal complete network of networks, the a direct and controlled data exchange based on the Internet protocol (IP) allows increasing use. Here is in addition to the intelligent company-wide and cost-effective publication of information, in particular the use of the intranet as communication technology e.g. Webphone, video conference or Voice-over-IP (VoIP) an important area of application.

Voice-over-IP (VoIP) makes it possible via the Inteanet or to call the Internet or exchange voice signals. The voice signals are not only transmitted via telephone lines but sent in digital data packets over the Internet. For this purpose, the speech signals are digitized, compressed and via IP-based Networks. By using IP gateways and corresponding terminals can be added Data and voice over deliver a single shared network.

VoIP technology could an enormous savings potential, for example in the case of cross-location, via the Transmitted IP data network Conversation, open; However, the prerequisite for this would be that the entire infrastructure of a company is uniform across the IP protocol is processed.

The disadvantage of this solution is however, that is usually not completely different Network infrastructures (computer and telephone network) can be dispensed with can. As a rule, there are still two different network infrastructures necessary to be reliable a data and voice transmission guarantee to be able to. The Endeavoring to no longer transmit voice signals over telephone lines, but directly above Sending the Internet in digital data packets is currently in progress due to problems particularly with the signaling in the different network types or when assigning IP addresses can only be carried out to a limited extent. The The use of circuit-switching technologies remains necessary because fax machines and existing ISDN telephones or standard analog telephones also often have to be reused to protect investments. Consequently can double the effort for the administration and cabling of two separate networks for voice and Traffic is not waived.

Administration is known of telecommunications systems using suitable software. typical Administration tasks include deleting or Enter new participants or activate or deactivate Properties, such as subscriber-related settings. These functions are controlled by special auxiliary programs allows. As a result of the numerous, different embodiments of telecommunications systems have to numerous aid programs to accomplish this task disposal be put.

The number of utilities required will be additionally due to the presence of different network types in identical in construction Telecommunications systems increased. As a result, in the previously known methods, the administrator on a central computer unit either a large number specific help programs provided, or these help programs were summarized in very complex programs. adversely here is that due to the complexity and / or the large number the needed Utilities the hardware requirements, such as storage space or processor type, and the software is so high, resulting in one leads to considerable costs.

Especially when it comes to integration different network types (packet-switched networks, circuit-switched networks Networks), which must be managed separately, require administration a considerable administrative effort due to the (manual) compilation of many administrative commands for an administrative task or Operating function.

The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a telecommunication network structure for of both IP terminals that are connected to the Internet and are therefore based on packet-switched data transmission, as well as standard telephones that are connected to the public telephone network, for example, and in which the data transmission is based on circuit-switched switching technology. In such a network structure, the administration of the respective networks based on the various switching technologies is to be summarized and standardized, so that the double effort for the administration of the separate networks for voice and data traffic is eliminated.

The object of the present invention is thus a procedure for the administration of one from different Network types composite telecommunications system according to the preamble of the attached Claim 1 and a device for performing the method for administration according to the generic term of the attached Claim 7 to provide, in which a reduction in the administrative burden is made possible with a uniform administration.

This task is done in a process of the type mentioned in the invention solved in that after setting up the phone number for a terminal Define authorizations and performance characteristics of processing of signals in communication with this terminal in a switching controller according to one of several defined processing modes that are tailored to the type of device dependent on by evaluating the phone number to identify the terminal type.

The advantages of the invention lie especially in being a particularly simple one to Realizing and very effective optimization process administration across agencies Telecommunications can be achieved. By assigning phone numbers on end devices different processing types through the entire telecommunications network structure managing administrator is assigned a number, the independent is of the processing type of the terminal. this leads to in an advantageous manner that in particular no difficulties more when assigning IP addresses to voice phone numbers in the case of communication between an IP terminal and a standard terminal occur. With the assignment of the number independent of the processing type is therefore always an assignment of the physical address of a terminal given his number. According to the invention, this call number contains all the important ones Information that belonging of the terminal to the terminal type with a special signal processing property. Thereby, that the phone numbers through operator control throughout Telecommunications network structure can be set in advantageous Be achieved that in the entire telecommunications network structure on the phone number a terminal not just the type of device but also the associated one specific signal processing property recognized for the respective terminal can be.

This advantageously takes place also the processing of signals, especially data that transmitted by a terminal for communication with a B subscriber terminal according to a Processing mode that depends is of the type of the end device of the B subscriber concerned, what based on the chosen Number was evaluated.

For administration and administration the number assignments are particularly efficient and clear To design, the data structure for all types of devices is advantageous the same. It would be conceivable that irrelevant field elements with "default" or corresponding Initialization values are assigned. This is done in an advantageous manner Way in central switching control.

The particularly efficient one Administration enables it further that regardless of the telecommunications networks involved in the overall network structure are a uniform administration software for the whole Administration can be used. In addition to a better overview, this provides also an enormous cost saving compared to conventional ones Solutions, since the administration is no longer separate for each telecommunications network or network type, so that uniform programs are also used can be.

The basis of the present invention technical problem is further increased by a device for carrying out the Solved above method, the switching control for controlling network node devices, in particular switching devices, which end devices the telecommunication network structure communication possibilities with other devices grant, has, according to the invention the switching control the affiliation of the end devices to one of several defined terminal types with special signal processing properties via the phone number stored in the phone number database determined and the Switching control also signals in communication with one terminal according to one of several defined processing modes in accordance with the device type in dependence from the determined affiliation of the end devices processed.

The advantages of the device according to the invention are, in particular, that the switching controller recognizes which types of terminal are telephoning each other and, depending on this, the processing mode coordinated with the type of terminal selects. Because the number assigned to the terminals, which contains special signal processing properties and the terminal types of a terminal, is stored in the number database, the terminal-specific parameters can be directly read out by the exchange control in a particularly simple and easy-to-implement manner. This makes it possible to extend an existing circuit-switched telephone system with packet-switched devices that can be administered with the same administration programs and behave in the same way as existing devices. Furthermore, the transition from the packet-switched network to the circuit-switched network and vice versa can be carried out unnoticed by the telecommunications subscriber.

Preferred developments of the invention are with regard to the method in the subclaims 2 to 6 and regarding the device in the subclaims 8th and 9 specified.

It is preferably provided for the method that that the number assigned by the administrator to the end devices, which identify specific signal processing properties of the end devices, especially that of the terminal underlying switching technology, procedure, type of service of a transmission of data and / or the protocol used, on which the telecommunications network, into which the terminal is integrated, based, indicating. This is how the labeling takes place of the end devices over the assigned number from the administrator's point of view on a particularly simple and clear Way. By displaying the switching technology on which the terminal is based by the phone number, can also be achieved that after the Evaluation of the phone number to identify the device type in the Switching control suitable switching centers for processing of a call can be controlled in a targeted manner, the underlying Mediation technology considered becomes. By identifying the procedure on which the terminal is based based on the number after evaluation of the number of the attendant control known, such as the connection between two participating devices perform is. Another advantage is that the protocol used, to which the telecommunications network, in which a terminal is integrated, based, after evaluating the number in the attendant control is known. This also enables protocol-independent communication between end devices be ensured.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment it is envisaged that in the method according to the invention further a conversion the the terminal assigned number in a physical address of the terminal in the Switching control after evaluation of the number for identification of the terminal type he follows. It can thereby be achieved that the procedure is carried out in existing ones Network structures can be easily retrofitted and the problems known from the prior art (usually) temporary There is no assignment of IP addresses to IP end devices.

In one possible implementation, the specific phone number a definition of user-specific service providers (Provider) for that Terminal. This will over the number specified, for example what type of terminal User wants to use and what permissions or features he wants to use. Of course but here also other solutions conceivable.

To achieve that uniform Treatment for all terminal types from the point of view of both the user and the administrator possible is provided in a particularly advantageous manner that in the Definition of the device type for administration a uniform data structure of the phone numbers is used. As a result, it is possible that administration of the individual device types by means of terminal type independent Programs can be done. As a result, it is no longer necessary for each one Network infrastructure special administration software or programs to disposal to ask, which represents an enormous saving potential. hereby for example, is it possible to handle the entire infrastructure uniformly using the programs.

A connection-related signaling via the Switching control after evaluation of the number for identification of the terminal type is particularly advantageous if this corresponds to one of the terminal protocol used. This is particularly possible in the method according to the invention easy to implement because after evaluating the number in the Switching control the protocol on which the terminal is based is known and appropriate signaling of the terminal in accordance with the protocol he follows.

As a preferred development of the device according to the invention, a number evaluation device is provided for determining the type of terminal on the basis of the number previously assigned by the administrator. In one possible implementation, the call number evaluation device could be integrated in the switching control. Of course, other embodiments are also conceivable here. In addition to the telephone number evaluation device, a switching matrix control device for setting connections and / or tones depending on the determined terminal type is also provided in a particularly advantageous manner. This switching matrix control device is designed such that it is used by the switching control after the evaluation of the call number to identify the Terminal type is requested to carry out a corresponding signaling or the establishment of connections to the affected terminals.

In a possible implementation of the arrangement according to the invention it is provided that for setting connections and for signaling to the respective device types associated specific Media control devices are used, the control done by the switching matrix controller. This happens in an advantageous manner after the phone number evaluation device after evaluating the phone number, the corresponding terminal type was identified and forward this result to the switching matrix controller has, which means the signaling of the corresponding terminals of the specific media control devices.

With the device according to the invention it is therefore possible to operate a telecommunications network structure, for example to expand an existing circuit-switched telephone system with packet-switched devices, which are administered with the same administration programs can and behave in the same way as existing devices. Also can the transition from for example a packet switched network for circuit switched Network and vice versa can be carried out unnoticed by the user. From the user's point of view, there is no difference whether an IP terminal, an ISDN terminal or a analog terminal is used since there is no longer any difference in the registered state between the terminal types consists. The only decisive factor is the user profile on the end device the phone number of the terminal is identified. The conversion of the phone number into a physical Address is given automatically at the network transition and remains with the user hidden.

The following is a preferred one embodiment the invention explained in more detail with reference to a figure.

The figure shows the functional structure of a telecommunications system 100 which are both from an ISDN or analog PABX environment 1 as well as from an IP environment 2 composed. The ISDN or analog PABX environment 1 is based on a circuit-switched network and has circuit-switched standard functions. The IP environment 2 is based on a packet-switching network in which the additional IP functions, such as VoIP functions, are arranged. Both environments 1 . 2 are using a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data bus 3 connected for the transmission of communication data streams (media stream). On the other hand, the signaling and control between the respective environments takes place via a C-bus 4 ,

The signaling and control functions in the IP environment 2 are carried out by means of a VoIP proxy, which is the role of a proxy server 5 between the IP network 2 (LAN) and the rest of the telecommunications system, consisting of the circuit-switched environment 1 with an administration 6 , takes over.

The main tasks of the proxy server 5 according to the figure is the registration, administration and status monitoring of the IP environment 2 to provide frame functions for Q-SIG signaling messages by means of TCP / IP signaling and vice versa, ie ported functions for a Q-SIG tunnel, and ported functions for a TN1R6 tunnel, ie TNiR6 signaling messages TCP / IP signaling and vice versa.

Other functional groups in the IP environment 2 represent the communication data stream processing (coding, echo cancellation, etc.) and the communication data control. The communication data stream processing takes place in an IP media processing device 7a , For communication stream control is within the IP environment 2 an IP switching matrix 8a (IP Switching Matrix; VSM) is provided, which includes advanced communication data related properties, such as the insertion of tones and announcements. This IP switching matrix 8a is through an IP switching matrix controller 9a controlled, which in turn instructions from a central switching matrix controller 10 receives.

The analogy to this is in the ISDN or analog PABX environment 1 a standard media processing facility 7b provided which takes over the communication data stream processing there. The communication data flow control is carried out using a standard switching matrix 8b in the ISDN or analog PABX environment 1 , where the standard switching matrix 8b through a standard switching matrix controller 9b is controlled, which in turn instructions from the central switching matrix controller 10 receives.

Hybrid connections from IP terminals to circuit-switched terminals or vice versa are both from the IP switching matrix 8a as well as the standard switching matrix 8b processed which via the IP switching matrix control 9a or standard switching matrix control 9b ultimately through the central switching matrix control 10 to be controlled.

The administration tasks in the telecommunications system shown 100 what, for example, the deletion or entry of new participants in the form of IP terminals 11 or standard end devices 12 or the activation or deactivation of properties, such as subscriber-related settings, takes place in the telecommunication system 100 uniform and independent of the respective environment 1 . 2 in which a terminal 11 . 12 connected. The control of these functions is made possible by special auxiliary programs.

As a result of the uniform embodiment, it is sufficient that a reduced number of auxiliary programs are provided for the administration to accomplish this task. Therefore, in the method according to the invention, the administrator can at a central computer unit 6 , which in the figure is abbreviated administration. According to the method on which the invention is based, the respective terminals 11 . 12 a specific number is assigned by the administrator. This number identifies each end device 11 . 12 the underlying switching technology, procedure, type of service for data transmission and the protocol used. The number is dependent on the type of terminal a user wants to use in the telecommunications system 100 set up what defines permissions and features. The data structure is the same for all device types. Elements that are not relevant for a specific device type are assigned DEFAULT or initialization values. This simplifies the administration of phone numbers in the telecommunications system 100 , This allows in particular for the administration of all end devices 11 . 12 the same programs are used, which represents an enormous saving potential.

In the telecommunications system shown 100 is an IP terminal 11 with the Internet 2 and a standard ISDN terminal 12 with ISDN 1 connected. Both network structures 1 . 2 also have a C-bus 4 a connection to the central switching matrix controller 10 on. According to the method on which the invention is based, the respective terminals 11 . 12 a specific number is assigned by the administrator.

The central switching matrix control 10 points according to 1 a number evaluation device 13 to determine the terminal type based on the respective phone number. In the number evaluation device 13 the terminal type is uniquely identified based on the phone number. This means that the central switching matrix control 10 all information relevant to the types of terminal involved is available. These are, for example, the associated signal processing properties of the end devices 11 . 12 , the underlying switching technology or the protocol used.

The central switching matrix control 10 is with the environment-dependent switching matrix controls 9a . 9b connected, which in turn to the associated switching matrices 8a . 8b are connected, which, depending on the determined terminal type, connections between the terminals concerned 11 . 12 set and carry out the signaling. The latter is done using the media processing facilities 7a . 7b by the respective switching matrix controller 9a . 9b to be addressed explicitly. The connection-related signaling is then carried out according to the protocol that the respective terminal 11 . 12 is used and understood.

At this point it should be noted that all parts described above for seen alone and in every combination, especially in the details shown in the drawings are claimed as essential to the invention become. amendments the skilled worker is familiar with this.

1

leitungsmittelnde network environment

2

packet-switching network environment

3

PCM data bus

4

C-Bus

5

Proxy Server

6

administration

7a

IP media processing device

7b

Standard media processing device

8a

IP switching matrix

8b

Standard switching matrix

9a

IP switching matrix control

9b

Standard switching matrix control

10

central Switching matrix control

11

IP terminal

12

Standard terminal

13

Number-evaluation

100

telecommunications system

Claims (9)

Procedure for the administration of a telecommunication system ( 100 ) to which a plurality of terminals ( 11 . 12 ) is connected, the affiliation of a terminal ( 11 . 12 Characteristic number is given) allocated to an area defined by a plurality of terminal types with specific signal processing properties by means of the administrator, characterized in that after setting up the call number for a terminal ( 11 . 12 ) processing of signals in the communication with this end device by defining authorizations and performance features ( 11 . 12 ) in a central switching matrix controller ( 10 ) is carried out in accordance with one of several defined processing modes that are coordinated with the terminal device type, depending on an evaluation of the call number in order to identify the terminal device type. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the number is one of the terminal ( 11 . 12 ) underlying switching technology, procedure, type of service of a transmission of data and / or the protocol used, on which the Telecommunications network ( 1 . 2 ) into which a device ( 11 . 12 ) is integrated, based, identifies. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the central switching matrix controller ( 10 ) a conversion of a terminal ( 11 . 12 ) assigned phone number into an associated physical address of the terminal ( 11 . 12 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the central switching matrix controller ( 10 ) a determination of terminal-specific providers and / or agents of telecommunication services via the phone number of the terminal ( 11 . 12 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized through a uniform data structure of the phone number when determining the terminal type for uniform administration using programs that are independent of the device type. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that connection-related signaling via the central switching matrix controller ( 10 ) after evaluating the phone number to identify the terminal type according to one of the terminal ( 11 . 12 ) protocol used. Device for the administration of a telecommunications system ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6 with a central switching matrix controller ( 10 ) to control network node devices ( 7a . 7b . 8a . 8b . 9a . 9b ), in particular switching devices, the end devices ( 11 . 12 ) of the telecommunication system ( 100 ) Communication options with other end devices ( 11 . 12 ), characterized by determining the affiliation of the end devices ( 11 . 12 ) to one of several defined device types with special signal processing properties via an administrator to the device ( 11 . 12 ) distributed phone numbers in the central switching matrix controller ( 10 ); and by processing signals in communication with a terminal ( 11 . 12 ) according to one of several defined processing modes that are tailored to the type of device, depending on the determined affiliation of the devices ( 11 . 12 ) processed. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by a telephone number evaluation device ( 13 ) to determine the device type based on the phone number of the device ( 11 . 12 ); and a switching matrix controller ( 9a . 9b ) to control the network node devices ( 7a . 7b . 8a . 8b ) depending on the type of terminal determined by the phone number evaluation device. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by specific media processing devices belonging to the respective terminal types ( 7a . 7b ), which the switching matrix controller ( 9a . 9b ) for setting connections and for signaling.