DE19628458A1 - Method for connecting subscribers to the communication systems of a plurality of network operators - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

At the moment, public network operators have a mono pole position particularly in the field of telephony, the ver with the deregulation of the telecommunications markets lieren. In the future, free competition should be arranged in this way strives that the individual telephone customer a majority network operators and service providers. Consequently every telephone customer can find the most attractive provider with regard to the scope of services, fee structure etc. With regard to the telecommunications infrastructure exist thus several public networks side by side. These are the historically grown networks of classic network operators and the new networks of alternative (newly added network operators. These competing public networks consist of long-distance and local exchanges and connecting transmission paths. Here, the local ver Agencies upstream subscriber line concentrators be, which optimizes the access to the local exchange ren. Furthermore, the local and long-distance exchanges also function in a combined switching center imple be mentored. Between the different public networks there are gateways, so that the accessibility of the Participants in each network for any other Participant is secured.

The above mentioned exchanges, especially the Local exchanges consist of peripheral facilities conditions that serve as connection facilities for participants or Lei are trained. Furthermore (from Reliable central facilities at least doubled for reasons of provided, as well as facilities of the switching matrix, Signali sation facilities (# 7), message distributors, computers  platform, background memory, controls and the Subscriber line concentrators. All of these facilities are usually software-controlled single or multi-processors systems.

The vast majority of participants are still present via subscriber interfaces at local exchanges or the associated upstream subscriber line con centrators of the classic network operator connected. In the latter case it should be noted that the interface between local loop concentrator and local exchange do not produce a standard (e.g. from ITU), but a manufacturer lerspecific interface. After all, they are part slave connection lines in a complex manner (e.g. below disch) to the main distributors of the local exchanges of the classic network operator.

For a via a subscriber line concentrator closed participants, access to an alternative Network operator, the state of the art Subscriber line to the main distributor of the local exchange of the previous public network operator clamped and the local exchange of the desired al ternative network operator. However, this results in the problem that such an approach is only for the total of participants belonging to the interface a corresponding procedure can be carried out for individuals However, participants are not possible. There is a reason for this in that the installation effort is enormous.

The invention has for its object to provide a way as for the manufacturer-specific interfaces the local exchange connected participants an indi vidually free access to local exchanges of all ages native network operator technically flexible and without much in installation effort can be realized.  

The invention is based on the preamble of the patent claim 1 solved by its characteristic features.

It is advantageous for the invention that signaling after judge and voice information of the mediation another (competing) network operator assigned part subscriber transparently through the at least one local exchange the physically assigned network operator be passed through. This is especially the advantage bound that there are no expensive and rigid access routes in the area the subscriber line concentrators occur. Still is associated with the advantage that no oversized Access routes from the participant concentrators to the local agents of the alternative network operators have to. In addition, the unpredictable market area fluctuating access requirements to the Local exchanges of the competing network operators administrative ways can be flexibly adjusted.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims:
According to claim 2, it is provided that in the local exchange of the one network operator, the physical address given in the signaling message is then examined to determine whether the subscriber is assigned to one of the other network operators in terms of switching technology. This has the advantage that it is possible to branch directly to the local exchange of this further network operator without complex internal analysis.

According to claim 3 it is provided that in a table Local exchange of a network operator a implementation between the physical, on the between participants and the local exchange of the physically assigned Network operator valid address and an address, under which the interface's signaling messages  are handed over, through which the local exchange of the at least one of the other network operators can be reached. This has the advantage that in the subscriber line concentrator and the local exchanges exiting addressing procedures independently exi able to coordinate which are coordinated and flexible with each other can be adjusted.

According to claim 4 it is provided that from or to one Participant sent packet data via the peripheral device device that terminates a packet data channel, which the packet data of the participant on the interface between the local exchange of the physical assigned network operator and the local exchange transported with the switching function. In order to the inventive method also has the part for ISDN Support required for parcel data authorization on.

According to claim 5 it is provided that in the case of off Fall / re-availability situations in the subscriber line trator or on the user interface Local exchange of the physically assigned network driver for all affected participants on all for this Relevant interfaces port-specific Failure / availability reports to the associated local the other network operators and that in the event of failure / re-availability on the operator interface the local exchange port-specific failure / ver availability indicators, which are part of the Connection establishment are evaluated mediation. This makes the advantage of avoiding mediation more technical Reactive load connected.  

According to claim 6 it is provided that the plurality of part subscribers over a plurality of subscriber line concentration gates and / or via a plurality of interfaces Local exchange of the physically assigned network driver reached and regarding signaling information, Voice information and packet data of one or more Interfaces of the local exchange of the further network is assigned to the operator. This has the advantage that the switching technology to the other network operator orderly participants in the local exchange kon can be centered.

According to claim 7 it is provided that at the local exchange place of the physically assigned network operator several Interfaces to a plurality of local exchanges different, further network operators exist. In order to the advantage is connected that any number of others Network operators in the same way and at the same time the local exchange of the physically assigned Network operator can be connected.

According to claim 8 it is provided that signaling and / or Package data of the majority of the participants already in the participant connection concentrator on fixed, only for mediation technically assigned to the other network operator Reserved signaling and / or packet data channels be sent via the internal message distribution system of the Local exchange or via voice channel switching through the local exchange as a whole to one Signaling and / or packet data channel of the operator side interface can be switched. This is the first partly connected that the evaluation of the addresses in the locality exchange is omitted.

According to claim 9 it is provided that the local exchange make a traffic measurement in the sense of counting the number  and / or duration of voice channel connections and / or on number and length of transmitted packet data and / or signali sation messages between the majority of participants and the other network operator as the basis for cost accounting controls between the network operators. The Netzbe drives the other network operators to use the Occupy and specify resources of the local exchange claim fair remuneration.

According to claim 10 it is provided that the table of the place switch through operator intervention admini can be strated that a participant mediates alternately technically, the network operator or one of the others Network operators can be assigned, with the latter Trap the interface, as well as the assigned signal sation and / or packet data channels and those on the cut vacant address can be freely assigned. In order to the advantage is connected that the participant by pure Operating actions and, if necessary, also the short term for change the operator responsible for the switching technology can. Rewiring or other installation work are therefore not necessary.

According to claim 11 it is provided that the majority of the part subscriber (TLN) also contains subscribers who have standardized V5 interfaces to the local exchange of the physical assigned network operator are connected and that their Signaling and packet data information in suitable Way in the aforementioned local exchange is implemented. This has the advantage that also in new technology according to the V5 standard to the local exchange connected participants the mediation for them responsible network operator can choose freely.

The invention is illustrated below with the aid of an embodiment explained in more detail.  

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows the typical system architecture of a communication system such. B. a local exchange,

Fig. 2 is a configuration on which enters the inventive method of flow,

Fig. 1 shows the typical system architecture of a communication system with unduplicated peripheral devices LTG₁. . .LTG _n . They are connected on the output side to subscribers or subscriber line concentrators and / or networks or further communication systems; the information from these are from the peripheral devices LTG₁ lines. . .LTG _n received and supplied via connections Lÿ to the redundant switching network SN0, SN1. Wei terhin are the peripheral devices LTG₁. . .LTG _n connected via further connections Iÿ to the redundantly designed message distribution units MB0, MB1, which in turn via further connections Iÿ to the redundant trained devices for handling central protocol completion tasks PRH (e.g. central character channel for No. 7 signaling, Access to packet networks) and the other are connected to the switching network SN0, SN1 and to the central control device CP0, CP1, which is also redundant. The latter is connected to a double mass storage SP. Furthermore, interface units IF are provided on the central control device CP0, CP1 for switching on operating elements or for alarming the maintenance personnel. The switching network SN0, SN1, the message distribution units MB0, MB1, the facilities for handling central protocol completion tasks PRH0, PRH1, the central control device CP0, CP1 and the mass storage SP and the interface units IF are therefore each provided in duplicate in the communication system. The peripheral facilities LTG₁. . .LTG _n, however, are undone in the present embodiment.

In Fig. 2, a configuration is shown on which he method according to the invention comes to an end. Here is a local exchange LE _{T of} a first network operator N1 open. For the sake of clarity, only this one local exchange is shown, although the entire network, for which the network operator N1 is responsible, a large number of such local exchanges and other exchanges, such as. B. telephone exchanges. The local exchange LE _T , the subscribers TLN are physically assigned by these are brought up via a subscriber line concentrator DLU to the local exchange LE _T. The subscriber line concentrator DLU and the local exchange LE _T are still connected via a manufacturer-specific (proprietary) interface V _T. The interface of the local loop concentrator to the local exchange is a concentrating interface which is characterized by 2 signaling channels (CCS channels) operated in load sharing mode and 2 D-channel packet data channels also operated in load sharing. Circuit-switched connections and packet data connections can be made randomly with A-side assignment and with B-side assignment according to load considerations optionally via 2 peripheral devices.

Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows a second network operator N2 which, according to the invention, is connected to the local exchange LE _T via a further subscriber terminal concentrator interface V _B. This interface is also a manufacturer-specific interface and, in the present exemplary embodiment, should be identical in terms of its definition to the user-side interface V _T. Further Netzbe drivers, which are not shown in FIG. 2, can be connected via further interfaces designed in this way. Ultimately, those subscribers TLN who want to be served by the network operator N2 are physically assigned to the network operator N1 and, in terms of switching technology, to the network operator N2.

In the following it is assumed that one of the participants wants to communicate TLN with another participant. The subscriber TLN is physically connected directly via the responsible subscriber-side interface V _T to the local exchange LE _{T of} the network operator N1. Since it is assigned to the network operator N2 in terms of switching technology, the latter provides the necessary switching technology functions and services (features) in the relevant local exchange LE _B. For the sake of clarity, the peripheral devices LTG₁. . .LTG _n as participant-side peripheral facilities LTG _T1 . . .LTG _Tn and as operator-side peripheral facilities LTG _B1 . . .LTG _Bn denotes.

The signaling messages SIG of the subscriber TLN are preprocessed in one of the peripheral devices with access to the subscriber line concentrator DLU. For example, this should be the peripheral device LTG _T1 . Furthermore, the signaling messages SIG arrive via one of the two signaling channels (CCS channels) in the local exchange LE _T. Each of the signaling messages SIG is provided with a port number EQN of the subscriber TLN. This is the physical address at which this subscriber TLN is connected in the subscriber circuit concentrator (DLU shelf module port). On the basis of this port number EQN, the functional (switching technology) affiliation of the subscriber TLN to the local exchange LE _{B is} recognized.

A table T is kept in the local exchange LE _T. With the stored data here the port number EQN is put on the interface of the V _T Teilnehmeranschlußkonzentra tors DLU of the subscriber TLN to a port number on the EQN V _B section, and sets the number of the V _B interface vice. Furthermore, a signaling channel for signaling the subscriber TLN to the V _B interface is defined according to a certain criterion. As a criterion, for example - as described at the beginning - random and / or load aspects can be used. In contrast to that of the V _T interface, the port number EQN of the V _B interface has no physical reference, it is a virtual port number which allows the LE _B to treat the signaling and packet data of the subscriber TLN like that of a real existing subscriber line concentrator DLU of the participant directly connected to LE _B.

The signaling message SIG originating from the subscriber TLN is then forwarded via the internal message distribution system MB of the local exchange LE _T to the peripheral device terminating this signaling channel of the V _B interface. In this peripheral device, the signaling message SIG with the port number EQN valid for subscribers TLN on the V _B interface is output in the direction of the local exchange LE _B.

The signaling messages SIG outgoing from the local exchange LE _B to the subscriber TLN are recognized in one of the peripheral devices of the local exchange LE _T - for example the peripheral devices LTG _B1 - by their port number EQN of the V _B interface. Using the table T already mentioned, which is to be administratively maintained in the local exchange LE _T , the virtual port number EQN of the subscriber TLN on the V _B interface is converted into a physical port number EQN of the V _T interface and the number of the V _T interface. Here too, a signaling channel for signaling the subscriber TLN of the subscriber-side interface V _{T is} defined in accordance with a specific criterion. Here, too, coincidence or load considerations are used as criteria.

The signaling message SIG received from the local exchange LE _B is then forwarded via the internal message distribution system MB of the local exchange LE _T to the peripheral device terminating this signaling channel of the V _T interface. In this peripheral device, the signaling message is then forwarded with the physical port number EQN valid for the subscriber TLN on the subscriber-side interface V _T in the direction of subscriber line concentrator DLU.

Depending on the definition of the subscriber-specific interface, the signaling channels (CCS channels) intended for occupying the subscriber TLN are used on the interfaces V _T and V _B for all signaling messages SIG and both transmission directions of a connection. It is then only necessary to make the random or load-dependent selection of the signaling channel each time a connection is established. In the simplest case, this assignment to the subscriber TLN can be made by default assignment. If this simplest case is not available, the peripheral devices LTG of the local exchange LE _T must check the signaling messages SIG between the subscriber TLN and the local exchange LE _B for connection establishment (SEIZURE) and connection termination (RELEASE) in order to trigger the point for a connection-related reassignment TLN signaling messages and signaling channel (CCS channel).

In practice, temporary switching of voice channels SP through the local exchange LE _T is required. For this purpose, the assignment of a voice channel SP to the subscriber TLN must be controlled in the local exchange LE _T. Any free voice channel of the interface V _T is assigned to the subscriber TLN only for the duration of the connection. For this purpose, the subscriber terminal concentrator DLU temporarily switches the subscriber to the assigned voice channel SP of the interface V _T. Protocol-based separate switching orders from the local exchange LE _B to the subscriber line concentrator DLU, similar to the BCC protocol of the V5.2 interface, are not available, however, so that the local exchange LE _{T has} the trigger points for switching a voice channel SP through the local exchange LE _T and Release of the voice channel SP must derive from the connection clearing of switching-related messages between the local switching center LE _B and the subscriber line concentrator DLU. However, this is easily possible:
If the local exchange LE _B requests the assignment of the subscriber TLN to a voice channel SP of the interface V _B between the local exchanges LE _T , LE _B , then this is done by the local exchange LE _B to the subscriber line concentrator DLU that does not actually exist at the V _B interface, thus the LE _T , in the form of a switching technical, related to the interface V _B message ("Time Slot Assign"). The local exchange LE _{T then} switches the required voice channel of the interface V _B to a free voice channel of the interface V _T. Furthermore, the local exchange LE _T converts this switching technology received from LE _B , relating to the interface V _B , to the interface V _T. In turn, access to table _{T is} necessary to implement port number EQN in the local exchange LE _T. Then this converted message is passed on to the real subscriber line concentrator DLU and, upon receipt of the execution acknowledgment from the same, the order to the local exchange LE _B is acknowledged as executed.

In the event of failure, the switch-over order from the local exchange LE _B or the non-acknowledgment takes place. Calls for the local exchange LE _B under the disconnect the release of the voice channel of the parti mers TLN at the interface V _B, so the Ortsver divides averaging LE _B the real non-existent subscriber anschlußkonzentrator DLU, so the LE _T, this is also in the form of a switching- , Message related to the interface V _B with ("Time Slot Release"). Thereupon the local exchange LE _T cancels the switching of the previously assigned voice channel of the interface V _B to a voice channel of the interface V _T and implements the switching-related, with regard to EQN and voice channel, to the interface V _B to the interface V _T. In turn, access to table _{T is} required to implement the port number EQN in the local exchange LE _T. This converted message is then passed on to the real subscriber line concentrator DLU and, upon receipt of the execution acknowledgment from the DLU, the order to the local exchange LE _B is acknowledged as executed.

The following deals with the handling of D-channel packet data that are sent by one of the subscribers TLN to the local exchange LE _B. Of course, this only applies to the TLN subscribers who have been assigned ISDN functions with packet data authorization:
The packet data of a packet data connection of the subscriber TLN are transmitted in one of 2 packet data channels of the interface V _T transparently via one of the peripheral devices LTG to a central protocol handler PRH of the local exchange LE _T , which realizes the packet network access. The packet data of a packet data connection of the subscriber TLN are recognized at the port number EQN of the subscriber TLN coded in the message header on the interface V _T. Using the table T to be administratively maintained in the local exchange LE _T , the physical port number EQN of the subscriber TLN coded in the message header on the interface V _{T is converted} to the coded virtual port number EQN of the subscriber TLN on the interface V _B. The message implemented in this way is now output on the port of the central protocol handler PRH, which permits the forwarding of the packet data message on one of the two packet data channels of the interface V _B in the direction of the local exchange LE _B. This packet data channel is permanently set for all messages of a packet data connection. In a departure from the usual handling, the packet data received by the subscriber TLN are therefore not directed in the direction of the packet network but to a packet data channel of the interface V _B. For this purpose, a so-called frame switching is carried out in the local exchange LE _T.

In an analogous manner, the packet data sent by the local exchange LE _B to the local exchange LE _{T of} a packet data connection of the subscriber TLN in one of 2 available packet data channels of the interface V _{B are} transparent via one of the peripheral devices LTG to a central protocol handler PRH of the local exchange LE _T passed. They are recognized by the virtual port number EQN of the subscriber TLN coded in the message header on the interface V _B. Using the table T to be administered administratively in the local exchange LE _T , the virtual port number EQN of the subscriber TLN coded in the message header on the interface V _{B is converted} to the coded physical port number EQN of the subscriber TLN on the interface V _T. The message implemented in this way is output on the port of the central protocol handler PRH, which allows the forwarding of the packet data message on one of the two packet data channels of the interface V _T in the direction of the local exchange LE _B. This packet data channel is defined for all messages of a packet data connection. To provide this function, a so-called frame switching is carried out in the local exchange LE _T. Layer 1 of ISDN subscribers TLN is controlled in the subscriber line concentrator DLU without direct control by the local exchange LE _T.

In the case of failure / re-availability situations Teilnehmeranschlußkonzentrator DLU or on the interface V _{T is} the local exchange V _T generated for all concerned do subscriber TLN at all for this subscriber amount rele vant interfaces V _B port specific failure / Available keitsmeldungen to the associated local exchange LE _B. In this case, multiple access to table T is required to implement the port number EQN concerned in the local exchange LE _T. In the event of failure / availability situations on the interface V _B , the local exchange LE _T maintains port-specific status information for all affected subscribers TLN, which is evaluated as part of the connection establishment in the local exchange LE _T in such a way that the connection is set up for an unavailable subscriber TLN is not performed. In this case, multiple access to table T is required to implement the port number EQN concerned in the local exchange LE _B.

If one of the subscribers wants to become a TLN customer of another public network operator, he is blocked by administrative intervention in the local exchange LE _T and there is temporarily deactivated in the subscriber line concentrator DLU and permanently in the previous local exchange. It is already set up in the new local exchange LE _T (special case new LE _B = LE _T included) and assigned to a port number EQN. This is introduced into the table T of the local exchange LE _T together with the associated manufacturer-specific interface. The subscriber TLN is then unblocked (permanently) in the new local exchange LE _B. Other approaches are also conceivable in the present case; it is essential, however, that the subscriber TLN can be flexibly assigned to another network operator by administratively rewriting its table entries in the table T of the local exchange LE _T.

Further expansion options are provided, for example, by making permanent connections of channels reserved for certain alternative native network operators for signaling and / or D-channel packet data to channels of an interface between the local exchanges LE _T and LE _B.

Furthermore, own packet network accesses can be provided in the local exchange LE _T to the packet networks of the competing network operators, as well as traffic measurements / charges for calls and P-calls as the basis for billing the public network operators with one another.

Claims (11)

1. A method for connecting subscribers to the communication systems of different network operators, with a plurality of subscribers (TLN), which are physically one network operator (N1) and possibly at least one additional network operator (N2) via manufacturer-specific interfaces (V _T , V _B ) are assigned, characterized in that signaling messages (SIG) and voice information (SP) of the subscriber (TLN) assigned to the further network operator (N2) in terms of switching technology are transmitted transparently by the at least one local exchange (LE _T ) of the physically assigned network operator (N1) to a local exchange (LE _B ) of the at least one further network operator (N2). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the local exchange (LE _T ) of a network operator (N1) the signaling messages given physical address (EQN) is examined to determine whether the subscriber (TLN) is one of the other network operators (N2) is assigned. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in a table (T) of the local exchange (LE _T ) of a network operator (N1) a conversion between the physical, on the between subscriber and local exchange (LE _T ) of the physical assigned network operator (N1) valid address and an address under which the signaling messages are transferred to the interface (V _B ), via which the local exchange (LE _B ) of the at least one of the other network operators (N2) can be reached. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that packet data sent by or to a subscriber (TLN) (PD) are routed via the peripheral device (LTG), which terminates the packet data channel, which the packet data of Participant (TLN) transported on the interface between the local exchange (LE _T ) and the local exchange (LE _B ). 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event of failure / re-availability situations in the subscriber line concentrator (DLU) or on the subscriber-side interface (V _T ) the local exchange (LE _T ) for all affected subscribers (TLN) at all for this set of subscribers relevant interfaces generated port-specific failure / availability reports to the associated local exchanges (LE _B ) and that in the event of failure / re-availability situations on the operator-side interface (V _B ) the local exchange (LE _T ) for all affected subscribers ( TLN) port-specific failure / availability indicators, which are evaluated in connection with the establishment of the connection. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of subscribers (TLN) via a plurality of subscriber line concentrators (DLU) and / or via a plurality of manufacturer-specific interfaces, the local exchange (LE _T ) of the physically assigned network operator ( N1) is reached and, with regard to signaling information, voice information and packet data, is assigned to one or more interfaces (V _B ) of the local exchange (LE _B ) of the further network operator (N2). 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the local exchange (LE _T ) of the physically assigned network operator (N1) several manufacturer-specific interfaces (V _B ) to a plurality of local exchanges (LE _B ) of different, further network operators ( N2) exist. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that signaling and / or packet data of the majority of the participants (TLN) already in the subscriber line concentrator (DLU) on fixed channels reserved only for the switching technically assigned to the other network operator (N2) are switched via the internal message distribution system of the local exchange (LE _T ) or via the voice channel through the local exchange (LE _T ) as a whole on a signaling and / or packet data channel of the operator's interface (V _B ). 9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the local exchange (LE _T ) a traffic measurement in the sense of a count of the number and / or duration of voice channel connections and / or number and length of transmitted packet data and / or signaling messages between the majority of the participants (TLN) and the other network operator (N2) as a basis for cost accounting between the network operators (N1, N2) controls. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table (T) of the local exchange (LE _T ) can be administered by operator intervention so that a subscriber (TLN) alternately switching technology to the network operator (N1) or one of the other network operators (N2) can be assigned, wherein in the latter case, the interface (V _B), and the associated signaling and / or packet data channels and valid on the interface (V _B) address can be assigned. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the majority of participants (TLN) also contains participants who are connected via standardized V5 interfaces to the local exchange (LE _T ) and their signaling and packet data information in a suitable manner in the Local exchange (LE _T ) is implemented between the interfaces (V _T ) and (V _B ).