FR2908000A1 - Call signalling method for e.g. switched telephone network, involves sending control message to receiver entity, and receiving control result by emitter entity from receiver entity, where entities are connected via transmission network - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves establishing a signalling session parallel to a call signalling session between a functional entity of an origin network (1) and homologous functional entities of a set of networks, before extending a call till its destination. A control message (50-1) is sent by an emitter functional entity to a receiver functional entity of the set of networks after extension of the call. A control result (60-1) is received by the emitter entity from the receiver entity, where the entities are connected via a packet transmission network. An independent claim is also included for a computer program product comprising program code instructions for implementing a call signalling method.

Description

1 Method of signaling parallel to call signaling, entity

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a signaling method parallel to a call signaling session implemented by a plurality of networks for extending a call between a network. origin and a service provider network. The invention also relates to a network implementing such a method. The invention further relates to a functional entity belonging to such a network.

  The invention finally relates to a computer program product implementing the method when it is executed by a processor. It applies in particular, but not exclusively, to heterogeneous telecommunications networks implemented during a call setup request to a service provider. 2. Prior art The telecommunication networks implemented today are heterogeneous in several respects. In particular, they can present different architectures, be based on different technologies and be managed by different operators.

  These operators may be "global" operators, carrier operators, local loop operators or virtual operators that do not have physical infrastructures.  Therefore, when a user terminal sends to the access network to which it is attached a call setup request including a request for access to a service provided by a service provider, the call is routed to the service provider's network via a plurality of heterogeneous networks.  The management of calls on this type of network is complicated, particularly with regard to billing aspects.  Indeed, it is necessary in particular to define in advance who is the billing operator and which rates must be applied to the calling terminal.  2908000 2 It is envisaged in the short term to make waiting periods free of charge to a reception service such as an intelligence service or a "hot line" after-sales service.  Such a feature has consequences on the billing of the calling terminal.  It is particularly problematic in the particular case of callers in the prepaid regime having a credit of communication time whose management requires real-time exchanges between the various networks.  3.  Disadvantages of the Prior Art A known mechanism for answering this type of problem is to use a tax imputation message, interpretable by the billing equipment in the different networks, as a pay period tilt indicator. .  Thus, the failover indicator is sent at the end of the waiting period, that is to say when the caller is actually connected to a host service operator agent.  The call is therefore not charged to the caller until the billing equipment (s) have received this failover flag.  However, this solution has several disadvantages.  On the one hand, this failover flag is not standardized, so it is not recognized by all the networks likely to be borrowed by the signaling related to the call setup request.  On the other hand, this mechanism can not be generalized to more complex configurations, such as those involving several rate changes, for example with a return to a free period after a paid period.  Indeed, in such configurations, this tax imputation message would not be able to determine the duration of each of the tariff periods.  There is therefore a need to provide a solution for changing the rate during a call, and more generally to send an order from the service provider's network to a network borrowed by the call signaling, which regardless of the type of network used by call signaling.  More specifically, there is a need to implement new signaling between heterogeneous networks implemented in the extension of a call to a service provider, which is parallel to the call signaling for 2908000 3 allow them to exchange control messages in real time.  There is also a need to provide new signaling between heterogeneous networks implemented in the extension of a call to a service provider, which is independent of the core organs of the various networks used.  4.  DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The invention responds to this need by means of a signaling method between a plurality of networks implementing call signaling to extend a call originating from a home network and to destination of a service provider network.  According to the invention, the signaling method comprises: prior to extending the call to its destination, a step of establishing a signaling session parallel to the call signaling session between a functional entity of the network originals and functional entities homologous to said plurality of networks, said functional entities interconnecting via a packet transmission network; following the extension of the call, a step of sending a control message by a transmitting functional entity to at least one functional entity receiving said plurality of networks; and a step of receiving a control result by said transmitting functional entity from said at least one receiving functional entity.  Thus, the invention proposes to set up signaling parallel to the signaling of the call, allowing functional entities homologous to the various networks involved in the extension of the call, to exchange information concerning the service management or specific features invoked during this call in the form of command messages and command results.  In particular, such signaling allows a network implemented in the signaling session of the call, for example the service provider or downstream network, to request, as part of the management of this call, an action at a time. 30 other network implemented in the signaling session of this call, for example 2908000 4 the originating network or upstream network.  Such an action can, for example relate to a change of tariff, a re-routing of the call or the request for an invoice summary at the end of the call indicating the various services invoiced.  The invention thus makes it possible to supplement the standard call signaling between the networks used by the signaling of this call.  The session establishment step enables the functional entities involved in the call to exchange initialization information and to verify their respective capabilities to support parallel signaling.  This session establishment step is prior to the extension of the call to its destination.  Once the session is established, the call is extended to its destination.  As soon as the extension of the call is effective, a functional entity of one of the networks concerned may issue a control message in relation to the current call to a functional entity of another of the networks concerned.  The receiving functional entity, in response to this command message, will implement the command if it is possible and send a command result message to the first functional entity.  If this is not possible, the second functional entity will indicate in the command result message that the command could not be performed.  The functional entities are interconnected via a packet transmission network, which allows real-time message transmission between the functional entities.  According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the session establishment step comprises: a substep of assignment by the functional entity of the originating network of a call identifier to said call; A substep of sending by the functional entity of the originating network and destined for the functional entity of the service provider network of an initialization message, said message being sent step by step from a so-called upstream functional entity to a so-called downstream functional entity and comprising at least: said identifier of the call, an identifier, a role in the call and a functional capacity of the upstream functional entity 2908000; identifier, a role in the call and a functional capability of upstream functional entities.  a substep of opening by the downstream functional entity of a session context comprising at least said identifier of the call; a substep of update by the downstream functional entity of said initialization message of at least: an identifier, a role in the call and a functional capacity of the upstream functional entity; and a substep of transmission by the downstream functional entity of the initialization message updated to the nearest downstream functional entity.  Thus, the session establishment step according to this aspect of the invention makes it possible to establish the list of the functional entities concerned, their role in the call, their level of associated functional capacity and to retrieve identification information. in order to subsequently correlate the control messages of the parallel signaling session with the call signaling session.  The sending of the initialization message is carried out step by step according to the networks of operators borrowed by the call.  Indeed, an operator network knows only its direct neighbors.  The session establishment step according to the invention therefore requires the functional entity of this operator network to be able to determine the functional entity of the adjacent downstream operator network according to the destination number of the call.  This requires in particular the implementation of processing analysis and routing similar to those implemented by network core organs such as switches.  These processes may be more or less complex depending on the situation: if a single functional entity is associated with the downstream network, these processes would consist, for an interoperable functional entity to update a correspondence table that matches the destination number with the address. the interoperable functional entity of the downstream adjacent operator network, in a coordinated manner between the two operator networks; If more than one functional entity is associated with the service provider network, for example in the case of traffic distribution mechanisms, synergy is necessary with the network core switches, unless the traffic distribution is based on a criterion available by all such as time.  This synergy would consist, for example, in that the choice of the routing for the extension of the call is made by the upstream interoperable functional entity and in that the switch of the upstream network requests the upstream interoperable functional entity to recover this choice. routing and then apply it to signaling the call.  On receipt of the initialization message, a functional entity of an operator network opens a session context, which it puts on hold.  According to another aspect of the invention, said session establishment step comprises: a substep of registration by the functional entity of the service provider network of a list of the functional entities concerned with the session from the advertised identifiers of the functional entities in said initialization message; a substep of determining by the functional entity of the service provider network a functional capacity applicable to the session from the functional capabilities advertised by the functional entities in said initialization message; and a broadcast sub-step by the functional entity of the service provider network to the functional entities of the list of a session establishment confirmation message comprising at least said list and said functional capacity applicable to said session.  According to this aspect of the invention, the functional entity of the service provider network receives the initialization message completed by the functional entities of the operator networks borrowed by the signaling of the call and retrieves at least two types of information : The identifiers of the functional entities concerned by the parallel signaling session being set up, the functional capacities of these functional entities from which it determines a functional capacity of the session, equal, for example, to the capacity functional minimum announced.  This information enables it to determine the applicable functional level.  The functional entity of the service provider network then sends a confirmation message to the relevant functional entities, which can then confirm the session context that they had opened and put on hold upon receipt of the session initialization message.  Preferably, upon receipt of said confirmation message by a functional entity of the list, the method according to the invention comprises a step of recording said list and said functional capacity applicable to said session by said functional entity.  In this way, a functional entity of the list does more than confirm the session context it had opened.  It adds information about the other functional entities involved in the session, such as their role in the session, and the applicable functional capacity.  It therefore has at all times the necessary information to communicate directly with one of these functional entities as part of the parallel signaling session.  On receipt of this confirmation message, the functional entity of the originating network initiates the extension of the call to its destination on the signaling of the call.  According to another aspect of the invention, the step of extending the call comprises a step of insertion in the signaling of the call of a marking element of the parallel signaling session.  This marking element is preferably inserted by the functional entity of the originating network, in particular allows the functional entities of the involved operator networks to immediately identify a call concerned by a parallel signaling session among the sessions for which they opened a session context.  According to another aspect of the invention, the method comprises, following the extension of 2908000 8 the call to its destination by the call signaling session comprising said marking element, the method according to the invention comprises a step of correlating the call to the corresponding parallel signaling session from said marking element.  This step is preferably carried out by the functional entity of the service provider network, which will look for parallel signaling sessions, already confirmed but still waiting for correlation, which corresponds to the call.  Such a correlation consists in establishing a logical link between the call signaling and the parallel signaling.  It will be noted that, in order to correlate the call signaling and the signaling parallel to the call signaling, it is possible to use a mechanism for generating and propagating a known call reference, for example provided in the PSTN network by the ISUP protocol.  This reference can, for example, result from the association of two fields: a number specific to the generating functional entity, for example the PS code for "Semaphore Point" of this entity, when this entity belongs to the PSTN network and it uses ISUP or INAP signaling; and a serial number identifying the call among the calls initiated by this entity.  The size of this field must be sufficient to cover the maximum number of calls that can be generated by the original functional entity for a period equivalent to that of a long call.  As an indication, if the maximum level of traffic per hour is 20 calls per second and if it is estimated that the maximum duration of calls is 10 hours, it must be possible to count at least 720000 possible values, so a field comprising at least minus 6 digits.  Alternatively, the call identifier may further include the calling standard number and the called standard number.  Such a pair makes it possible to establish the correlation between the two types of signaling in the case where the previous generation mechanism is not available, as for example in the French TDM type networks of the PSTN network.  According to another aspect of the invention, the control message comprises at 2908000 9 minus: an address of the functional entity transmitting the control message; an address of the functional entity receiving the control message; - the identifier of the call; 5 - a type of order; and - a serial number of the order.  This information makes it possible to precisely define the order.  In particular, the call identifier allows the receiving functional entity of the command message to retrieve the open session context corresponding to this call.  The type of order specifies an action to be performed by a list of predefined actions, such as a rate change, a rerouting or an invoice summary.  The receiving entity (or entities) of an order depends on the type of said command.  For example, if it is a rerouting command, it is likely that the sending of the command message will be limited to the functional entity of the originating network, whereas a command to change the rate could involve multiple entities from multiple networks.  The roles likely to be held by the functional entities concerned by an open parallel signaling session were communicated by each of them during the initialization message and recorded by each during the reception of the confirmation message.  The sending functional entity therefore knows them and can determine a mailing list of the control message according to these roles.  According to another aspect of the invention, the command result message comprises at least: the address of the functional entity receiving the command; the address of the functional entity issuing the command; identifier of the call, - the order result, and - the order number of the order.  Upon receipt of the command message, the receiving functional entity identifies the call and the corresponding session context, verifies the applicability of the command 2908000 and returns to the transmitting functional entity the command result message including a decision, namely the acceptance or refusal to process the order.  This decision is entered in the order result field.  In case of refusal, this field will mention a cause of refusal.  In case of acceptance, this field 5 may include the moment of taking into account.  Upon receiving the command result message from all receiving functional entities, the functional entity issuing the command message may consider, if all command result messages include an acceptance decision, that the command has been received. performed.  According to another aspect of the invention, the method comprises, on reception of a session release message broadcast by a transmitting functional entity to the functional entities of the list called receiving functional entities: a step of releasing the context of the the parallel signaling session by a receiving functional entity; and a step of sending a context clear confirmation message by said receiving functional entity to said transmitting functional entity.  Thus, when a functional entity of the list detects that the call has been completely cleared, for example by receiving an invoice summary command, it sends a broadcast context release message to the other entity set. functional list.  The receiving functional entities respond by effectively releasing the context of the parallel signaling session concerned and sending back a release confirmation message to the transmitting functional entity.  This mechanism makes it possible not to leave open session contexts that no longer exist.  The invention also relates to a functional entity of a network among a plurality of networks implemented in a call signaling session for extending a call from an originating network and to a network. service provider The functional entity according to the invention comprises: means used prior to extending the call to its destination, to establish a signaling session parallel to the call signaling session with functional entities homologous to said plurality of networks, said functional entities interconnecting via a packet transmission network; Means implemented following the extension of the call to its destination, to send a control message to at least one peer functional entity belonging to said parallel signaling session; means for receiving a command result message from said at least one peer functional entity.  The invention also relates to a network belonging to a plurality of networks implemented in a call signaling session making it possible to extend a call originating from an originating network and to a service provider network. The network according to the invention comprises at least one functional entity capable of implementing: prior to the extension of the call to its destination, means for establishing a signaling session parallel to the call signaling session with peer functional entities of said plurality of networks, said functional entities interconnecting via a packet transmission network; Following the extension of the call to its destination, means for sending a control message to at least one peer functional entity belonging to said parallel signaling session; means for receiving a command result message from said at least one peer functional entity.  The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions for carrying out the steps of the signaling method described above, when said program is executed by a computer.  In general, the signaling session parallel to the signaling session of a call implemented between a plurality of networks according to the invention 2908000 12 makes it possible in particular: - independence from the core organs of the networks concerned, in particular switches; - applicability to any multi-network call configuration; 5 - real-time processing; - an open protocol to easily accommodate new features.  5.  List of Figures Other advantages and features of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and drawings. FIG. 1 shows a plurality of networks implementing call signaling to route a call from an originating network to a service provider network and to a parallel signaling according to the present invention. the invention; FIG. 2 presents a block diagram of a parallel signaling method according to the invention; and Figure 3 shows an example of sending a session release message 20 according to one aspect of the invention.  6.  DESCRIPTION OF A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The general principle of the invention is based on the implementation of parallel signaling between peer functional entities belonging to a plurality of operator networks involved in signaling. a call from an originating network and to a service provider network.  The invention applies to any type of network using TDM technology (in English, "Time Division Multiplexing") in circuit mode or IP (in English, "Internet Protocol") in packet mode, for fixed subscribers or mobile.  The protocol implemented for the call signaling can be for example ISUP (in English, "ISDN User Part"), H323 or SIP (in English, "Session Initiation Protocol").  In connection with FIG.  1, there is presented, by way of example, a call configuration implementing from a home network 1 and to a service provider network 4.  In this example, the call signaling must borrow a first intermediate network 2 and a second intermediate network 3.  Note, however, that the invention is not limited to this simple example, but concerns all call configurations using heterogeneous networks.  The networks 1, 2, 3, 4 borrowed by the signaling of the call each comprise at least one core member 21, 22, 23, 24 interconnecting with the homologous core members of the other networks used to establish and transport the 10 media stream of the call.  According to the TDM technology, the heart organs are switches, which handle ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) or ISDN calls for "Integrated Service Digital Network" and the signaling of the call is made to using the ISUP protocol.  With an IMS architecture in an IP network, the signaling of the call is done, for example, using the SIP protocol.  The networks implemented in this call can be borrowed by different types of operators.  In particular, we distinguish: operators managing their own network, such as local loop operators, transit operators or service provider operators; and networkless operators, such as virtual operators or MVNOs (in English, "Mobile Virtual Network Operator").  To be able to implement the parallel signaling according to the invention, the networks 1, 2, 3 and 4 must each have at least one functional entity 11, 12, 13, 14 having an interface 101 to 104 enabling it to communicate with the device. any of the peer entities of the other networks.  The minimum interconnections to be expected are: for all networks other than the service provider network 4, the functional entities involved must have two-to-two interconnections, similar to the existing two-to-two interconnections 211-213 between two adjacent networks. media stream transport and 201-203 for the call signaling; for the service provider network 4, the functional entity 14 must have an interconnection with all the other functional entities 11, 12, 13 involved in the parallel signaling session.  It should be noted that these interconnections are real-time type inter-network links, typically having a global processing time of the order of one second, which are carried out via a packet transmission network.  The information exchanged between the functional entities 11 to 14 via these inter-network links as part of a parallel signaling session is, for example, encapsulated in message bodies according to a signaling protocol. SIP type.  A functional entity, also called FCI for Interoperable Control Function, may be hosted by network devices which may be, for example, a Service Control Point (PCS) a Server Node (SN) or an application server ( in English, "Application Server", AS) for an IMS (Internet Multimedia System) type architecture, the operating modes of which are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described here.  The heart organs of the networks used by the signaling of the call are respectively connected to the PCS, SN and AS by a link 111 to 114 implementing, for example, an application protocol for the intelligent network or INAP (in English, "Intelligent Network Application Protocol ").  The calls concerned by the parallel signaling according to the invention are, in particular, the calls determined by their destination, which is, for example, a telephone information service having a number of the 118XYZ type.  For this type of call, at least the heart organs of the originating network and the service provider network request their functional entity 11, 14.  If the heart organs are switches according to the TDM technology, for example, they invoke a Service Access Control (CAS) function, implemented in "intelligent" type networks, making it possible to involve an external device in the processing of a call.  When the functional entity is hosted by a Server Node SN, the call must be routed to said SN which thereby masters the call and extends it to the requested service.  It is conceivable that a given operator is equipped with several interoperable functional entities, each dedicated to a particular type of treatment.  In particular, a functional entity may support caller type processing, for example a prepaid or postpaid caller or type of call, for example a direct call or a card call.  Now, with reference to FIG.  2 a block diagram of an embodiment of the parallel signaling method according to the invention.  Following a request to establish a call to a network service provider 4 by a user terminal from the originating network 1, the functional entity 11 of the originating network 1 implements a step parallel session establishment with the peer functional entities 12, 13 and 14 of the other networks implemented for the routing of this call.  Advantageously, the functional entity 11 sends, step by step, an initialization message 301, 302, 303 to the functional entities 12, 13 and 14.  The message 301 is received by the functional entity 12 of the intermediate network 2, which opens a session context, completes the message 301 by adding the initialization information which characterizes it to form a message 302 that it transmits to the user. functional entity 13 of the adjacent adjacent network 3.  The functional entity 13 does the same and sends a message 303 to the service provider network 4.  Table 1 below shows, by way of example, a list of initialization parameters contained in the initialization messages 301, 302 and 303.  Message Type Session Setup Indicators Common Parameter Call Identifier: -Call Reference, Torque (Applicant N, Requested N) For each interoperable • functional entity FCI Identifier + Address Role List of Roles Held by the FCI in the call Functional capacity 2908000 16 Change of tariff Authorization of the function and field "Supported or not" + in the course of com.  Authorized tariffs "List of authorized tariff codes" Billing mode Billing configuration, List of indicators - Invoice summary, configuration Real-time information by "Supported or not" + change order of "Requested or not" tariff , "Supported or not" + "Requested or not" Rerouting Authorization of the function and "Supported or not" + field of the destinations "List of permitted codes, destination allowed" Type of implementation requested.  Either "indifferent" or "in the service" or "in the networkorjq" (vi.  Table 1 In response to the message 303, the functional entity 14 of the service provider network 4 stores a list of declared functional entities 11, 12, 13, determines an applicable functional capacity from the functional capabilities provided by each of them. sends in broadcast mode to all functional entities 11, 12, 13 declared a session establishment confirmation message 401, 402, 403.  Table 2 below shows, by way of example, a list of confirmation parameters that may be contained in messages 401, 402, 403.  Message type Info session setup confirmation.  correlation Identifier of the Call Call Reference.  Functional capacity applicable to the call Change of tariff Implementation of the function and "Applicable or not" during com.  Applicable Rate Field + "List of Applicable Rate Codes" Billing Mode Billing Configuration, (Ordinary Call, Invoice Summary, Real-Time Information Call by Linking, Redirected Call Change Command, _. . . ) tariff, "Applied or Not" "Applied or Not" 2908000 17 "Applicable or Not Applicable" + "List of Applicable Destination Codes" ------ --------------- ------- - from the service provider network - from the original network List of functional entities involved in the call with for each of them: FCI ID Identity + address Role List of roles maintained by the FCI in the call Table 2 Once the parallel signaling session is established, the extension of the call 5 can be implemented.  Advantageously, the method according to the invention comprises a step of insertion in the signaling of the call of a marking element of the parallel session.  According to the invention, an interoperable functional entity declared in the session, for example the functional entity 14 of the service provider network 4, 10 sends to at least one receiving functional entity, for example the functional entity 11 of the originating network a command message 501.  This control message defines an action to be performed by the receiving functional entity or entities.  The receiving functional entity or entities respond by sending back a command result message 601.  If the issuing functional entity no longer needs the command for which it sent the message 501, it can cancel it with a command cancel message 701.  The example of FIG.  2 is limited to a single receiving functional entity.  Note, however, that a command message may be addressed to a plurality of functional entities declared in the session and that the number of receiving entities varies depending on the type of command.  Reroutage Implementation of the function and field of the applicable destinations, Type of implementation adopted.  It will also be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the case where the transmitting functional entity is the functional entity 14 of the service provider network.  It can be envisaged that any functional entity of any network involved in the parallel session sends a control message to peer functional entities declared in the session.  In the following, we will consider, by way of example, four types of command: - the rate change control during communication; - the invoice summary - the signaling of an event or service that may be billable; and 10 - the rerouting command.  Note however that the invention is not limited to these types of command, but concerns any action to improve the management of specific services or features invoked during a call whose signaling borrows heterogeneous networks.  A typical application case is that of a service provider offering various services that can be provided successively during the same call and which may give rise to rate changes or billing charges.  In such a configuration, the functional entity of the service provider is brought during the call, to send to the peer entities of some upstream networks rate change messages or billable event messages.  Table 3 below shows, by way of example, a list of parameters contained in a tariff change command message during communication.  Note that the communication start and next rate parameters are optional.  Message Type Rate Change Command Call ID Information Call Reference.  correlation Start of Instant Start of Communication - the present communication message, the message 2908000 19 response transmitted on the call signaling.  Current Tariff Instant start of applicability - an instant explicit (HHMM), immediate.  Rate to be applied "Rate Code" Next Rate Starting Instant Explicit Instant (HHMM).  Tariff to be applied "Tariff code" Number of order number of the "X" command command Table 3 It is seen that the change of tariff control message during a call defines at least one tariff to be applied and a time from from which to apply this tariff.  This command is carried out in real time.  It therefore makes it possible to implement on a service, for example a reception service, the free waiting time and, more generally, the rate change for all types of subscribers, including prepaid subscribers.  It is also understood that parallel signaling according to the invention also makes it possible to instantly apply any rate change, for example to switch from a free communication period to a paid communication period and vice versa, as many times as possible. necessary during the call.  Each time it is sufficient to send a new command message to all functional entities concerned.  This aspect is particularly interesting in the case of reception services of the "hot line" type which have the habit of transferring the service call into service.  In this configuration, the call undergoes alternating periods of effective communication that can be billed and waiting periods for which it is desired to be able to apply free.  The tariff can be expressed conventionally in terms of x euros per second.  Advantageously, it can also be expressed according to a standard tariff code on which the operators of the networks concerned have previously agreed.  The assignment of this type of code could be managed as is currently the case for telephone numbers 2908000 20, namely that when an operator needs a new tariff, it first makes the request to the regulator.  Then, all the operators concerned record in their network the code assigned to this new tariff in correspondence with a definition of this tariff.  A first advantage is that it makes it possible to define a succession of different tariff periods.  For example, a rate code can correspond to a first free period of Tg seconds, then to a paid period at the rate of x euros at time Tg, then to another paid period at the rate of y euros per second from Tg to Tp, etc.  One advantage is that the definition associated with the tariff code can evolve over time, depending on the needs, without calling into question a protocol for implementing parallel signaling.  In the same configuration, the invoice summary command is sent by the functional entity 14 of the service provider network to the peer functional entities of some of the other networks.  Table 4 below shows, by way of example, a list of parameters contained in an invoice summary order message during the call.  Message Type Invoice Summary Call ID Information = Call Reference.  correlation Description 1st - Identity of the supplier operator, - Benefit code - Name of the service, alphanumeric

Type

  of delivery, 8 characters, Start time, - Code (End time), alphanumeric Tariff applied. to 8 characters, 1 byte code, JJHHMMSS, JJHHMMSS, "Tariff code" (on 2 bytes). Description 2nd Idem 1st service Same 1st service delivery Description nth Same 1st service Same 1st delivery service Order number number of the "X" command 2908000 21 Table 4 This command can be implemented once the call ended. The meaning of a billable event command may be sent at any time during a communication by an interoperable functional entity involved in the session to signal an event or a service. This event can be billable and in this case its cost is added to the possible billing of the communication in progress. Such an event may be for example the provision of several numbers in response to a request for multiple numbers from an intelligence service. In this case, basic billing 10 relates to access to the service and provides for the provision of a telephone number in response to the caller's request. If it turns out that it needs to be provided with a multiplicity of numbers, the functional entity of the service provider network sends to the functional entity in charge of charging the call to the caller, typically that of the network. origin, a message of significance of a billable event.

The rerouting command is notably implemented by reception services likely to offer the caller a connection. This is the case, especially 118XYZ type intelligence services. Indeed, such a service provides the caller with the number of a subscriber from his name of use. He can also propose to put him directly in contact with this subscriber. According to the prior art, it is always the service provider network that makes the connection. This solution is not always optimal in terms of routing. It can be considered that the called party is in the same geographical area as the caller. The rerouting control according to the invention makes it possible to control the execution by another network implemented in the parallel signaling session, for example the original network 1. It allows in particular the service provider network 4 of the network. perform a "rear" command to the original network 1. Table 5 below shows, by way of example, a list of parameters contained in a rerouting message according to the invention. Message type Re-routing command 2908000 22 Info. correlation Identifier of the call = Call Reference. Destination rerouting Rerouting destination number Nature of the number (national, international) + 2 to 30 digits Number of the order number "X" command Table 5 One could of course also consider other types of command than those which have been presented here as an example. In connection with FIG. 3, an exemplary implementation of a session release message is presented. This message is likely to be sent by any functional entity declared in the parallel signaling session and which has detected the end of the call. In this example, it is the functional entity 14 of the service provider network 4 which broadcasts the release message 801, 802, 803 to these homologous functional entities 11, 12, 13.

Table 6 presents, by way of example, a list of parameters that may be contained in a session release message. The instant of end of communication is optional. Message Type Session Release Call ID Information = Call Reference. Correlation Cause Cause (End Time of JJHHMMSS communication) Table 6 According to a particular implementation of the invention, the steps of the signaling method of the invention are determined by the instructions of a computer program incorporated into one or a plurality of equipment hosting an interoperable functional entity 11 to 14. The program includes program instructions which, when said program is loaded and executed in the device whose operation is then controlled by the execution of the program, perform the steps of the method according to the invention.

Consequently, the invention also applies to a computer program, in particular a computer program on or in an information recording medium, adapted to implement the invention. This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form for implementing the method according to the invention.

Claims (9)

  A signaling method between a plurality of networks implemented in a call signaling session for extending a call from an originating network (1) to a service provider network (4) , characterized in that it comprises: prior to the extension of the call to its destination, a step of establishing a signaling session parallel to the call signaling session between a functional entity (11) the originating network (1) and the peer functional entities (12, 13, 14) of said plurality of networks, said functional entities interconnecting via a packet transmission network; following the extension of the call, a step of sending a control message (501) by a functional entity transmitting to at least one functional entity receiving said plurality of networks; and a step of receiving a control result (601) by said transmitting functional entity from said at least one receiving functional entity.   2. A method of implementing signaling between a plurality of networks according to claim 1, characterized in that said session establishment step comprises: a substep of assignment by the functional entity (11) from the originating network (1) of a call identifier to said call; a substep of sending by the functional entity of the originating network and to the functional entity of the service provider network an initialization message (301, 302, 303), said message being sent in step with a functional entity (11, 12, 13) said upstream to a functional entity (12, 13, 14) called downstream and comprising at least: - said identifier of the call, - an identifier, a role in the call and a functional capacity of the upstream functional entity, - an identifier, a role in the call and a functional capacity of the upstream functional entities. A substep of opening by the downstream functional entity of a session context comprising at least said identifier of the call; a substep of update by the downstream functional entity of said initialization message of at least: an identifier, a role in the call and a functional capacity of the upstream functional entity; and a substep of transmission by the downstream functional entity of the initialization message updated to the nearest downstream functional entity.   3. A method of implementing a signaling according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said session setting step comprises: a substep of registration by the functional entity (14); ) the service provider network (4) of a list of functional entities concerned by the session from the advertised identifiers of the functional entities in said initialization message (301, 302, 303); a substep of determining by the functional entity of the service provider network a functional capacity applicable to the session from the functional capabilities advertised by the functional entities in said initialization message (301, 302, 303); and a substep of broadcasting by the functional entity of the service provider network to the functional entities of the list of a session establishment confirmation message (401, 402, 403) comprising at least said list and said functional capacity applicable to that session.   4. A method of implementing a signaling connecting a plurality of networks 25 according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, on receipt of said confirmation message (401, 402, 403) by a functional entity (11, 12, 13) of the list, the method comprises a step of recording said list and said functional capacity applicable to said session by said functional entity.   5. A method of implementing a signaling connecting a plurality of networks 30 according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, upon receipt 2908000 26 of said confirmation message by the functional entity of the network of Originally, the method comprises a step of inserting in the call signaling session a marking element of the parallel signaling session.   6. A method of implementing a signaling connecting a plurality of networks 5 according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, following the extension of the call to its destination by the signaling session method comprising said marking element, the method comprises a step of correlating the call to the corresponding parallel signaling session from said marking element. 10   7. A method of implementing a signaling according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control message (501) comprises at least: - an address of the issuing functional entity, - an address of said at least one receiving functional entity, 15 - the identifier of the call, - a type of command, - a serial number of the command.   8. A method of implementing a signaling according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the command result message (601) comprises at least: an address of the transmitting functional entity, an address of the receiving functional entity, an identifier of the call, a command result, a serial number of the command. 9 Method for implementing a signaling according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises, on receipt of a session release message broadcast by a transmitting functional entity to the functional entities from the list called receiving functional entities: a step of freeing the context of the parallel signaling session by a receiving functional entity; and - a step of sending a context clear confirmation message (801, 802, 803) by said receiving functional entity to said transmitting functional entity. A functional entity (11, 12, 13, 14) of a network among a plurality of networks implemented in a call signaling session for extending a call from an originating network (1). ) and to a service provider network (4), said entity being characterized in that it comprises: - means implemented prior to the extension of the call to its destination, to establish a session of signaling parallel to the call signaling session with peer functional entities of said plurality of networks, said functional entities interconnecting via a packet transmission network; the means implemented following the extension of the call to its destination, to send a control message (501) to at least one peer functional entity belonging to said parallel signaling session; means for receiving a command result message (601) from said at least one homologous functional entity. 11. A network belonging to a plurality of networks implemented in a call signaling session for extending a call from an originating network (1) to a service provider network (4). ), characterized in that it comprises at least one functional entity capable of implementing: - prior to the extension of the call to its destination, means for establishing a signaling session parallel to the signaling session of calling with peer functional entities of said plurality of networks, said functional entities interconnecting via a packet transmission network; - following the extension of the call to its destination, means for sending a control message (501) to at least one peer functional entity belonging to said parallel signaling session; means for receiving a command result message (601) from said at least one peer functional entity. 2908000 28 12. Computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a microprocessor, characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for the execution process according to claims 1 to 9. 5