JP2002508910A - Communications system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] For a subscriber of a call function provided by a central office, the subscriber uses a line connected to the central office or a TCP / IP network protocol such as the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet. A communication system for providing access to the call features when accessing the central office via an (ie, IP) network. The method of the present invention comprises processing a signal sent from the subscriber to the central office via a line connected to the IP network or the central office, so that a call to the subscriber's central office is established between the line and the IP network. Determining whether the call was made via a telephone call to the subscriber irrespective of whether the connection to the central office was via the line or an IP network. And making the function available. According to the system of the present invention, subscribers all over the world can use the call function provided in the central office via the IP network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION                               Communications system Background of the Invention   The present invention relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly to the Internet, intra Adapted for use with net / extranet TCP / IP network protocols Related communication systems.   As is well known, networks such as the Internet, intranets, and extranets Network (hereinafter referred to as IP network) supplements the public telephone network (PSTN). It provides telephone services in a form that fulfills the needs. For example, client software By using it, Internet subscribers can control the called party via the Internet. Can be called. Typically, the calling party is a modem or local area network. Network (Internet) provider (ISP) through a network (LAN) router. Access the Internet. Data is sent from the calling ISP via the Internet Typically, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol ). TCP and IP are generally referred to as TCP / IP. TCP / IP proto Col also provides intranets for subscribers / users within a particular closed group. Also used for Internet / Extranet. Therefore, The term IP network refers to any network that uses the TCP / IP network protocol. Network. Routing information through an IP network Based on TCP / IP addressing. TCP / IP addresses are 32 bits long , Usually represented by four decimal numbers in the range of 0 to 256. Dots between individual numbers Is placed.   As is well known, when using a modem to access an ISP, the ISP uses a so-called “port”. Make modems in modem pool available for "int-to-point" protocol I do. When accessing the ISP via a dedicated line directly from a LAN or cable company Is an IP packet of information between LAN or cable and IP network As transmitted directly. As mentioned above, routing through IP networks Uses the TCP / IP network protocol, and each point of the IP network Have an IP address. A router server is connected to the IP network, and E.164 telephone Number (ie using central office addressing protocol) and TCP / IP Translates between addresses (IP TCP / IP network addressing protocol). Thus, for example, a cable-based IP user calls a called party on a PSTN network. Caller, the calling party dials the called party's E.164 directory number and The server translates the dialed number into a TCP / IP number and the call is a cable-based IP Transmitted over the network to the TCP / IP address of the ISP gateway. ISP gate Way converts the TCP / IP address to the called party's E.164 directory telephone number and Transfer to the central office via one central office line (ie trunk line) Send.   As is known, various services or features are provided to PSTN users Have been. The following functions are available for home PSTN subscribers: Service (Plain Old Telephone Service; POTS); custom call function (call waiting, call forwarding) Send, three-way call, high-speed call, etc.); advanced call function (called party ID) Etc.); Advanced Services for Disp. play-Based Telephone Sets (ADSI); Single-line digital voice / data function (Digital Voice and Data on One Line (ISDN); voice activation function; operator function; and voice Email. The following features are available for corporate PSTN subscribers: ISDN line-level interface Interface (ISDN Line-Level Interface: BRI); ISDN high-bandwidth trunk line interface (ISDN High-Bandwidth Trunk Interface: PRI); Centrex Business Telephone Groups (Centrex Business Telephone Groups); Automtic Call Distribution (Automtic  Call Distribution (ACD); frame relay data transmission; video conferencing; and on Demand dialable wideband service / Dialable Wideband Servi ces / Bandwidth on Deman d). The list of subscription features is located in the central office connected to the PSTN subscriber (the subscriber's central office). Office, terminal office, or local switch) Stored in the Thus, when the caller goes "off hook", the central office The dial tone is returned, and then the calling party enters the called party number. Central office The calling processor uses the calling party's telephone number, called the calling party's E.164, to “ "Address database (and management database for billing and other purposes). The office processor reads the called number and sends it to the central office switching network. Send a switching signal to the called party to transfer the call to the called party. At that time, the calling party You can use the subscription function stored in the “Noh” database. Communication between the department and other central offices within the PSTN is via the TCP / IP network protocol. Adapted to different protocols (ie analog (POTS), ISDN, PBX, etc.) Protocol). Summary of the Invention   According to the present invention, the subscriber of the function provided from the central office is Access to the central office via a line connected to Provide a method for allowing the subscriber to access the function when the Is done. The method of the invention is: From the subscriber either via an IP network or a line connected to the central office The incoming call to the subscriber's central office by processing the received signal. Is done either over a line connected to the central office or over an IP network. Determining whether the connection to the subscriber's central office is a central office To subscribers, whether through a line to or through an IP network And making available the functions to which the subscriber subscribes.   With such a configuration, the call function provided in the central office is It will be available to subscribers anywhere in the world via an IP network.   According to another aspect of the invention, a central office is provided for each of the central offices to process. For preserving the relationship between existing subscribers and the subscribed call features of individual subscribers. Has a database. The processor in the central office processes the central office. Of subscribers, either the subscriber unit or the IP network interface Detecting the caller accessing the central office via. Processor is medium The central office protocol is used to address the database and the calling party is called Provide a calling function to the calling party when routed to the calling party.   According to another aspect of the invention, the central office has a central office protocol and an IP protocol. IP network for conversion between protocols Network interface. Central office processor is an IP network Connected to the IP network via the interface. Central office The switching network consists of subscriber line units, trunk units, and IP networks. A port for receiving a signal from the network interface; Switching The network uses a central office protocol to provide processor-supplied According to the switching signal, the call is selectively routed between the ports. At that time, The calling party can use the calling function to which the calling party subscribes.   According to yet another aspect of the invention, a communication system adapted for an IP network. System is provided. The system is connected from multiple interconnected central offices It has a public telephone network configured. The central office connected to each other Are connected to a plurality of subscribers, respectively, and process the subscribers. at least One of the central offices has a processor connected to: Subscriber line unit corresponding to the subscriber handled by the office; connected to another central office Trunk unit; and IP network interface. IP network The interface translates between the central office protocol and the IP protocol. Professional Sessa is connected to the IP network via the IP network interface You. Switching network ports are connected to subscriber line units and trunk units. And signals from the IP network interface. Switchon Network is sourced from the processor using a central office protocol Routes calls between ports according to switching signals. In the database Are the subscribers that the central office handles and the machines that each subscriber subscribes to. The relationship with Noh is preserved. The processor is the central office Central office via subscriber line unit or IP network interface Detects callers accessing the Addressing the calling party to the called party via the switching network. When routed, provide the subscriber with a subscription function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES   For a better understanding of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. I will tell.   FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to the present invention.   FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the steps used by the communication system of FIG. . With these steps, the call features available in the central office of the system Of the central office via a line or IP network connected to the central office When accessing the office Then, access to the call function is permitted.   FIG. 3 shows a communication system of the present invention using a cable-based IP network. FIG.   FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the steps used by the communication system of FIG. You. These steps ensure that the cable company's central office in the system provides The subscriber of the offered call function will have a central office via a cabled IP network. Access to the call function is granted when accessing the call function.   FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the steps used by the communication system of FIG. You. Description of the preferred embodiment   In FIG. 1, a communication system 10 includes a public telephone network (PSTN) 12 and an IP network. Network 14. The service of the IP network 14 is an IP network service. The service is provided by a service provider (ISP) 13. ISP 13 is the PSTN subscriber's company, A personal computer (PC) connected to a modem (not shown) from home, hotel room, airport, etc. Are accessed by a dedicated line from the LAN 19. ISP13 is also a cable company (CATV) 21 directly from a PC or digital telephone without a modem It can be connected to the IP network 14. ISP1 3 each have a unique TCP / IP address and are interconnected via an IP network 14. It can be continued. When accessing the ISP 13 using a modem, the ISP 13 Make modems in the modem pool available using the "point-to-point" protocol I do. Access to ISP13 from LAN19 or cable company (CATV) 21 by dedicated line Data network, LAN 19 or cable company 21 and IP network Between the nodes 14 is transmitted as an information IP packet. In either case, the IP network Routing through the work 14 is performed by the TCP / IP network protocol Each point of the IP network 14 has a TCP / IP address. IP network A router server 30 is connected to the network 14, and the E.164 telephone number and the TCP / IP Performs translation between addresses. So, for example, if a cable user Caller wants to call the called party, the calling party dials the called party's E.164 directory number. Then, the router server 30 converts the dialed number into a TCP / IP number, Routed over the network 14 to the TCP / IP address of the gateway 32 It is. The gateway 32 then stores the TCP / IP address in the called party's E.164 directory. Convert to phone number. The output of gateway 32 is connected to PSTN 12.   The PSTN 12 has a plurality of connected central offices (C.O.) 16a, 16b,. . . 16 n. Central office 16a to 16n are the same, and the central office 16a is taken as an example. Show. The central office 16a is connected to the subscriber / central office telephone line 20 (ie, Multiple PSTNs via a twisted pair within 2 miles of central office 16a Connected to subscriber 18. PSTN subscribers 18 are both corporate subscribers to PSTN 12 and Includes both home subscribers. Thus, for example, one of the home subscribers 18 may have Having a personal computer (PC) connected to the subscriber telephone line 20 via a modem not shown . Enterprise subscriber 18 can access central office 1 via POTS, PBXN or ISDN services, for example. 6a. Central offices 16a to 16n are trunk lines (units) 2 3 are interconnected. One of the trunk lines 23 is connected to the gateway 32. Has been continued. Some of the central offices, for example office 16b, are trunk lines Connected directly to the central office 16a. Other, more distant central office For example, 16n is indirectly connected to the central office 18a via the tandem switch 25. Connected to. The PSTN 12 is a global network in the illustrated example, and has a central The connection between the fibers 16a to 16n is made by satellite link or optical fiber cable (SONET) including. Further, the above-mentioned interconnection includes a case where the interconnection is based on a virtual circuit. sand That is, for example, a link in the network 12 is a packet switch such as an ATM switch. Is used.   The illustrated central office 16a includes the following elements: a concentrator for a plurality of subscribers 18; 27 and a processor 22 connected via a subscriber line unit 24; A trunk unit 23 connected to the other central offices 16b to 16n; IP to convert between central office protocols and TCP / IP network protocols Network interface 27; switching network 28; management data A base 30; and a function database 32. The processor 22 is a trunk unit 2 9 and the IP network 14 via the IP network interface 27. Have been.   The switching network 28 has ports, which are connected to the subscriber line unit. 24, trunk unit 23, trunk unit 29, and IP network interface. The signal from the interface 27 is received. The switching network 28 is Between the ports of the switching network 28 according to the switching signal. Route. Switching signals are sent from the processor 22 to the central office protocol. Supplied according to Kol. The management database 30 is based on the calling party's E.164 address. It is addressable and stores billing information and other statistical information. Function Day The base 32 has that of the PSTN subscriber 18 which is processed by the central office 16a. The relationship between each and the subscribed features of those individual PSTN subscribers 18 is preserved. It is. The functions are collected here. Collectively called call functions, including, for example, the following elements: call waiting; call forwarding; three-way · Calls; Fast Calls; Caller ID; Voice Mail; and Centrex Business Nestle Telephone Groups.   As shown in FIG. 1, the feature database is accessed using a central office protocol. Specify the dress. The central office protocol uses the E.164 number to call Identify the phone number. Therefore, for example, calling from telephone numbers NXX to XXX1 A PSTN subscriber 18 in this example waits for a call, three-way call, call transfer, call Subscription to each of the functions of Fieldex and is a member of the Centrex Group.   Processor 22 may include the calling subscriber's directory number (ie, the E.164 number profile). And a subscriber port ID unit 40 for identifying the protocol. Processor 2 2 also includes a trunk ID unit 42, which is a trunk unit. Identifies the E.164 directory number of the calling or called party by receiving the signal from I do. A subscriber at the central office 16a receives a call via the IP network 14. E.164 number is output from the IP network interface 27 to the processor 22 Is done. This is for example the case when the PSTN subscriber 18 is traveling and the central office 16n Log-on to the ISP 13 to be processed. Processor 22 is an IP network. A flag "flag" 31 which indicates that the calling PSTN subscriber 18 4 (ie, IP network interface 27) to central office 16a Set when accessing.   The processor 22 is a subscriber among the subscribers 18 processed by the central office 12. Central office via the customer line unit 40 or the IP network interface 27. The caller accessing the service 12 is detected. Processor 22 is a central office processor. Feature database 3 using protocol (ie analog, ISDN, or PBX) 2 and the management database 30 are addressed, and the calling PSTN subscriber 18 is Provides the call function to which the subscriber subscribes.   FIG. 2 shows two scenarios. On the left side, the calling party is the IP network Access the central office 16a via the IP network via the interface 27. I'm doing On the other hand, in the scenario on the left, the calling party is the subscriber line unit 24 or Access to central office 16a via trunk line 23 (ie PSTN 12) are doing. Therefore, when making a call to the central office 16a via the PSTN 12, The side "off-hooks" (step 202). The central office 16a is called "Dial And returns the subscriber's E.164 via the subscriber port ID unit 40. Separate (step 204). The calling party enters the called party's digits (step 206). ). The central office processor 22 stores the "function" and "management" databases. Addresses 30 and 32 with the calling subscriber's E.164 and to processor 22 The subscribed call function of the calling side is supplied (step 208). Central Office 1 6a reads the called party number and sends it to the central office switching network 28. Then, a routing control signal is generated (step 210). The processor 22 Address the "function" and "management" databases 30, 32 by E.164 on the called side And the processor 22 is supplied with the subscribed function of the called party (step 21). 1). The processor 22 checks the called party's IP network flag (IP network flag). Is the work "flag" set? ) (Step 211). If the called party Network, the IP network interface of the central office 16a The base 27 uses the central office protocol for the switching network 22 Converted to P / IP network protocol, and the called party's TCP / IP IP network address A call to the called party over the IP network 14 using the 216). On the other hand, if the called party is not logged on to the IP network ( That is, if the IP network “flag” 31 is not set), the switch The calling network 28 uses the called party's E.164 to route the call through the PSTN 12 to the called party. (Step 214).   Next, when the central office 16a is accessed via the IP network 14. think of. In this case, the calling party is the local IP network service provider (IS P) 13 is used to log on to IP network 14 (step 218). The calling PC calls the client software (step 220). K Client software has a central office IP network TCP / IP address, Include the subscriber's E.164 and the subscriber's personal identification number (PIN) (step 220). Calling The side enters the called party's number into its own PC (step 222). Client software The software sends E.164 from the PC to the subscriber's central office TCP / IP IP network protocol. The call is sent to the central office via the ISP 13 using the col (step 224). Called The IP network interface 27 of the central office 16a is a TCP / IP IP network. Network protocol to a central office protocol and “IP network infrastructure By setting “log” 31, the caller logs on to the IP network 14. Is displayed (step 226). At this point, the central office 16a has the PSTN 12 Alternatively, the call sent from the IP network 14 is processed in the same manner. That is, center off The processor 22 stores the "function" and "management" databases 30, 32, respectively. The calling subscriber is addressed in E.164 and the processor 22 is Providing a subscribed call function (step 208) . The central office 16a reads the called party number and sends it to the central office switching network. A routing control signal for the network 28 is generated. Processor 22 is a “function” And the "management" databases 30, 32 are addressed by the called party's E.164, The function subscribed to by the calling party is provided to the processor 22 (step 211). . Processor 22 checks the called party's IP network flag (ie, the IP network flag). Is the network “flag” 31 set? ) (Step 212). Suffered If the caller is logged on to the IP network, the central office 16a IP network The network interface 27 uses the central office protocol and the switching network. To the TCP / IP IP network protocol for network 22 and callee's TCP / IP IP network. A call over the IP network 14 using the network address protocol (Step 216). On the other hand, if the called party logs on to the IP network If not (that is, if the IP network “flag” 31 is not set). The switching network 28 uses the called party's E.164 over the PSTN 12 And sends the call to the called party.   Switching network 28, processor 22, and databases 30, 3 The central office 16a having the two Can be used as an adjunct accessible to all users of the IP network 14 Noh. Therefore, the IP network The central office with a network interface will be a global Centrex Cabled IP providers can access the central office and Talk calls or other data to a PSTN subscriber or IP network using the cable. To other subscribers connected to the network.   More specifically, FIG. 3 shows a communication system 10 '. In the figure, Cable-based IP network 14 'connects cable modem 400 and cable company central Offices 16a 'to 16n' are connected. Cable modem 400 is a subscriber PC 402 and telephone 404 as shown in the figure. cable The central offices 16a 'to 16n' based on the central office described with reference to FIG. 16a to 16n, and the same components are referred to by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the central offices 16a 'to 16n' are connected to the trunk units 23 as shown. Is connected to the PSTN 12. The central offices 16a 'to 16n' , Call processor 22 ', trunk ID 40, management database 30, function data IP network connected to base 32, cable-based IP network 14 Interface 27, trunk unit 25, and switching network 2 8 '.   In this system 10 ', the modem 400 uses a cable-based IP network. Connected to work 14 ' The subscriber may subscribe to the same telephone features as the subscriber at the central office 16 (FIG. 1). it can. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing steps in the communication system of FIG. is there. In this flowchart, the central office of the cable company of the system Subscribers for call features provided by Access to the call feature while accessing the central office via Provided. In the illustrated method, steps 202, 204, 206 is not used. The "Internet flag" 31 is always in the "set" shape. In state.   FIG. 5 shows a communication system 10 ″. Connected to the PSTN via the ISP 13, to the subscriber PC via the ISP 13, and further to the router 30 I have. The central offices 16a "to 16n" are each described with reference to FIG. Has a processor 22 'similar to that of FIG. FIG. 6 is used in the communication system of FIG. It is a flowchart of each step used. Again, a discussion is made in connection with FIGS. As in the disclosed system 10 ', the "Internet flag" 31 is always "set". All calls to the central offices 16a'-16n 'are in the IP network. In step 202 to step 206 and step 212 And 214 (FIG. 1) are not used.   Central offices 16a "to 16n" are global networks. Network carriers, subscribers worldwide of the IP network 14, For example, providing telephony services to all subscribers in a global company Can be.   In this way, the system 10 "is designed for members of a common group (such as a company). , A series of common call functions in a function database provided by the central office 16a ". Provide access to System 10 "is shared by members of a common group It processes signals sent to the central office 16a "via the IP network 14 and The call function is provided to the member.   Other embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the claims.

[Procedure of Amendment] Article 184-8, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act [Submission date] August 30, 1999 (August 30, 1999) [Correction contents]                                The scope of the claims 1. A communication system (10 '), wherein the communication system comprises:   (A) Internet protocol IP network based on cable (14 )) Based on a cable-based central office (16a '),   (B) having a public telephone network (12);     The central office (16 ') based on the cable is:     (I) I connected to an IP network (14 ') based on the cable A P network interface (27);     (Ii) a switching network (28);     (Iii) a database (32);     (Iv) having a processor (22 ');     The IP network interface (27) is a cable based central Office (16a ') central office protocol and cable based IP network Convert signals to and from the network protocol of the network (14 '),     A port of the switching network (28) has a trunk unit (2 3) and the signal from the IP network interface (27) are input and the switch The switching network (28) is located in the central office Selectively route calls between ports according to switching signals in the protocol And     The public telephone network (12) is connected to a switching network (28). Connected to the trunk unit (23),     The database (32) has a central office (16a ') based on cables. )) And the relationship between the individual subscribers and the subscribed call features of the individual subscribers Is saved,     The processor (22 ') is a cable-based IP network (14' ) Via the IP network interface (27). The switching signal is supplied to the switching network (28), and the call from the calling subscriber is provided. Off when routed to the called party through the switching network Address the database (32) using the A communication system (10 ') configured to provide a subscribe call function to the communication system. 2. A plurality of cable modems (400) for an IP network based on said cable; The system of claim 1, wherein the system is connected to a network. 3. The processor (22) sets the flag (31) for the subscriber. And the subscriber connects via a cable-based IP network (14 '). Claim indicating that it has been connected to a central office (16a ') based on the table. 3. The system according to 1 or 2. 4. During a call, the processor (22 ') sends the called party a cable-based IP network. Processor (14 '), the processor switches By controlling the call network (28), calls can be routed to the cable-based IP network. Network (14 ') or public telephone network (12). The system of claim 3. 5. For subscribers of call features available from a central office based on cable, A method for providing access to the call function, comprising:     Outgoing calls handled by the central office via an IP network interface Calls from subscribers are routed through an IP network From a protocol to a central office protocol based on the cable. Replace     Processor stores the relationship between the subscriber and the subscribed call feature Addressing the subscribed database, providing a subscribed call function to the subscriber,     Switch controlled by processor using central office protocol signals The switching network enables the IP network based on the cable and the public network. Selectively routing calls between public telephone networks.

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Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In a communication system suitable for a cable-based IP network, the system:   (A) having a cable company central office, said central office:     (I) Central office protocol and T for cable-based IP networks An IP network interface for converting between CP / IP protocols;     (Ii) a switching network having ports;     (Iii) a database,     A processor is connected to the IP network based on the cable via the IP network. Network,     The ports of the switching network include trunk units and the IP network. A signal from the network interface is input and the switching network Switch from the processor in the central office protocol based on cable Route calls between ports according to the switching signal,     The database contains individual cables for central office processing based on the cable. The relationship between the subscriber and the call function to which the individual subscriber is subscribed is stored;     (Iv) the processor is a central office protocol Address the database using the When routed to the called party through the switching network, A communication system, wherein a subscription function is provided. 2. A communication system, wherein the communication system comprises:   (A) Central office of cable company   (B) having a public telephone network;     The cable company,     (I) Central office protocol and T for cable-based IP networks An IP network interface for converting between CP / IP protocols;     (Ii) a switching network having a port;     (Iii) comprising a database,     The public telephone network is connected to the IP network;     The IP network interface is provided in the IP network based on the cable. Processor is connected via the     The ports of the switching network include trunk units and the IP network. A signal from the network interface is input and the switching network Is a processor supplied by a processor in a central office protocol based on cables. For the switching signal So selectively route calls between ports,     Within the database is processed by a central office based on the cable The relationship between each individual subscriber and the call features to which the individual subscriber is subscribed is preserved. And     (Iv) the processor uses the central office protocol to store the data The calling party to the called party Offer a subscriber call feature when routed through the A communication system characterized by providing. 3. For call feature subscribers available from the cable company's central office, A method for providing access to the call function, comprising:     From a subscriber via a cable-based IP network to the cable company Processing the signal transmitted to the central office;     Making the subscriber call feature available to the subscriber. 4. Multiple cable modems are connected to the cable-based IP network. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the method is performed.