KR20020001842A - Method and apparatus for local routing of toll free calls - Google Patents

Abstract

The call is routed from the user location to the local call endpoint by mapping a dialed free number to a POTS-routable number in the local rate calling area (LRCA) containing the user location. An enhanced service (e.g., protocol translation, etc.) occurs at the local call end point, and then the call is mapped by mapping the POTS-routable number to another number (e.g. long distance number) associated with the long distance call end point, It can be routed from the local call endpoint to the remote call endpoint. The dialed toll number determines the starting NPA-NXX for the user's location, maps the routing NPA-NXX to the associated local call end point, and according to the routing NPA-NXX and the dialed toll number for the local call end point. By selecting the line number it is mapped to the POTS-routable number. Routing NPA-NXX is selected from the first table and the line number is selected from the second table. This table can be stored as part of the SMS / 800 service management system database in the telephone network where this plan is deployed.

Description

Local Routing Method and Device for Free Calls {METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCAL ROUTING OF TOLL FREE CALLS}

Local telephone companies (so-called local relay carriers or LECs) provide users with local calling services within the service area known in the wireless industry as Local Access Transport Area (LATA). When a user dials any number within his or her LATA, the LEC sends a call and charges the user at a specific local rate.

Multiple calls to other numbers within your LATA can be "free" or "local call" rates; That is, they are provided as part of the user's basic telephone service. These free calls are generally limited to calls within a certain radius of the user's phone. Farther away, dialing a number still present in the user's LATA is known as a "local toll call", which is similar to a "free" call carried by the user's LEC. These calls are billed by the LEC at the current local rate, which follows distance and time, often minimizing the increase in billing for one minute.

Calls outside of LATA are not handled exclusively by the user's LEC. Instead, a so-called relay carrier (LEC) routes this long distance call between LATA and / or LEC. Each long telephone call made by a user includes a fee that IEC pays the creation and termination lEC for the facility to which the call travels. These fees are designed to recover the cost for the LEC to use the facility and are referred to as access fees. In general, access charges apply to both input and output calls. Thus, the same applies to businesses using free (eg 800) services.

Under current information announcements, such access fees are not charged by the so-called "enhanced service provider" (ESP). That is, the carrier (long distance telephone service provider) must pay the local telephone company for the use of the facility, but not the ESP. So-called "enhanced" services are generally provided by a wireless provider, including subscriber interaction with stored data (e.g., database access), protocol conversion, or alteration in the form or content of information received or transmitted by a pager. It is defined as a service. Tariff differences arise because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) classifies ESPs as "end users" rather than "carriers" for access charging rules. Under current FCC rules, ESP considers end users when they buy services from a local telephone company. Thus, ESP pays at the same rate as any other local telephone service customer, and this rate is set according to each state. Conversely, long distance companies consider carriers, who pay access fees between the states regulated by the FCC. The ESP includes an Internet Service Provider (ISP), and by 1997 the FCC re-declared that the current rate structure for ISPs was adequate.

The related application described above discloses a plan for deploying a local call center in an effort to minimize long distance charges for call center service providers. Under this plan, toll-free long distance calls to the call center will be redirected back to the local call center. The local call center is configured to route calls at local points close to the answer, service, queue, and call origination points. Thus, the local call center may provide for the initial processing of the incoming call; holding and queuing the call until the live operator is available at the physical call center. If a live operator is available, the local call center routes the locally queued call to the physical call center.

The advantage of using a local call center according to the above scheme is that the call center service provider will only charge long distance charges for the time that the pager is actually connected to the physical call center operator. Time spent in hold queues or answering automated menu questions will not be added to long distance charges, as part of the call is treated as a local call and terminated at the local call center. Nevertheless, if the call center service provider can equalize the access fee exemption by the ESP, it will be able to reduce the fee.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of wireless communications, and more particularly, to the management of free telephone calls.

The invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 illustrates a portion of a typical telephone network involved in routing free calls.

2 illustrates a portion of a telephone network configured to route free calls in accordance with the method of the present invention.

3 illustrates an example of a local call center configured to perform protocol conversion operations during routing of free calls in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a plan is provided for routing a call from a user location to a local call end point. In general, such routing is accomplished by mapping the dialed free number to a ROTS-routable number in a local calling area (LRCA) containing the user location. Enhanced services (eg, computer processors and / or information access) may occur at the local call end point, and as a result, this call may be a different number associated with the long distance call end point from the local call end point to the remote call end point. Can be routed by mapping a POTS-routable number to (eg, a long distance number). In some cases, the local call endpoint may be a local call center configured to enable response, service, queue, and / or call routes. Where a protocol translation operation occurs at the local call endpoint, the call can be sent in a network configured to use the Internet Protocol (IP).

The local call endpoint may be located outside of the LATA of the pager. Under the current tariff structure, where enhanced services are provided, back hauling of calls at the LATA boundary will not charge long distance charges. Therefore, in one embodiment, the current plan utilizes the tariff structure by deploying a local call endpoint of only the selected LATA and backhauling the call to the location from another LATA.

Mapping dialed free numbers to POTS-routable numbers typically generates an NPA-NXX for the user's location, and in this connection matches the routing NPA-NXX for the local call endpoint and dialed with the routing NPA-NXX. Selecting the line number for the local call end point according to the free number. In a particular embodiment, the routing NPA-NXX is selected from the first table and the line number is selected from the second table. The tables may be stored as part of an SMS / 800 service management system database in the telephone network in which this proposal is deployed. In other cases, the tables may be stored as part of a database containing call routing information to provide the functions described above. Such a database may be stored, for example, at one or more local service control points in the telephone network.

Therefore, the plan maps the NPA-NXX of the user's location to the NPA-NXX of the local call end point and selects the line number of the local call end point using the toll-free number dialed with the NPA-NXX of the local call end point, Provided for a telephone network configured to route a call to a toll-free number dialed from a user location to a local call end point. Other features and advantages of this plan will be described below.

Confirmation of the selected toll-free number, translation of the toll-free number into a plain old telephone service (POTS) -routable number, and routing of a local access trunk (eg to a local call center) for the service The scheme for making this is described below. The plan includes call mapping to interface with the SMS / 800 database service management system for free call routing. This mapping can be used in the system specification of call numbers and in the field of Carrier Identification Codes (CICs) in SMS / 800 systems, so that each initiation call can be directed to the appropriate local trunk for terminating to the correct port at the local call center. Can be. This mapping includes calling to construct a local routing number and extracting information from both called numbers.

The current plan thus enables a number of distinct national free numbers that are intercepted for local routing and processing at the local call center, and are described below by various embodiments including specific structures and methods. However, despite these particularities, optional embodiments, including optional structures and methods, may be used without departing from the broad principles of the invention described below.

Before describing the illustrated embodiment in detail, it will be helpful to describe the overall operating environment in which the methods and apparatus of the present invention may be used. This plan is particularly suitable for using free services, which are assigned to numbers that allow subscribers not to charge their customers (for example, 800 or 888, which will soon be extended to include other 3-digit codes). Wireless communication service. The American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT & T) first introduced 800 "toll-free" services. At that time, AT & T was just IEC, and every LEC automatically routed to all 800 calls directly to the AT & T current point without performing any translation from the dialed 800 number to the correct end number. In particular, the LEC screened input call finds a particular set of first three digits (eg 800). Upon recognizing the first set of three digits, the LEC transfers the call routing responsibility to AT & T, which decodes the remainder of the dialed free number. This includes number translation and service area identification screening. In this plan, all the digits of the dialed number are important for screening and call routing. Therefore, this is limited in capacity, and the user needs to have each 800 number for calls in and out of the state.

In 1981, AT & T introduced the Network Service System (NSS) and Common Channel Inter-Station Signaling (CCIS) networks, which provide their central facilities for 800 number translation and service provision. The system screens the first three digits (eg 800) of the dialed number and requires LEC to convey the area code of the starting call point. The AT & T's database will then determine if the subscriber exists in the region where the service was purchased and if so translate the called number (800 XXX-XXXX) into a standard 10 digit number that can be routed for the AT & T network. The use of CCIS and NSS allows AT & T to provide customized toll-free numbers and other features that provide service subscribers with control over how and where calls are routed through the network.

After deprivation, AT & T will retain the rights of its CCIS network and NSS database system. However, AT & T allows local Bell operating companies (RBOC) to lease database capacity to provide their own internal-LATA free service. This plan does not require the RBOC to provide relay access services to other IECs.

In 1983, the federal court allowed RBOC to carry out a modified version of the previous service agreement for a temporary period until RBOC developed its 800 database system. This provisional service is generally referred to as the "NXX plan" and uses the first six digits of the toll-free number (eg 800 NXX) to identify the appropriate carrier. The North American Numbering Plan Manager (NANPA) assigned individual NXX codes to carriers participating in these agreements.

The main limitation of 6-digit screening technology is that subscribers must change their toll-free numbers to change their service providers. This limitation arises from the fact that certain NXX codes are assigned to individual carriers. Therefore, changing carriers entails additional costs for subscribers, which include new advertising changes to documents and forms, and potential loss of business due to customer's familiarity with current toll-free numbers. The six-digit screening agreement also limits the choice of toll-free numbers that carriers may provide to their customers.

In response to the restrictions on the six-digit screening process by the RBOC, the Federal Association Commission (FCC) decided that a national database system for free access would provide both advantages and disadvantages compared to NXX access. The system enables portability of free numbers and thus facilitates competition, since the customer can change the carrier without changing the number. Although the benefits of the system were recognized, until 1991 the FCC did not apply a comprehensive order to mandate the performance of national toll database access.

Under these FCC principles, the management and allocation of toll-free numbers has shifted from the provisional 800NXX plan of the national 800 Service Management System (SMS / 800) database to 10-digit management. SMS / 800 is a computer system that provides an environment for entering call-processing data (e.g., routing information) relating to free numbers.

As shown in Fig. 1, when user 10 dials a free (e.g. 800) number, the call is intercepted to local service switching point (SSP) 12 and thus the query determines how the call is routed. May be induced to. SSP 12 obtains routing information from a local database known as a service control point (SCP) 14. In the United States, there are regional SCP databases and long-distance carriers independently occupied by the RBOC. The SCPs each receive routing information entered into the SMS / 800 system 16 (eg, periodically every 15 minutes). Therefore, upon receiving a query from the SSP, the SCP may return the Carrier Identification Code (CIC) of the carrier sending the call to the destination number with appropriate routing information. The routing information may be translated "Plain Old Telephone Service" (POTS) numbers or dialed free numbers, and routing is based on specific considerations such as time of day, day of week, percent allocated, and the like. Upon receiving the CIC (4 digit number code forming part of a large carrier access code or CAC) and routing information, the SSP 12 routes the call using the LEC network or based on whether a POTS number or 800 number is returned. To manage calls to IEC from the POP of the IEC.

Referring to FIG. 2 based on this background, it is assumed that the user 20 dials a toll-free number to access a remote call center located at a remote LATA. It is also assumed that the remote call center is arranged to route calls to the appropriate local call center (LCC) according to the method described in the ongoing application described above. First, the call is routed to the LEC's Serving Center Office (SSP) 22 via a local loop. At SSP 22, the call is recognized as a free call, so the call is suspended while a query for routing commands is made to the local SCP 24. SCP 24 collects the corresponding carrier identification and routing commands from a local replica of the SMS / 800 system database and passes this information to SSP 22. The routing instruction returned to the SSP 22 according to this plan calls for each designated toll-free number and the called number is mapped to a specific POTS-routable number and is sent to the local call center in the user's local rate calling area. To be mapped to the trunk allocation for the In accordance with the command, a specific CIC having a value of "0110" is returned to the SSP 22. The CIC instructs the SSP 22 to route a call to its network (ie, a call of the LEC). This ensures that the call remains on the LEC network.

The manner in which the database routing command is determined is described below, where all telephone numbers are of the form NPA-NXX-XXXX, NPA is a valid area code, N is any digit between 2-9, and X is 0. Any digit between -9. These numbers are associated with local rate centers. Start and End NPA-NXX determines the fee for the call. In general, one or more NPA-NXXs fall to the center of the same rate, and the call between each number is considered a local call and is referred to hereafter as the local rate calling area (LRCA). The LLC will service several LRCAs by the appropriate choice of each LRCA Call Termination NPA-NXX.

Assume a free call created in LRCA using NPA-NXX as the starting prefix and also assume that the called free number is 800-XXX-XXXX. For each LCC serving one or more LRCAs, two tables are constructed, one with two columns and the other with three columns. In the first table (example shown in Table 1 below), one column (e.g., left column) is a list of all valid starting NPA-NXXs for all LRCAs served by the LLC. In the second table (eg the right column), there is an associated NPA-NXX number for local routing. In the second table (example shown in Table 2 below), the leftmost column lists all the local routing NPA-NXX numbers served by the LLC (these values correspond to the second column of the first table described below). The middle column lists all valid toll free numbers manipulated by lLC. Finally, the rightmost column provides the unique XXXX line number associated with each free number.

The call routing instructions generated by the LRCA consist of two tables: First, for each free call, the starting NPA-NXX is referenced in the leftmost column of the first table, and the matching routing NPA-NXX is selected in the rightmost column of the first table. Secondly, the routing NPA-NXX and called free numbers are both referenced in the appropriate columns of the second table, and the only XXX line numbers that match are selected in the rightmost column. Third, the NPA-NXX selected in the first step is combined with the XXXX line number selected during the second step to form a ROTS-routable number handled by the LLC for the original toll-free number of the LRCA.

Table 1 table 2

As an example, consider a call originating at 408-223-1111, and assume that a user dialed a toll-free number 800-9999-7087 associated with a remote call center (eg, a customer service call center for business). The call is first intercepted in the SSP associated with the user's call number and appropriate routing information is requested. The routing information provided is determined using Tables 1 and 2. From Table 1, the user's starting NPA-NXX (in this case 408-223) will be determined at LRCA1. This NPA-NXX is mapped to the serving NPA-NXX for the local call center set up by the business in the LRCA. In this case, the local call center is identified by NPA-NXX 408-660 (which is the case for all calls starting at LRCA1).

The line number is now obtained from Table 2, using the local call center's NPA-NXX and dialed toll-free numbers (408-660 and 800-999-7087, respectively). In this case, the line number is 2400. This line exchange number is combined with the NPA-NXX of the local call center to generate ROTS-routable number 408-660-2400. Therefore, the dialed toll-free number will be routed to 408-660-2400. Similarly, a call starting at 415-211-1234 (number starting at LRCA2), but a call dialing the same free number will be routed to 415-651-1980. The LCC receiving the call at one of the above numbers will handle the call in the same way, similar to the routing number being local aliasing for the free number 800-999-7087.

In summary, the routing NPX-NXX is determined by the call number NPA-NXX. The called free number determines the routing XXX line number. The appropriate POTS-routable number (NPA-NXX-XXXX) and the specific CIC (eg 0110) are assigned respectively, and can thus be routed through the local access trunk to the local point of the interconnected LEC. The SMS / 800 database is programmed according to the above instructions of each LRCA serviced by the LCC. In the remaining LRCA (ie not serviced by the LCC), the SMS / 800 database is programmed to route free calls using the CIC assigned to the desired IXC without translation. This means that in each LRCA serviced by the LCC, a free number is routed to it, while in the other LRCA the call is routed to the IXC network. Therefore, any SMS / 800 database query generated by the SSP is completed according to the routing instruction described above, and call control returns to the serving central office. The call will be routed through the local access trunk facility from the serving central office to the LCC or, if such LCC is not present for the LRCA, to the IXC network.

In the LCC, each call will be handled by a computer telephone server common to the call center industry. Such a server may receive a POTS-routable number with a free number mapped by the SMS / 800 database. For example, using a table similar to Table 3 below, the LCC can determine which free number is called and the call is processed.

Table 3

Based on this unique number, the server will generate an accept command, call control, and corresponding voice response to that number (e.g., similar to the cited pending application above). Similar tables (or minimal information included) can be used within the SMS / 800 system to provide a mapping between dialed free numbers and local numbers (and vice versa).

Local calling of the toll-free calls described above allows several advanced wireless applications to be deployed in a cost effective manner. Such an application is a national enhanced wireless voice communication service. These services can be implemented using a computer telephone server at the LCC, which uses POTS-routable numbers obtained by local routing of free numbers, and also maps them to matching POTS-routable long distance numbers or other matching free numbers. do. After the server optionally interacts with the pager, it routes the call to a mapped number using a public telephone network (PSTN). The service may also use a POTS-routable number obtained by local routing of a free number, and also maps it to a matching Internet protocol network address and maps the call to local network and / or Internet protocol (IP) voice information. Route to the address on the Internet to transmit.

An example of such an operation is shown in FIG. 3. The local call center 30 includes two modules 32 and 34. The modules 32, 34 may be servers or other computer based components coupled over a network using IP to transfer information between modules. In some cases, modules 32 and 34 are geographically assigned such that they are not physically co-located. In this case, the two modules may be combined via a personal area network and / or the Internet. In other cases, the two modules 32, 34 may be physically close to each other and may be combined via other networks or local area networks using IP or other data transfer protocols.

Regardless of how the modules are communicatively coupled to each other, the basic functionality is the same. Module 32 receives voice communications from the user via a local access trunk facility extending from the serving central office as described above. That is, module 32 is coupled to receive a user-initialized call for a free number through a port coupled to the line corresponding to the POTS-routable number to which the call is mapped. In module 32, the POTS-routable number is mapped to an IP address corresponding to module 34. The above mapping can be performed using a lookup table or other mapping device that is common in voice technology in IP.

By mapping the POTS-routable number to an IP address, module 32 can transmit voice data from the user to module 34 using the IP. Voice-to-IP conversion may be performed using techniques common in the art. For example, voice data may be sampled at an appropriate rate, and the final digital information may be packetized according to the Internet protocol and thus transmitted to module 34 via communication link 36.

In module 34, the digital data may be reconstructed with voice data (if desired) and calls mapped to POTS (or even free) associated with the called business. Such mapping may be performed using a lookup table that associates an input IP address and an output POTS number used by a technique that is universal in technology, for example, module 32. Therefore, the user's call is first mapped to a local POTS-routable number to reach the LCC 30, then to an IP address for transmission between the modules 32, 34, and then called party ( For example, it finally maps to a POTS (or other) number for final access to a remote call center.

As an example of the above mapping, a table having the following structure may be used. Table 4 shows the structure for mapping of POTS numbers to any IP address (eg to reach module 34), long distance number (eg customer number) and / or proxy toll free number (eg long distance). Call center).

Table 4

In module 34, a table with the structure of Table 5 can be used to map an IP address to any local POTS #, long distance number, or proxy 800 number in a similar manner.

Table 5

Thus, such a table provides several transport mechanisms to complete and / or utilize the necessary call routing.

By including the IP leg in the call of the above example, the call center provider entitles the enhanced service to exclude the access charges applicable to long distance calls between the LCC and the remote call center. In other words, the entire call of the user is now made "free". The user's call is terminated first at the LCC in the user's LRCA. Therefore, some of these calls are dependent on local rates and not long distance charges. Later, due to the enhanced services provided to the LCC (e.g., protocol conversion operations described above) or other enhanced services such as voice response, computer processing, database reference and / or information access, calls from the LCC to the remote call center may Exempt from access charges under current FCC regulations. Thus, the legs of the call are all free of access fees, and the call center service provider makes this saving for that customer.

A plan for local routing of free calls has been described. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense.

Claims (18)

Routing the call of the user location to a local call endpoint by mapping a dialed free number to a POTS-routable number in a local rate calling area (LRCA) containing the user location; Performing an enhanced service at the local call endpoint; And Routing the call of the local call endpoint to a remote call endpoint by mapping the POTS-routable number to another number associated with a long distance call endpoint. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the local call termination point comprises a local call center configured to enable answering, service, queue, and / or call routing. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said enhanced service comprises sending a call over a network configured to use an Internet Protocol (IP) for data transmission. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein mapping the dialed free number to the POTS-routable number comprises: determining a starting NPA-NXX for a user location, matching a routing NPA-NXX for a local call end point associated therewith. And selecting a line number for the local call termination point according to the free number dialed with the routing NPA-NXX. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the routing NPA-NXX is selected from a first reference table and the line number is selected from a second reference table. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the information comprising the first and second reference tables is stored as part of an SMS / 800 service management system database. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the number associated with the telecall end point comprises a long distance telephone number. Includes call routing information including unique line number and NPA-NXX for the local call endpoint, where the line number and NPA-NXX are accessible by providing dialed toll numbers and NPA-NXX of the calling party. Base. 9. The method of claim 8, organized as part of a table pair, the first of the table being associated with the NPA-NXX of the calling party and the NPA-NXX of the local call endpoint, and the second of the table being the NPA- of the local call endpoint. A free number dialed using NXX and the unique number. SMS / 800 service management system comprising the database of claim 8. Local call termination by mapping the NPA-NXX at the user's location to the NPA-NXX of the local call end point and selecting the line number of the local call end point using the NPA-NXX and dialed free number of the local call end point. Telephone network configured to route dialed toll-free numbers for your location to points. 12. The telephone network of claim 11, wherein the local call termination point is in a local rate calling area (LRCA) containing a user location. 13. The telephone network of claim 12, wherein the local call termination point comprises a local call center configured to enable answering, service, queue, and / or call routing. 14. The line number of the local call end point according to claim 13, wherein the NPA-NXX of the user's location is mapped to NPA-NXX of the local call end point, and the line number of the local call end point is used by using the free number dialed with the NPA-NXX of the local call end point. And an SMS / 800 service management system having a database in which routing information is stored that makes it possible to determine a message. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the routing information is stored in a pair of tables, the first of the tables associating NPA-NXX of the user's location with the NPA-NXX of the local call end point, and the second of the tables to the local call end point. Telephone network associated with the NPA-NXX and dialed toll-free number of the local call end point. 16. The telephone network of claim 15 wherein the local call center is configured to route calls in a network using Internet protocols. 17. The telephone network of claim 16 wherein the local call center is configured to route the call to a remote call center after routing the call in the network. 18. The telephone network of claim 17 wherein the call is routed to a long distance number associated with a remote call center.