MXPA00010873A - One-number communications system and service integrating wireline/wireless telephone communications systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A one-number communications system (100) enables completion of calls to designated terminals by use of a single telephone number. The system includes a local wireline switch (120) and a local wireless switch (130) coupled to respective terminals (104, 106, 114, 116). A switched telephone network (140) is coupled between the switches and defines a combined switching arrangement for directing and completing calls to and from the terminals upon receiving routing instructions. A database management system (210) is coupled to a data signaling network (162) and is accessible to the switches. The management system includes a telephone number (180) assigned for use by the subscriber and routing instructions assigned to the telephone number (152, 154). The wireline switch sends a request for routing instructions from the management system for completing the call to the telephone number. The management system sends a response message to the wireline switch containing the routing instructions for completing the call to at least one of the terminals.

Description

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM OF A NUMBER AND SERVICE THAT INTEGRATES WIRELESS / INAL MBRICO TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to wired / wireless telephone communication systems, and more particularly relates to allowing a subscriber to receive calls to designated wireless or wired communications terminals, through the use of a single assigned telephone number. with a system and communication service of a number.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE The Intelligent Advanced Network (AIN) provides a platform independent of the service for the creation, personalization, and control of the telephone service. The Intelligent Advanced Network provides these services to subscribers through the use of a variety of switching systems and architectures. In an AIN type system, the central or final office switches send and receive data messages from a smart services control point (ISCP) by means of a switching transfer point (STP). Then at least some of the calls through the switches are controlled, using the data received from a database at the intelligent services control point. In recent years, the Intelligent Advanced Network has provided many new service features. For example, U.S. Patent Number 5,592,533 to McHenry, et al., Discloses a personal communication service registration system and method. The system performs the registration to route a telephone call to a subscriber's personal telephone number service in an integrated wired and wireless communication network, by using at least one landline terminal located in a public meeting place. In a manual version of this system, an attached recording device is placed on the terminal site of the subscriber's premises, and the registration is made at the Intelligent Services control point of the Intelligent Advanced Network of the wired system, by means of subscriber activation of the attached device. In an automated version of this system, the recording device at the termination site includes a transmitter-receiver to emit a low periodic energy and a limited-range scan signal, to detect the presence of a smart portable recording device that carries the subscriber. In addition, U.S. Patent No. 5,664,009 to Emery et al., Describes a personal communications service that uses wired / wireless integration. This system connects to, and controls the processing of calls to a wireless microtelephone apparatus of the personal communication service (PCS) subscriber, by means of a home-based station or a wireless communication network. Depending on your current location, the subscriber's microtelephone device is automatically registered with the base station of the wired network, or with a mobility controller of the wireless network. When the microtelephone device becomes within the range of the base station, a new record in a wired network occurs, causing this station to update the home location register of the subscriber in a database of the Intelligent Advanced Network. Similarly, when a microtelephone device is first registered with a mobility controller, that controller updates the subscriber's home location record in the Intelligent Advanced Network database. In response to calls directed to the subscriber, the Intelligent Advanced Network accesses the home location register to determine the current location where the microtelephone device is registered.

Then the Intelligent Advanced Network uses the data to route the call to the current location. - Figure 1 shows the Intelligent Advanced Network and the cellular system to implement the service of PCS of the patent? 005. This system uses an AIN type architecture together with elements of a mobile communication system, such as a cellular radio-telephone network. This system provides wire communication services through one or more central or final office switches, such as class 4/5 switches, which are located throughout a state or region served by a telephone company (TELCO) ) that the PCS provides. The local telephone lines connect the central office switch 10 to the individual telephone or device-compatible terminals in each geographical area, for example, to telephone 12 of the Old Telephone Service Simple (POTS) and a PCS base station 14. This system also provides wireless communication services through radio links, using frequencies assigned to cellular communications networks. The central office switch 10 of the '005 patent is connected via the link circuits 16, 18 to one or more cellular Switching Centers (MSCs) 20 and Mobility Controllers (MCs) of PCS 22. Each switch of Central office is also connected by means of the link circuits to one or more remote central offices. The link circuits carry large numbers of telephone calls between the central office switches and / or between a central office switch and the MSCs 20 and MCs 22. In addition, each central office has a data link 24 of the Interoffice Signaling type of communication. Common Channel (CCIS) connected to a Signaling Transfer Point (STP) 28. Data links of type CCIS 30 and 32 provide data communication for service processing between the MSCs 20, the MCs 22 and the STP 28. In addition , a CCIS packet switched data link 34 connects the STP 28 to a smart service control point 36. Each movable and controlled mobility switching center of the? 005 patent is connected to the antennas for many cell sites to provide wireless communication services to wireless cellular mobile communication terminals 40 and portable terminals of PCS 42. The operation of the MSCs of the mobile _xed or by radio is It is completely within the radio link communication network. The most common type of mobile radio link communication network is the wireless cellular radio telecommunications network or mobile phone system. The cellular telecommunications industry has developed standards that, when implemented, allow automatic transmission from one cellular network to another during an established call, and allow transmission from one system to another while having incoming calls that follow the client to the system that you visit The transmission process is commonly described as roaming. In this wireless network, registration exchange signaling messages, authorization authentication, and validation occur between a mobile switching center 20 and the wireless terminal of the subscriber 40. These message exchanges occur when a subscriber is in a mobile home switching center. or wandering to a mobile-different switching center. These messages are based on protocol standards such as GSM or IS-41. Dedicated trunk lines, usually provided by the dedicated land lines, serve as the link between the MSCs within the same system, or the same cellular provider. The data links are connected to the mobile switching center to selectively access a home location register (HLR) 44, a visitor location register (VLR) 46, an equipment identity record (EIR) 48, and a center Authentication (AC) 50, all of which are located in the mobile switching center. All four registers can service more than one mobile switching center. HLR 44 is the location record to which a user identity is assigned for registration purposes, such as subscriber information, directory number, profile information, and current location. The VLR 46 is the location register, apart from the HLR, which temporarily uses a mobile switching center to store and retrieve information regarding a subscriber or visiting user. The differences between the VLR and the HLR are insignificant when the transmission of a mobile subscriber is limited to the MSCs within a single system or with a single provider, since all subscribers are assumed to be listed in the HLR, and validated on that basis. The VLR becomes important only when a subscriber who is not listed in the HLR of a cellular provider enters the system and registers. The EIR 48 is the register that maintains the identification of the particular terminal device. The AC 50 is the record that holds the authentication information and the validation periods for a particular wireless terminal or subscriber. The cellular mobile switching center 20 controls the communications by means of many macro cells 52. The PCS mobility controller 22 controls the communications by means of many micro cells 54. The MSCs and MCs are also interconnected with each other by means of data trunks IS-41 56, and can be interconnected by means of voice trunks that run essentially in parallel with the IS-41 trunks. To provide landline type central services for a business client by the 005 patent, central office switch 10 provides a landline connection 58 to customer premises 60. The landline link currently would include many connected telephone lines. to different types of conventional telephone terminal devices.

To provide wireless central services to a particular location that could be the same establishment of the client 60, the lines 62 connect the MCS PCS 22 to macro cells antennas inside the client's establishment. This patent system 005 is designed to process calls directed to a single assigned number of the PCS subscriber, by retrieving the most current registration data from the intelligent services control point, and using that data to route calls to a base unit of house 14, MSC 20, or mobility controller 22, whichever has been registered last. However, because this system only provides single-number telephone service to PCS subscribers, there is still a need to provide the single-number telephone service that can also be used by non-PCS subscribers, by integrating telephone systems both conventional wired as cellular. In particular, there is a need for wireless and wired telephone subscribers to receive telephone calls through conventional wireless or wired communications terminals; through a single telephone number, and also to control the specific functions of the terminal such as activation, call priority, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention departs substantially from the prior art by providing a number communication system and service, for the purpose of allowing a subscriber to receive calls to terminals of _, designated wireless or wired communications, through the use of a single assigned telephone number. The system of the present invention thus reduces the number of telephone numbers that need to be obtained and managed by both the subscriber and TELCO. The system and communication service of a number allows a caller to call a single telephone number for a particular subscriber, which may terminate in many different devices or locations, thereby increasing the likelihood of the subscriber's call being completed . The communication system and service of a number provides a multi-protocol architecture and a set of interoperable protocols that is highly scalable and enables integrated wired and wireless services for TELCOs around the world. The communication system and service of a number allows a call priority scheme to be established and subsequently modified for a subscriber's terminals. The call priority can be set in such a way that a list of wired or wireless phones is called, either sequentially or in parallel. The call priority scheme can also be set to allow a telephone call to be sent to the voice mail, pager, or other compatible device of a subscriber. The subscriber can also designate call schedules of both time of day and day of the week for the terminals. The system of the present invention includes a local wired switch that can be coupled to a conventional wired terminal and a wireless switch, which can be coupled to a conventional wireless terminal. A switched telephone network is provided, and is coupled between the wired switch and the wireless switch to thereby define a combined switching configuration to direct and complete a call to and from the terminals after receiving the routing instructions . A data signaling network is included, and is coupled to the wired switch, the wireless switch, and the switched telephone network, to control the switching operations when the call is made. A database management system is coupled to the data signaling network, and is accessible to the wired switch and the wireless switch. The database management system includes a modifiable global location record. The global location record contains a telephone number assigned for use by the subscriber, a plurality of statically or dynamically assigned wire routing instructions, which are assigned to the telephone number to allow access to a wired terminal through the wired switch, a plurality of statically or dynamically assigned wireless routing instructions, which are assigned to the number telephone to allow access to a wireless terminal through the combined switching configuration. Additionally, the global location record includes a call priority scheme to allow access to designated terminals at different times and days. On the other hand, the wired switch includes a mechanism for sending a request message to the database administration system, requesting routing instructions from the global location register, to complete the call to the telephone number. The database management system also includes a mechanism for sending a response message to the wired switch, which contains the routing instructions to complete the call to at least one of the terminals. In order to use the system of the present invention, a permanent telephone number is assigned for use by the subscriber. Wired routing instructions are assigned to a line of the wired switch to allow access to the wired terminal. The wired terminal is registered with the wireless switch. The wireless routing instructions are obtained to allow access to the wireless terminal. The wire routing instructions and the wireless routing instructions are subsequently assigned to the telephone number to thereby directly associate the wired terminal with the wireless terminal. The call priority scheme is assigned to the telephone number in order to designate which terminal to call when a call termination request is made to the telephone number. In operation, the system receives an incoming call to the wired switch, requesting the termination of the call to the telephone number. In response to receiving the incoming call, a request message is sent through the data signaling network from the wired switch to the global location registration database administration system, requesting the routing instructions to complete the call to the telephone number. In response to the request message, a response message is then sent through the data signaling network from the database administration system to the wired switch, which contains the routing instructions to complete the call through the Combined switching configuration based on the associated call priority scheme to complete the call. Finally, the call is completed through the combined switching configuration to at least one of the subscriber's terminals, by using the routing instructions in the response message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a generalized illustration of a prior art communications architecture for providing number communication services to PCS subscribers. Figure 2 is a generalized illustration of the network architecture of the present invention, to provide number communication services to wired and wireless subscribers. Figure 3 illustrates the relationship of the routing instructions and the priorities of the system to complete a call to a subscriber's telephone number. Figure 4 illustrates a generalized model for terminating a system call. Figure 5 illustrates a procedure for completing an incoming call to a wired terminal of the system. Figure 6 illustrates a method for completing an incoming call to a wireless terminal of the system. Figure 7 illustrates a procedure for completing an incoming call to a wired terminal, after first trying to complete the call to a wireless terminal of the system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 2, the preferred network architecture of the communication system and service of a number is generally designated with the reference number 100. The system of the present invention is used with one or more of the wired terminals 102 of a subscriber. Conventional wire terminals may be employed, such as a wired telephone 104, an answering machine 106, or any other similar device compatible with the line, known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the system of the present invention is used with one or more wireless terminals 110 of the subscriber.

Each of the wireless terminals is of conventional design, and has a wireless terminal identification number 112. The wireless terminal identification number conventionally includes a pair of unique values. First, the pair includes a mobile identification number (MIN). Which is a ten-digit number that is similar to a conventional wireline number, and is assigned by the TELCO provider. Second, the pair includes an electronic serial number (ESN), which is a 32-bit binary number assigned by the manufacturer of the wireless terminal. Wired terminals can be used such as a cell phone or PCS 114, locator 116, or any other compatible wireless type compatible device, known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the system of the present invention includes a local wired switch 120. The function of the wired switch is to interconnect the lines of the subscriber, or connect the lines of the subscriber to the trunk transmission facilities. The local wired switch has the ability to send triggers requesting instructions on how to process the calls and conduct the call setup to an external service control point or final office. These triggers can be based on line assignment, trunk assignments, dialed digits, or other criteria. The triggers can be triggered at different points in a given call procedure or model, such as a previous call, a middle call, a later call, or an associated call. The wired switch includes a twisted pair line 122 that is connected to the wired terminal 102 of the subscriber. Also included is a resident voicemail capability 124, as part of the wired switch 120. Voicemail is conventional in design and allows a subscriber to automatically answer a call and receive, delete, save, and reply or send messages. Although voicemail is displayed as a part of the wired switch, it can also be added to the network as an intelligent peripheral. A wireless switch 130 is provided. The function of the wireless switch is to interconnect the local wireless subscribers through one of a plurality of channels or facilities. The wireless switch may be a cellular MSC for use with cellular compatible terminals or a MC PCS for use with PCS compatible terminals. further, the network 100 includes a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140 that is connected between the wired switch 120 and the wireless switch 130 with inter-office trunk lines 142. The PSTN 140 allows calls to be routed between remotely placed switches, allowing a call between remote-posted subscribers to be completed as well. In this configuration, the wired switch 120, the wireless switch 130, and the PSTN 140 define a combined switching configuration 150 of service switching points (SSPs) that allows calls to be routed and completed to, and from the wired terminal 102 of the subscriber and the wireless terminal 110 of the subscriber. The calls are completed through, and through the combined switching configuration, using wire routing instructions 152, and appropriate wireless routing instructions 154 that establish, manage, and release voice circuits. In order to provide the routing instructions 152, 154 to the SSPs of the combined switching configuration 150, a data signaling network 160 of interleaved signal transfer points is used.

(STPs). The data signaling network 160 is coupled to the wired switch 120, the wireless switch 130, and the PSTN 140 with SS7 or other comparable signaling links 162. Each STP routes the incoming routing instructions to an output link. The data signaling network, acting as the core of the network, allows by the same the control of the switching operations through the combined switching configuration 150 to route a call. Through the use of the data signaling network 160, the wire routing instructions are sent to allow access to the wire terminal 102 of the subscriber, through the wired switch 120 to complete a local call, or through the switching configuration combined 150 to complete a remote call. In the same way, by using the data signaling network, the wireless routing instructions are sent to allow access to the wireless terminal 110 of the subscriber, through the wireless switch 130 to complete a local call, or through the combined switching configuration 150 to complete a remote call. The system of the present invention also includes a database management system 170 (DBMS) of computer-based, single-platform or distributed network information. The DBMS is coupled to the data signaling network 160, and is accessible to the wired switch 120 and the wireless switch 130. The DBMS is a storage location for a variety of data such as the name and address of the subscriber, information about the subscriber. billing, and operation parameters. Complementary operations system support is included to provide mechanized assistance for subscriber provisioning activities such as service negotiation, assignment, and billing. In addition, service control support is included through the use of the operations system, to provide network administration and updates, monitoring and surveillance testing, and troubleshooting. Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the operation of the system of the present invention requires that a permanent telephone number 180 be assigned for use by the subscriber. A wired terminal identification number 182 is also assigned to line 122 of wired switch 120, in order to allow access to wired terminal 102, through the wired switch. Preferably, the wire terminal identification number is the same as the telephone number 180, but a different number may also be used, which is transparent to the subscriber. To allow the mobility of the telephone number, the telephone number can also be mapped to the line, by means of a number mobility database. In addition, the wireless terminal identification number 112 of the wireless terminal 110 is registered with the wireless switch 130 in order to obtain a temporary routing number 184, to allow access to the wireless terminal, through the combined switching configuration 150. Preferably, the temporary routing number is obtained from the wireless switch only when a request is made through the data signaling network 160, in order to maximize the use of the channel. The wired terminal identification number 182 and the wireless terminal identification number 112 are subsequently assigned to the telephone number 180. As a consequence, the wired terminal and the wireless terminal of the subscriber are directly associated with, and accessible by a single telephone number. . Then, a call priority scheme 190, formed of a plurality of call priorities, is assigned to the telephone number 180, in order to designate which of the subscriber's terminals to call when a request for a call termination is made to the subscriber. phone number. The call priority scheme can be set to any number of priorities, including termination of call to the wired terminal only 192, termination of the call to the wireless terminal only 194, termination of the call to the wired terminal first , and if unsuccessful, to the wireless terminal after 196, the termination of the call to the wireless terminal first, and if unsuccessful, to the wire terminal after 198, termination of the call almost parallel to both the terminal wireless as to the wired terminal 200, the termination of the call to the pager 202, and termination of the call to the voice mail 204. Although these priorities form a base set for the system 100, those skilled in the art can easily derive and provision other similar priorities. On the other hand, a time and day priority 206 may also be assigned, to allow selected terminals of the subscriber to be active at given days and times. As an example, the call termination to the subscriber's wire terminal can only be designated on March 23, 1998 from 8:00 a.m. at 11:00 a.m., the termination of the subscriber's terminal call to the terminal first, and if it is not successful, to the wired terminal afterwards, it can be designated on the same day of 11:00 a.m. at 5:00 p.m., and the termination of the subscriber's voicemail call can be designated on the same day from 5:00 p.m. at 12:00 p.m .. A default priority scheme for the subscriber can also be provided for use. These designations thus allow a caller to call a telephone number for a particular subscriber, which may terminate at many different devices or locations, thereby increasing the likelihood of that subscriber being located. call priority algorithms or schemes, to determine the order in which terminal terminations should be attempted: telephone number 180, call priority scheme 190, and routing instructions 152, 154 that are used to complete the call are stored in the DBMS 170. The stored wire routing instructions 152 include the wire terminal identification number 182. The stored wireless routing instructions 154 include the wireless terminal identification number 112, and the routing number. temporary 184. Additionally, the instructions of encam wireless storage stored in the DBMS 170 includes all, or a subset of subscriber profile information, which is stored in HLR 44, VLR 46, EIR 48, and AC 50 in Figure 1. DBMS includes functionality associated to process this profile information. The conventional information contained in these registers includes the identification of a wireless terminal, the current location of the subscriber, the validation period, and authentication information. Preferably, the DBMS includes the ability to provide HLR and VLR functionality, and optionally provide AC functionality and EIR functionality. When stored in the DBMS, the information from these registers is now accessible to both the wireless and wired portions of the system 100. When the telephone number 180 and the wire routing instructions 152, the wireless routing instructions 154, and the priority of 190 associated calls are stored in the DBMS, a global location register (GLR) 210 is defined for the system 100, as shown in Figure 2. The GLR includes support for multiple protocols to receive a variety of message types, such as those structured in accordance with IS-41, PCS 1900, GSM, AIN, CS-l / CS-2 and FR. Incoming messages are translated into a generic message protocol before GLR-specific processing occurs. The output messages are translated from the generic message protocol to the required protocol type as stated above. The information contained in the GLR 210 can be modified by a TELCO operator, through a workstation 212 that is coupled to the DBMS 170 with the communication link 214, thereby providing a service management system (SMS). Through the use of SMS, a TELCO operator can add new telephone numbers for subscribers, and other associated information about billing and service.

Since many subscribers will want to control their services directly, the system 100 includes a mechanism to allow them to update selected information, such as the call priority scheme 190 contained in the GLR. The access to the DBMS by a subscriber can be done through the use of a universal client interface (UCI). which is coupled to GLR. For example, the present invention may include a voice-activated menu system to allow access to information in the DBMS system, through the use of terminals 102, 110 that have dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) capability. Alternatively, if the DBMS is accessible as a network-based server process, a subscriber can use a conventional Web browser client to make modifications through the Internet 220, through the use of the computer 222 which is connected to the GLR 210 with the communication links 224. A generalized call termination model for the system 100 is shown in Figure 4. During the operation of the system 100, the wired switch 120 receives an incoming call. After receiving the incoming call to the subscriber's telephone number, an activator emerges in the local wired switch, and then the wired switch sends a message to the GLR 210, requesting routing instructions. If the call to the wired terminal 102 of the subscriber is to be completed, the GLR responds with the appropriate wire routing instructions 152. If the call is to be completed to the wireless terminal 110 of the subscriber, the GLR sends a message to the wireless switch, to determine if the subscriber is currently registered. If the subscriber is registered, then the GLR sends the appropriate standard wireless messages, such as the ROUTEREQ message from IS-41 or the GSM send-info-routing message to the wireless switch, where the wireless terminal is registered. Then the wireless switch 130 responds back to the GLR 210 with the wireless routing instructions. The GLR then responds to the previously received trigger message by sending the wireless routing instructions to the wired switch 120, thereby directing the wired switch to complete the call through the combined switching configuration 150. Then the complete wired switch the call based on the routing instructions from the GLR 210. If the response of the wireless switch is successful, but a collision occurs in the wireless switch 130 after the call is routed there, then the standard wireless protocol messages are used to redirect the instructions.

Figure 5 shows the procedure for terminating a call to the wire terminal 102 of the subscriber. Here, the wired switch 120 is a conventional local class 4/5 120a switch, and the wireless switch 130 is illustrated as an MSC 130a. After receiving an incoming call to the subscriber's telephone number, the local switch 120a sends a request message to the GLR 210 by the routing instructions.

Based on the receipt of this message, the GLR responds to the local switch with a wire-route routing instruction 152, which contains the subscriber's telephone number, or alternatively, the wire-terminal identification number 182, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Now, the local switch completes the call to the wired terminal 102 of the subscriber. Figure 6 shows the procedure for terminating a call to the wireless terminal of the subscriber. After receiving an incoming call to the subscriber's telephone number, the local switch 120a sends a request message to the GLR 210 by the routing instructions. Based on the receipt of this message, the GLR then sends a message to the local MSC 130a, to determine if the subscriber is currently registered. When the MSC determines that the subscriber is currently registered, it responds with a wireless routing instruction 154, which contains a temporary routing number 184 to complete the call, as shown in Figure 3. Then the GLR sends the routing instruction wireless that contains the temporary routing number to the local switch.

Then the local switch uses the temporary routing number ^ to route the call to the MSC, through the combined switching configuration 150, and by the same, allow termination of the call to the subscriber's wireless terminal 110. Figure 7 shows the procedure for terminating a call to a wired terminal after first trying to complete the call to a wireless terminal. After receiving an incoming call to the subscriber's telephone number, the local switch 120a sends a request message to the GLR 210 for routing instructions. Based on the reception of this message, the GLR then sends a message to the local MSC 130a to determine if the subscriber is currently registered. When the MSC determines that the subscriber is not currently registered, the subscriber responds with a wireless routing instruction that contains an error message.

Since the subscriber was not registered, and the subscriber has designated that after the subscriber's wired terminal is called, the GLR sends a response back to the local switch with a wired routing instruction 152, which contains the subscriber's telephone number or the wire terminal identification number 154, as shown in Figure 3. After receipt of this message from the GLR, the local switch completes the call to the subscriber's wire terminal. The call termination procedures as shown in Figures 4-7, in combination with the call priority scheme 190 of Figure 3, form a basis upon which other different call termination procedures can be quickly ascertained. The system 100 can also be used by wire-only subscribers or wireless-only subscribers. In any of these cases, only certain information contained in the call priority scheme related to the subscriber's terminal type would be accessible by the subscriber. The origin of the call from the subscriber's wireless terminal can be achieved in two ways. First, as a result of the terminal registration, a subset of the subscription profile information is sent from the GLR to the MSC, and then the MSC can route the call directly based on the query of this subscriber profile. Second, the MSC may have a wireless activator established in the wireless terminal, instructing the MSC to first send a signaling message to the GLR, which contains the dialed telephone number. In this case, the GLR is established to provide additional services, such as translating the dialed telephone number to another telephone number.

Then, the GLR responds to the MSC with the wireless routing instructions that contain the telephone number where the MSC should route the call. The call origin from the subscriber's wired terminal is achieved in an analog manner.

First, the local switch can handle an outbound call from the wired terminal as usual. Second, the local switch can send a message to the GLR as a result of an activator, and request the routing instructions. In this case, the GLR can make a decision based on the dialed telephone number and subscriber provisioning information loaded within the GLR to determine a destination number. Then the GLR responds to the local switch with the wire routing instructions that contain the telephone number where the local switch should route the call.

Claims (21)

1. A communication service system of a number for a subscriber, comprising: a local wired switch having a line that can be coupled to a wired terminal; a wireless switch that can be attached to a wireless terminal; a switched telephone network coupled between the wired switch and the wireless switch to thereby define a combined switching configuration to direct and complete a call to and from the terminals after receiving the routing instructions; a database management system coupled to the data signaling network, and accessible to the wired switch and the wireless switch, the database management system having a telephone number assigned for use by the subscriber, a plurality of wired routing instructions assigned to the telephone number to allow access to the wired terminal, through the wired switch, and a plurality of wireless routing instructions assigned to the telephone number to allow access to the wireless terminal, through the wired configuration. combined switching; and a data signaling network coupled to the switch-wireless, to the wireless switch, and to the switched telephone network to send instructions and routing requests thereto, to control the switching operations' when the call is made to the telephone number.

2. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a wire terminal for the subscriber.

3. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a wire terminal for the subscriber, and wherein the wire terminal is selected from the group consisting of a wireline telephone and a telephone line. answering machine.

4. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a wireless terminal for the subscriber.

5. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a wireless terminal for the subscriber, and wherein the wired terminal is selected from the group consisting of a wired cellular telephone and a locator.

6. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wire routing instructions of the database management system include a wire terminal identification number to allow access to a wire terminal through of the wired switch. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wireless routing instructions include: a wireless terminal identification number to allow access to a wireless terminal through the wireless switch; and a routing number to allow access to a wireless terminal through the combined switching configuration. 8. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the database administration system includes a call priority scheme assigned to the telephone number, for the purpose of designating which textual call when a request is made for a call termination to the telephone number. 9. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1: wherein the database administration system includes a call priority scheme assigned to the telephone number, in order to designate which terminal call when a request is made for a call termination to the telephone number; and where the call priority scheme is selected from the group consisting of call termination to the wired terminal only, termination of the call to the wireless terminal only, termination of the call to the wired terminal first, and if unsuccessful, to the wireless terminal afterwards, termination of the call to the wireless terminal first, and if unsuccessful , to the wire terminal later, and termination of the call to both the wireless terminal and the wire terminal. 10. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1: wherein the database administration system includes a call priority scheme assigned to the telephone number, in order to designate which terminal call when a request is made for a call termination to the telephone number; and where the call priority scheme is set to allow the termination of the call to at least one of the terminals at a designated time of day and day of the week. 11. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1: wherein the database administration system includes a call priority scheme assigned to the telephone number, in order to designate which terminal call when a request is made for a call termination to the telephone number; and also includes an element to update the call priority scheme, based on the subscriber's address. 12. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the database administration system includes: an element for assigning the telephone number for use by the subscriber; an element for assigning the wire routing instructions and the wireless routing instructions to the telephone number in order to directly associate the terminals; an element for assigning a call priority scheme to the telephone number to designate which terminal to call when a request for call termination is made to the telephone number; and an element for storing the telephone number, the routing instructions, and the call priority scheme therein, by means of the same, defining a modifiable global location register. 13. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wired switch includes an element for assigning a wired terminal identification number to the line thereof for, thereby, obtaining a plurality of wire routing instructions to allow access to the wired terminal. 14. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wireless switch includes an element for registering a wireless terminal identification number therewith so as to obtain a plurality Wireless routing instructions to allow access to the wireless terminal, through the combined switching configuration. 15. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wired switch includes: an element for receiving an incoming call requesting termination of the call to the telephone number; an element to request the routing instructions from the database administration system, to complete the call to the telephone number; and an element to complete the call to the wire terminal, using the wire routing instructions. 16. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the database management system includes: an element for sending the wire routing instructions to the wired switch; an element for requesting a routing number of the wireless switch, to complete the call through the combined switching configuration; an element for storing the routing number as part of the wire routing instructions; and an element for sending the wireless routing instructions to the wired switch. 1

7. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the wireless switch includes: an element to receive a request by a routing number of the global location register, to complete the call through of the combined switching configuration; and an element to send the routing number to the global location register. 1

8. The communication service system of a number, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the combined switching configuration includes an element for completing the call to the wireless terminal, using the wireless routing instructions. 1

9. A method for operating a communications service of a number for a subscriber, in a wireless and wired combination communication system, the steps of the method comprising: assigning a telephone number for use by the subscriber; assigning a wire terminal identification number to a line of a wired switch and, thereby, obtaining a plurality of wire routing instructions to allow access to a wire terminal through the wired switch; registering a wireless terminal identification number of a wireless terminal, with a wireless switch and, thereby, obtaining a plurality of wireless routing instructions to allow access to "a wireless terminal through the wired switch and the wireless switch; assign the wire routing instructions and the wireless routing instructions to the telephone number to directly associate the terminals, assign a call priority scheme to the telephone number to designate which terminal to call when a request is made to complete the call call to the telephone number - store the telephone number, routing instructions, and the call priority scheme in a database management system to thereby define a modifiable global location record, receive an incoming call to the switched r wire, requesting termination of the call to the telephone number; in response to the incoming call on the wired switch, request routing instructions from the global location register to complete the call to the telephone number; in response to the request for the routing instructions, and if the call priority scheme designates the termination of the call to the wired terminal, send the wire routing instructions from the global location register to the wired switch; - in response to the request for the routing instructions, and if the call priority scheme designates the termination of the call to the wireless terminal, request a routing number from the wireless switch to complete the call through the switching configuration combined, in response to the request for the routing number, send the routing number of the wireless switch to the global location register, and after receiving the routing number in the global location register, store the routing number in the register of global location, as part of the wire routing instructions, and then send the wireless routing instructions of the global location register to the wired switch; and after receiving the routing instructions on the wired switch, complete the call to the wired terminal, through the wired switch, using the wire routing instructions, and complete the call to the wireless terminal through the combined switching configuration , using the wireless routing instructions. 20. A method for operating a communications service of a number for a subscriber, in a wireless and wired combination communication system, the steps of the method comprising: providing a wire terminal for the subscriber; provide a wireless terminal for the subscriber, having a wireless terminal identification number assigned thereto; provide a local wired switch having a line coupled to the wired terminal; provide a wireless switch; providing a switched telephone network coupled between the wired switch and the wireless switch, by thereby defining a combined switching configuration to direct and complete a call to, and from the terminals, after receiving the routing instructions; provide a data signaling network coupled to the wired switch, the wireless switch, and the combined telephone network, to control the switching operations when the call is made; providing a database management system coupled to the data signaling network, and accessible to the wired switch and the wireless switch; assign a phone number for the subscriber to use; assigning a wired terminal identification number to a line of the wired switch and, thereby, obtaining a plurality of wired routing instructions to allow access to a wired terminal through the wired switch; registering a wireless terminal identification number of the wireless terminal, with a wireless switch and, thereby, obtaining a plurality of wireless routing instructions to allow access to the wireless terminal through the combined switching configuration; assign the wire routing instructions and the wireless routing instructions to the telephone number in order to directly associate the terminals; assign a call priority scheme to the telephone number to designate which terminal to call when a request is made to complete the call to the telephone number; storing the telephone number, the routing instructions, and the call priority scheme in a database administration system to, by means of the same, define a modifiable global location record; receive an entxant call to the wired switch, requesting the termination of the call to the telephone number; in response to the incoming call on the wired switch, request routing instructions from the global location register, through the data signaling network, to complete the call to the telephone number; in response to the request for the routing instructions, and if the call priority scheme designates the termination of the call to the wire terminal, send the wire routing instructions of the global location register, through the signaling network of data, to the wired switch; in response to the request for the routing instructions, and if the call priority scheme designates the termination of the call to the wireless terminal, request a routing number from the wireless switch, through the data signaling network, to complete the call through the combined switching configuration, in response to the request by the routing number, send the routing number of the wireless switch, through the data signaling network, to the global location register, and then to receive the routing number in the global location register, store the routing number in the global location register, as part of the wire routing instructions, and then send the wireless routing instructions of the global location register, through from the data signaling network to the wired switch or; and after receiving the routing instructions on the wired switch, complete the call to the wired terminal, through the wired switch, using the wire routing instructions, and complete the call to the wireless terminal through the combined switching configuration , using the wireless routing instructions. 21. The method for operating a communications service of a number, as set forth in claim 12: which also provides an element to record the incoming calls for the subscriber to reproduce later to, by means of the same, define a mailbox terminal voice; and complete the call to the voicemail terminal, using the wire routing instructions.