MXPA01006299A - System and method for connecting calls with a time division multiplex matrix - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (102) and method for connecting a call includes a signaling processor (104) adapted to receive and process call signaling to select connections (318, 320, 322) for a call. The signaling processor transmits control messages designating the selected connections. A controllable time division multiplex matrix (202) receives control messages from the signaling processor (104) and, in response to the control messages, makes connections for the call. The system (102) and method may include an interworking unit (302, 304, 306, 308) that receives control messages from the signaling processor (104) and, in response to the control messages, interworks the calls to selected connections (326, 328, 330). The system (102) and method may include an asynchronous transfer mode matrix (310) that receives control messages from the signaling processor and, in response to the control messages, connects the calls to selected connections (334).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING CALLS WITH A MÜLTIPLEXION MATRIX BY TIME DIVISION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with the field of telecommunication call switching and call connection BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Broadband systems provide telecommunication providers with many benefits, including greater bandwidth, more efficient use of bandwidth, and the ability to integrate voice, data and video communications. These broadband systems provide callers with increased capabilities at lower costs. Broadband systems may include both time division multiplexing (TDM) devices and asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) devices. Multiple TDM devices can be used in a network to make connections to other networks or other devices in the network. Frequently, these TDM devices have a single trunk connection or circuit for user communications to the other communication devices. However, if the connection or trunk circuit is damaged, in such a way that the calls on the connection or trunk circuit REF: 129656 are interrupted or cut off, or if the bandwidth of the connection or trunk circuit becomes completely used in such a way that the calls can not be connected over the connection or trunk, then calls must be redirected through from another TDM device. Unfortunately, calls should typically be redirected to the source of the call through other connections. Thus, a system and method are needed to provide connections through the TDM systems in a more efficient manner. The present invention meets this need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a system for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a time division multiplex matrix, controllable, which is able to receive the user's communications on a first connection, to receive a control message designating a second connection, and in response to the control message, to connect the user's communications to the second connection. In addition, the present invention is concerned with a system for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a signaling processor that is capable of receiving call signaling, to process call signaling to select a connection for user communications, and to transmit a control message designating the selected connection. The system also has a controllable, time-division multiplexing matrix which is capable of receiving the user's communications, to receive the control message designating the selected connection and, in response to the control message, to connect the communications from the user to the selected connection. Further, the invention is concerned with a system for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a signaling processor that is capable of receiving call signaling, to process call signaling to select connections for user communications, and to transmit control messages designating the selected connections. A controllable time-division multiplexing matrix is able to receive the communications from the user, to receive from the signaling processor a first control message designating a first selected connection, and in response to the first control message, to connect User communications for the first selected connection. An interlacing unit is able to receive the user's communications on the first selected connection, to receive from the signaling processor a second control message designating a second selected connection and in response to the second control message for interleaving user communications to the second selected connection. A controllable asynchronous transfer mode array is able to receive the user's communications on the second connection, to receive from the signaling processor a third control message designating a selected third connection and, in response to the third control message , to connect the user's communications to the third selected connection. In addition, the present invention is concerned with a system for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a signaling processor that is able to receive call signaling, to process call signaling to select a connection for user communications and to transmit a control message designating the selected connection. The system also has a time division multiplex matrix, controllable, which is able to receive the communications from the user, to receive from the signaling processor the control message designating a selected connection and in response to the control message, for connect the user's communications to the selected connection. The system also has an interleaving unit that is able to receive the user's communications on the first selected connection and to interlace the user's communications to a second connection. Also, the present invention is concerned with a system for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a signaling processor that is able to receive call signaling, to process call signaling to select a connection for user communications and to transmit a control message designating the selected connection. A controllable time division multiplexing matrix has a plurality of incoming connections on which to receive the user's communications and a plurality of outgoing communications on which to connect the user's communications from the incoming connections. The division matrix, controllable, is able to receive the user's communications on a particular of the incoming connections, to receive the control message designating the selected connection and in response to the control message, to connect the user's communications to the Selected connection. The selected connection is a particular one of the outgoing connections. Still further, the present invention is concerned with a method for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The call signaling is processed to select a connection for the call. The method comprises receiving the user's communications over a time division multiplex connection to a time division multiplexing matrix and receiving a control message in the time division multiplexing matrix. In response to the control message, the user's communications are connected to the selected connection. The selected connection comprises another time division multiplex connection. The time division multiplex matrix is on a separate platform of a device that processes the call signaling to select the connection. Also, the present invention is concerned with a method for connecting a call having user communications and call signaling. The method comprises processing the call signaling to select a connection for the call. A control message that designates the connection is transmitted. The user's communications are received in a time division multiplex matrix, and the control message is received in the multiplex matrix by time division. In response to the control message, the user communications connected to the selected connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram of a call connection system having an interleaving system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a call connection system having a time division multiplex matrix, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a call connection system having a time division multiplex matrix and an asynchronous transfer mode matrix according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a functional diagram of a controllable asynchronous transfer mode array according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a functional diagram of a controllable, asynchronous transfer mode array with time division multiplexing capability, according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer mode interleaving unit for use with a synchronous optical network system in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 7 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer mode interleaving unit, for use with a synchronous digital hierarchical system according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a block diagram of a signaling processor constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a block diagram of a data structure having tables that are used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a block diagram of additional tables that are used in the signaling processor of the Figure 8. Figure 11 is a block diagram of additional tables that are used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 12 is a block diagram of additional tables that are used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. .

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a time division multiplexing trunk circuit board used in the signaling processor of the figure Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a trunk circuit table asynchronous transfer mode used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 15A is a schematic diagram of a trunk group table used in the signaling processor Figure 8. Figure 15B is a schematic continuation diagram of the trunk group table of Figure 15A. Figure 15C is a schematic continuation diagram of the trunk group table of Figure 15B. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of a bearer table used in the signaling processor of Fig. 8. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of an exception table used in the signaling processor of Fig. 8. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of a source line information table used in signaling processor of figure 8.

Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of an automated number identification table used in the signaling processor of Fig. 8. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of a called number filtering table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a called number table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a table of days of the year used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a table of days of the week, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of a table of time of day used in the processor of signaling of Figure 8. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a time zone table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of a routing table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8.

Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of a service class table of the trunk group, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. The. Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of a treatment table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of an outbound release table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of a percent control board used in the signaling processor of FIG. 8. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a call proportion table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 8. Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of a database services table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 33A is a schematic diagram of a signaling connection control part table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 33B is a schematic continuation diagram of the signaling connection control part table of Figure 33A.

Figure 33C is a schematic continuation diagram of the signaling connection control part table of Figure 33B. Figure 33D is a schematic continuation diagram of the signaling connection control part table of Figure 33C. Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of an intermediate signaling network identification table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of a transaction capability application part table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of an external echo canceller table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 37 is a schematic diagram of an interleaving unit, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 38 is a schematic diagram of a controllable, asynchronous transfer mode matrix interface table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 39 is a schematic diagram from . a controllable, asynchronous transfer mode matrix table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 8. FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram of a site exchange table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 8. Fig. 40B is a schematic continuation diagram of the center table of the site of Fig. 40A. Figure 40C is a schematic continuation diagram of the center table of the site of Figure 40B. Figure 0D is a schematic continuation diagram of the center table of the site of Figure 40C. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an advanced intelligent network event parameter table used in the signaling processor of Figure 8. Figure 4IB is a schematic continuation diagram of the advanced intelligent network event parameter table of Figure 41A. Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of a message mapping table, used in the signaling processor of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Telecommunications systems have a number of communication devices in environments of urban and interurban power plants, which interact to provide call services to customers. Both services and resources of intelligent network (IN) and traditional, are used to process, channel or connect a call to a designated connection. A call has user communications and call signaling. The user's communications contain caller information, such as a voice communication or data communication, and are transported over a connection. The call signaling contains information that facilitates the processing of the call, and is communicated over a link. Call signaling, for example, contains information that describes the called number and the number of the caller. Examples of call signaling are standardized signaling, such as signaling system # 7 (SS7), C7, integrated services digital network (ISDN) and digital private network signaling system (DPNSS), which are based on the recommendation of ITU Q.931. A call can be connected to, and from, the communication devices. The connections are used to transport the user's communications and other device information between the communication devices and between the elements and devices of the system. The term "connection" as used herein means the transmission medium used to carry the user connections between the elements of the various networks and telecommunications systems. For example, a connection could carry a user's voice, computer data or other data from the communication device. A connection can be associated with either Q-band communications or out-of-band communications. The links are used to carry the call signaling and the control messages. The term "link" as used herein, means a transmission medium used to carry call signaling and control messages. For example, a link would carry the call signaling or a device control message, which contains instructions and device data. A link may carry, for example, out-of-band signaling, such as that used in SS7, C7, ISDN, DPNSS, B-ISDN, GR-303, or it could be via the local area network (LAN) or the call signaling by bus or data bus. For example, a link may be an adaptation layer 5 data link (AAL5) asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), user datagram protocol / internet protocol (UDP / IP), ethernet, digital signal zero level (DSO) or digital signal level 1 (DSl).

In addition, a link, as shown in the figures, can represent a single physical link or multiple links, such as a link or a combination of ISDN links, SS7, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP) or some other data link. The term "control message" as used herein, means a control or signaling message, a control or signaling instruction, or a control or signaling signal, whether patented or normalized, conveying the information from one point to another. The present invention connects calls through the use of a controllable TDM matrix. The TDM matrix provides selectivity in the channeling of calls through rede_s. Because the TDM matrix can connect to multiple communication devices, communication devices do not have to be interconnected in any other way. In addition, because the TDM matrix is a controllable matrix, connections can be made on a call-by-call basis, through a system, thus eliminating or reducing the need for fixed connections from specific communications devices to through the TDM matrix to other specific communication devices. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The call connection system 102 of Figure 1 comprises a signaling processor 104 and an interleaving system 106 linked by a link 108. A first communication device 110 and a second communication device 112 are connected to the interleaving system 106. through connections 114 and 116 and linked through links' 118 and 120, respectively. Signaling processor 104 is a signaling platform that can receive, process and generate call signaling. Based on the processed call signaling, the signaling processor 104 selects the processing options, services or resources for the user's communications and generates and transmits the control messages identifying the communication device, the processing option, the service or resource that is going to be used. Signaling processor 104 also selects virtual connections and circuit-based connections for call routing and generates and transports control messages identifying the selected connections. The signaling processor 104 can process various signaling forms, including ISDN, GR-303, B-ISDN, SS7 and C7. The interleaving system 106 makes the connections for the calls. The interleaving system 106 may interlace the user's communications to the connections or switch the user's communications between the connections. Preferably, the entanglement occurs between the time division multiplex connection (TDM) and the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) connections, and the switching occurs between the TDM connections and other TDM connections and between the connection connections. ATM and other ATM connections. The interleaving system 106 establishes connections for the user's communications in response to the control message of the signaling processor 104. The communication devices 110 and 112 comprise customer facility equipment (CPE), a service platform, a switch, a remote digital termination, a cross connection, an interleaving unit, an ATM gate, or any other device capable of start, handle or end a call. For example, the CPE can be a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine or a central - private. A service platform can be, for example, any enhanced computer platform that is capable of processing the calls. A switch can be, for example, a TEM switch or an AIM switch. A remote digital terminal is a device that concentrates analog braided pairs from phones and other similar devices and converts analog signals to a digital format known as GR-303. An ATM gateway is a device that changes the virtual path / virtual channel (VP / VC) identifiers of ATM cell headers. The communication devices 110 and 112 can be based on TDM or based on ATM. The system of Figure 1 operates as follows. The first communication device 110 transmits the call signals to the signaling processor 104 and carries the user's communications to the interleaving system 106. The signaling processor 104 receives the call signaling on the link 118 and processes the user's communications to determine a connection for the call. The signal processor 104 determines that the user's communications are going to be connected over the connection llß. The signaling processor 104 transmits a control message to the interleaving system 106 which designates the selected connection 116. The signaling processor 104 also transmits the call signaling to the second communication device 112 identifying the connection 116 on which the communications will be connected. of the user. The interleaving system 106 receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 and the user communications from the first communication device 110 on the connection 114. The interleaving system 106 connects the user's communications from the connection 114 to the connection 116, in response to the control message. The second communication device 102 receives call signaling from the link 120 from the signaling processor 104. In addition, the second communication device 112 receives the user's communications over the connection 116 from the interleaving system 106. Figure 2 illustrates a exemplary embodiment of a call connection system 102A, in which the call connection system comprises a TDM matrix 202 and an interleaving unit 204. Optionally, the call connection system 102A can be configured with a device optional digital signal processing, such as an external echo control 206 on the incoming side of the TDM array 202 or an external echo control 208 between the TDM array 202 and the interworking unit 204. However, it will be appreciated that other digital signal processing devices may be presented instead of, or in addition to, the echo control, such as a converter, a compression device or encryption device. It will also be appreciated that echo control and other digital signal processing, such as encryption, compression and converter processing, can be incorporated into the TDM matrix 202 and / or the interleaving unit 204. The TDM matrix 202 and the interlacing unit 204 are linked to signaling processor 104 by links 210 and 212 respectively. The echo controls 206 and 208, - optional, will have a link 214 and 216 if added to the configuration. A connection 218 connects the communication device 110 to the TDM matrix 202. An additional connection 220 extends from the TDM matrix 202. If the optional echo control 206 is present in the system, the connection 220 extends from the matrix from TDM 202 to echo control, and from echo control. Also, an additional connection 222 extends from the interleaving unit 204. In addition, two connections 224 and 226 connect the TDM matrix 202 and the interleaving unit 204. If the optional echo control 208 is present in the system, the connection 226 extends from the TDM array 202 to the echo control, and from the echo control to the interleaving unit 204. The TDM array 202 is a controllable TDM array that establishes connections in response to the control messages received from the call processor 104. The TDM matrix 202 can switch calls from the TDM connections to other TDM connections, typically, the TDM connections are assignments between a DSO and another DSO. The TDM matrix 202 establishes the connections on a call basis per call in real time. The TDM matrix 202 can transmit and receive call signaling and user communications over the connections. The TDM matrix 202 may be external to the signaling process 104 or another call processing module, so that it is on a separate platform. The TDM matrix 202 can be configured to provide digital signal processing, such as converter processing, echo control, compression and encryption. The TDM matrix 202 can be configured with several types of interfaces, for example, the TDM matrix 202 can have one or more of a digital signal level 1 (DSl), DS3, optical carrier level three (OC-3) , OC-12, OC-48, synchronous transfer signal 1 (STS-1), STS-3, or other interfaces of DS level, OC level or STS levels. In addition, the TDM 202 matrix can be configured with European level connections or Japanese level connections, such as European level 1 (El), E3, synchronous transport module one (STM-1), STM-3 or other connections E level or STM level. In some configurations, the TDM matrix 202 can be configured with internet protocol (IP) interfaces for IP interleaving and IP switching.

The interleaving unit 204 interleaves the traffic between several protocols. Preferably, the interleaving unit 204 intertwines between the ATM traffic and the non-ATM traffic, such as the TDM traffic. The interleaving unit 204 operates in accordance with the control messages received from the signaling processor 104. In its control messages typically they are provided on a call-by-call basis and typically identify an assignment between a DSO and a VP / VC for which the user's communications are intertwined. In some cases, the interleaving unit 204 can carry control messages that can include data to the signaling processor 104. The interleaving unit 204 can be configured to provide digital signal processing, such as converter processing, echo control, compression and encryption. The interlacing unit 204 can be configured so that the configurations extending to and from the interlacing unit are wired and switching in the interlacing unit is not required. In such a configuration, the connections are provided in such a way that a call in a particular TDM connection is interleaved to a particular ATM connection, without requiring a control message from the signaling processor 104 designating the particular connections.

This type of configuration preserves the processing between the interlacing unit. In this type of configuration, a control link can be provided to the interleaving unit 204 from the signaling processor 104 for echo control and digital signal processing. The echo controls 206 and 208 control the echo for echo cancellation and echo addition. The echo controls 206 and 208 are operated on a call-by-call basis in response to the control messages from the signaling processor 104. Although the echo controls 206 and 208 can be configured to operate on each call, it is received without the need for control from signaling processor 104. In addition, other types of digital signal processors may exist in place of echo controls 206 and 208, such as compression devices, encryption devices and signal converters. The system of Figure 2 operates as follows. In a first example, the first communication device 110 transmits the call signaling and transports the user's communications. The call signaling is received by the signaling processor 104. The signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202, to the interleaving unit 204 through the connection 224, and to the connection 222. The signaling processor 104 transmits the control messages to the TDM matrix 202 identifying the connection 218 and the connection 224, and the interleaving unit 204 identifying the connection 224 and the connection 222. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user's communications over the connection 218 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 on the link 210. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the user communications from the connection 218 to the connection 224. The interleaving unit 204 receives the user's communications on the connection 224 and receives the control message from signaling processor 104 over link 212. In this example, the control message specifies VP / VC selected at connection 222. In response to the control message, interleaving unit 204 interleaves user communications to the selected VP / VC on connection 222. In another example, the call connection system 102A is configured with an optional digital signal processing device, such as echo control 206, located on the incoming side of the TDM matrix 202. However, it will be appreciated - that other digital signal processors, such as converters , encryption devices and compression devices may exist in place of, or in addition to, echo control 206. Call signaling is received by signaling processor 104 on a link. Signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected from a connection 220, through the echo control 206 and the TDM matrix 202 to the interleaving unit 204 through the connection 226 and the connection 222. The processor The signaling means 104 transmits the control messages to the TDM matrix 202 identifying the connection 220 and the connection 226, to the interleaving unit 204 identifying the connection 226 and the connection 222, and to the echo control 206 specifying the appropriate control for the echo. In this example, the echo will be canceled. The control of e.co 206 receives the user's communications on the connection 220 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 on the link 214. In response to the control message, the echo control 206 cancels the echo for the user communications. The TDM matrix 202 receives the communications from the user, from the echo control 206 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 over the link 210. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the communications of the user to the connection 4. 226. The interleaving unit 204 receives the user's communications on the connection 226 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 on the link 212. In this example, the control message specifies a VP / VC selected at connection 222. In response to the control message, interleaving unit 204 interleaves user communications from connection 226 to selected VP / VC at connection 222. Still with reference to FIG. 2, in yet another example, the call connection system 102A is configured with an optional digital signal processing device, such as echo control 208, located between the m TDM atrium 202 and interleaving unit 204. However, it will be appreciated that other digital signal processors, such as converters, encryption devices and compression devices, may exist in place of, or in addition to, echo control 208. The call signaling is received by signaling processor 104 over a link. Signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. Signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected from 'a connection 220, through matrix 202 to connection 224, through echo control 208 and interleaving unit 204, and to connection 222. Signaling processor 104 transmits control messages to the TDM matrix 202 identifying connection 220 and connection 224, to interleaving unit 204 identifying connection 224 and connection 222, and to echo control 208 specifying the appropriate control for the echo In this example, the echo will be canceled. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user's communications over the connection 220 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 over the link 210. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the user's communications to the connection 224. The echo control 208 receives the user's communications on the connection 224, and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 on the link 216. In response to the control message, - the echo control 208 cancels the echo for the user's communications. The interleaving unit 204 receives the user communications from the echo control 208 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104 over the link 212. In this example, the control message specifies a selected VP / VC in the connection 222. In response to the control message, the interleaving unit 224 interleaves the user's communications from the connection 224 to the selected VP / VC in the connection 222.. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a call connection system 1O2B e. which the TDM matrix 202 is connected to multiple components. In addition to the signaling processor 104 and the TDM matrix 202, the call connection system 102B comprises a first interleaving unit 302, a second interleaving unit 304, a third interleaving unit 306, a communication device 308 and a matrix ATM 310. The call connection system 102B can be configured with external digital signal processing devices, such as echo controllers, encryption devices, compression device or converters, as in the system of Figure 2. It will be appreciated that the TDM matrix 310 can be connected to a communication device (not shown) as in Figure 1. The communication device can be an ATM communication device. Three connections 312, 314 and 316 extend from the TDM matrix 202. The connections 318, 320 and 322 connect the TDM matrix 202 to the first, second and third interleaving units 302, 304 and 306. A connection 324 connects the TDM matrix 202 to the communication device 308. The connections 326, 328 and 330 connect the first, second and third interleaving units 302, 304 and 306 to the ATM matrix 310. The connections 332 and 334 extend from the communication 308 and ATM matrix 310, respectively. The links 336 and 338 extend from the signaling processor 104. The signaling processor 104 in the TDM matrix 202 are the same as described above. Also, the first and second interlacing units 302 and 304 are the same as the interlacing units described above. The third interleaving unit 306 interleaves the traffic between several protocols. Preferably, the third interleaving unit 306 interleaves between ATM traffic and non-ATM traffic, such as TDM traffic. The connections extending to and from the third interleaving unit 306 are provided in such a way that a call on a particular TDM connection is interleaved to a particular ATM connection if a control message is required from the signaling processor 104 designating the particular connections. The communication device 308 comprises customer facility equipment (CPE), a service platform, a switch, a cross connection, an interleaving unit, or any other device capable of initiating, handling or terminating a call. In other embodiments, the communication device 308 may have a link to the signaling processor 104, over which the communication device may receive or transmit control messages or call signaling. The ATM matrix 310 is a controllable ATM matrix that establishes connections in response to the control messages received from the signaling processor 104. The ATM matrix 310 is capable of interleaving between the ATM connections and the TDM connections. ATM matrix 310 cross-connects ATM connections with other ATM connections. The ATM matrix 310 transmits and receives the call signaling and user communications over the connections. It will be appreciated that the TDM matrix 202 provides connection switching from TDM to TDM. This allows the interlacing units 302, 304 and 306 focus on the entanglement of TDM to ATM, thus conserving resources by not providing TDM-to-TDM switching. In addition, the ATM matrix 310 is operative to handle ATM connections and non-TDM connections, thus making the ATM matrix less expensive to build, more efficient to operate and preserve the resources of the ATM matrix because the TDM matrix 202 handles TDM traffic. Because the TDM matrix 202 provides only connection switching from TDM to TDM, the TDM matrix in the same way is more efficient and less expensive to build and operate since its resources are dedicated to TDM switching. 'For example, if the TDM matrix 202 was not present in the call connection system 102B, a communication device, such as an urban center bearer switch (LEC), could be connected to an interleaving unit 302 to through a connection 318 and through the interleaving unit to the ATM matrix 310 through a connection 326. If the connection 326 to the ATM 310 matrix would become congested, the switch would not be able to complete the call to through connections 318 and 326. In another example, to reduce the possibility of the above situation, two interleaving units may be used. A connection can be made from the switch of the first interlacing unit. A second connection can be configured from the first interlacing unit to the second interlacing unit. The outgoing connections can be configured from each of the interlacing units. If the outgoing connection of the first interleaving unit becomes congested, then the call can be connected from the first interleaving unit to the second interleaving unit and from the outgoing connection in the second interleaving unit. However, this configuration is also not the most efficient use of resources. In addition, if compression is to be used on the call, resources are more efficiently used if incoming connections are dedicated to outgoing connections. Thus, where two incoming connections are used in an interleaving unit for an outgoing connection in the interleaving unit, the resources for interleaving unit are not used efficiently to the maximum. This is the case with the above configuration, where the second inbound connection is configured to connect from the first interleaving unit to the second interleaving unit. In another example, if the TDM matrix is not present, the switch is connected to two interleaving units. A first incoming connection 318 is configured from the switch through the first interleaving unit 202 with a first outgoing connection 326. A second incoming connection 320 is configured from the same switch through the second interleaving unit 304 with a second connection Outgoing 328. With this configuration, if the first outgoing connection 326 becomes congested, the call could be routed over the second incoming connection 320 through the second interworking unit 304 and through the second outgoing connection. However, if the second outgoing connection 328 becomes congested, the call can not be completed. Furthermore, it is not realistic for a switch to have multiple different connections, such as different OC tubes to multiple interleaving units. This configuration is not the most efficient use of resources to transmit calls from TDM connections to TDM connections. The call connection system 102B with the TDM matrix 202 more efficiently uses the system resources. The connections can be configured through the TDM matrix 202 on a call-by-call basis in real time. With this configuration, a communication device, such as a LEC switch, you need only a connection to the 102B call connection system without having to consider congested connections within the call connection system. However, to take precautions against a congested connection between the switch and the 102B call connection system, other connections may be necessary. The call connection system 102B of Figure 3 operates as follows. In a first example, the call signaling is received by the signaling processor 104. The signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202 to the first interleaving unit 302 through the connections 318, to the ATM matrix 310 through the connection 326, and to the connection 334. The signaling processor 104 transmits the control messages to the TDM matrix 202 identifying the incoming connection 314 and the outgoing connection 318, the first interworking unit 302 identifying the incoming connection 318 and the outgoing connection 326, and the ATM matrix 310 identifying the incoming connection 326 and the outgoing connection 334. In this example, the digital signal processing device, such as the echo control, resides in the TDM matrix 202. Thus, the signaling processor 104 transmits a control message to the TDM matrix 202 specifying the required digital signal processing. In this example, the signaling processor 104 specifies that echo control is to be applied to the user's specifications. However, it will be appreciated that other digital signal processing may be specified, such as compression or encryption. Also, it will be appreciated that signaling processor 104 may specify digital signal processing in the same control message as the identification of connections 314 and 318 in a separate control message. In this example, an individual control message specifies both connections 314 and 318 and echo control. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user communications over the connection 314 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 applies echo control to the user's communications and connects the user's communications from the connection 314 to the connection 318. The first interworking unit 302 receives the user's communications on the connection 318 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In this example, the control message specifies a selected VP / VC on connection 326. In response to the control message, the first interleaving unit 202 interleaves the user's communications to the selected VP / VC on connection 326. The ATM 310 matrix receives user communications on the connection 326 and the control message from the signaling processor 104. In this example, the control message specifies a select VP / VC on the connection 334. In response to the control message, the ATM matrix 310 connects the user's communications from the VP / VC on the connection 326 to the selected VP / VC on the connection 334. Still with reference to figure 3, in another example, the call signaling is received by the signaling processor 104. The signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202 to the second interleaving unit 304 via the connection 320, to the ATM matrix 310 through the connection 328 and to the connection 334. The signaling processor 104 transmits control messages to the TDM matrix 202 identifying the incoming connection 312 and the outgoing connection 320, to the second interworking unit 304 identifying the incoming connection 320 and the outgoing connection 328, and to the ATM array 310 identifying the incoming connection 328 and the outgoing connection 334. In this example, the digital signal processing device, such as the echo control, receives in the second interworking unit 304. Thus, the Signaling processor 104 transmits a control message to the second interleaving unit of 304 specifying the required digital signal processing. In this example, signaling processor 104 specifies that echo and compression control is to be applied to user communications. However, it will be appreciated that other digital signal processing may be specified, such as encryption. Also, it will be appreciated that signaling processor 104 may specify digital signal processing in the same control message as the identification of connections 312 and 320 or in a separate control message. In this example, an individual control message specifies both connections 312 and 320 and digital signal processing. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user's communications on the connection 312 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the user's communications from the connection 312 to the connection 320. The second interleaving unit 304 receives the user's communications on the connection 320 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In this example, the control message specifies a selected VP / VC on the connection 328. In response to the control message, the second interleaving unit 304 applies echo and compression control to the other user communications and interleaves the user's communications to the selected VP / VC on the connection 328.

The ATM matrix 310 receives the user's communications on the connection 328 and the control message from the signaling processor 104. In this example, the control message specifies a selected VP / VC on the connection 334. In response to the message of control, the ATM matrix 310 connects the user's communications from the VP / VC on the connection 328 to the selected VP / VC on the connection 334. Still with reference to figure 3, in another example, the call signaling is received by signaling processor 104. Signaling processor 104 processes call signaling to determine connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202 to the second interleaving unit 304 through the connection 320, to the ATM matrix 310 via the connection 328, and to the connection 334. Signaling processor 104 transmits control messages to TDM matrix 202 identifying incoming connection 312 and outgoing connection 320 and ATM matrix 310 identifying incoming connection 328 and outgoing connection 334. In this example, the second interleaving unit 304 makes no connections in response to a control message from the signaling processor 104. In contrast, the second interleaving unit 304 is configured to connect an incoming connection to a preselected outgoing connection, without the need for a control message from the signaling processor 104 specifying the connections. Also, in this example, the digital signal processing device, such as the echo control, resides in the second interleaving unit 304. The second interleaving unit 304 can be configured to apply digital signal processing to all calls in a base specified by signaling processor 104. In this example, second interleaving unit 304 is configured to apply digital signal processing to those calls designated by a control message from signaling processor 104. Thus, the processor signaling means 104 transmits the control message on the link to the second interleaving unit 304 specifying the required digital signal processing. In this example, the signaling processor 104 specifies that the encryption is to be applied to the user's communications. However, it will be appreciated that other digital signal processing may be specified, such as echo and compression control. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user communications on the connection 312 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. After the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the user communications from the connection 312 to the connection 320. The second interleaving unit 304 receives the user's communications on the connection 320 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. The second interleaving unit 304 applies encryption to the user's communications and interleaves the communications of the user to the preselected VP / VC on the connection 328. The ATM array 310 receives the user's communications on the connection 328 and the control message from the signaling processor 104. In this example, the control message specifies a VP / VC selected in connection 334. In response to the control message, the ATM 310 matrix connects the user's communications from the VP / VC at connection 328 to VP / VC selected at connection 334. In still another example, call signaling is received by signaling processor 104. Signaling processor 104 processes call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202 to the third interleaving unit 306 through the connection 322, to the ATM matrix 310 through the connection 330, and to the connection 334. The signaling processor 104 transmits control messages to the TDM matrix 202 identifying the incoming connection 316 and the outgoing connection 322 and to the ATM 310 matrix identifying the incoming connection 330 and the outgoing connection 334. In this example, the third interleaving unit 306 does not make connections in response to a control message from the signaling processor 104. In contrast, the third interleaving unit 306 is configured to connect an incoming connection to a preselected outgoing connection, without the need for a control message from the signaling processor 104 specifying the connections. Also, in this example, the third interleaving unit 306 can be configured with or without the digital signal processing positives. If the third interleaver 306 is configured with digital signal processing devices, the third interleaver unit can be configured to apply digital signal processing to all calls. In this example, a digital signal processing device, such as echo control, resides in the third interleaving unit 306, and the third interleaver unit 306 is configured to apply digital signal processing to all calls. In this example, the echo control will be applied to the user's communications. However, it will be appreciated that other digital signal processing can be used, such as encryption and compression. TDM matrix 202 receives user communications over the connection 316 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects user communications from the connection 316 to the connection 322. The third interleaving unit 306 receives the user communications on the connection 322. The third interleaving unit 306 applies echo control to the user's communications and interleaves the user's communications to the preselected VP / VC on the connection 330. The ATM matrix 310 receives the user communications over the connection 330 and the control message from the signaling processor 104. In this example, the control message specifies a selected VP- / VC in the connection 334. In response to the message of control, the ATM matrix 310 connects the user's communications from the VP / VC at connection 330 to the selected VP / VC at connection 334 Again with reference to Figure 3, in another example, the call signaling is received by signaling processor 104. Signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202 from connection 312 to connection 314. The signaling processor 104 transmits a control message to the TDM matrix 202 identifying the incoming connection 312 and the outgoing connection 314. In this example, the TDM matrix 202 can be configured with or without digital signal processing. In this example, digital signal processing is not required for the call. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user's communications on the connection 312 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the user's communications from the connection 312 to the connection 314. In yet another example, the call signaling is received by the signaling processor 104. The signaling processor 104 processes the call signaling to determine the connections for the call. The signaling processor 104 determines that the call is to be connected through the TDM matrix 202 to the communication device 308 via the connection 324. The signaling processor 104 transmits a control message to the TDM matrix 202 identifying incoming connection 314 and outgoing connection 324. In this example, the TDM matrix 202 can be configured or without digital signal processing. In this example, digital signal processing will not be applied for user communications. The TDM matrix 202 receives the user's communications on the connection 314 and receives the control message from the signaling processor 104. In response to the control message, the TDM matrix 202 connects the user's communications from the connection 314 to the connection 324. The communication device 308 receives the user's communications on the connection 324. In this example, the communication device 308 is a switch. However, in other examples the communication device 308 may be another communication device, such as a service platform, another resource, or a CPE. It will be appreciated that calls can be connected in a direction opposite to the previous examples. Thus, for example, a call can be connected from the ATM matrix 310, through the first interleaving unit 302, through the TDM matrix 202, and to any of the connections 312, 314, 316 and 324. Similarly, for example, a call can be connected from the ATM matrix 310, through the second interleaving unit 304, through the TDM matrix 202, and to any of the connections 312, 314, 316 and 324. Further, for example, a call can be connected from the ATM matrix 310, through the third interleaving unit 306, through the TDM matrix 202 and to any of the connections 312, 314, 315 and 324. Do some other combinations.

THE CONTROLLABLE ATM MATRIX Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a controllable asynchronous transfer (ATM) matrix (CAM), but other CAMs that support the requirements of the invention are also applicable. The CAM 402 can receive and transmit user communications in ATM format or call signaling. The CAM 402 preferably has a control interface 404, a controllable ATM array 406, an optical-M carrier / signal carrier -M synchronous transport interface (OC-M / STS-M) 408 and an OC interface- X / STS-X 410. As used herein in conjunction with OC or STS, "M" refers to an integer and "X" refers to an integer. The control interface 404 receives control messages originating from the signaling processor 412, identifies the virtual connection assignments in the control messages and provides these assignments to the array 406 for implementation. Control messages can be received over an ATM virtual connection and through either the OC-M / STS-M 408 interface or the OC-X / STS-X 410 interface through the 406 matrix to the interphase control 404, through either the OC-M / STS-M interface or the OC-X / STS-X interface directly to the control interface from a link. Matrix 406 is a controllable ATM array that provides cross-connect functionality in response to control messages from signaling processor 412. Matrix 406 has access to virtual path / virtual channels (VP / VCs) on which they can connect calls. For example, a call can arrive on a VP / VC through the infer of OC-M / STS-M 408 and be connected through the matrix 406 on a VP / VC through the interface of OC-X / STS-X 410, in response to a control message received by the signaling processor-412 through the control interface 404. Alternatively, a call may be connected in the opposite direction, in addition, the call may be received on a VP / VC through the interface of OC-M / STS-M 408 or the interface of OC-X / STS-X 410 and to be connected through the matrix 406 to a different VP / VC in the same interphase of OC-M / STS-M or the same OC-X / STS-X interface. The OC-M / STS-M 408 interface is operational to receive ATM cells from the array 406 and to transmit the ATM cells over a connection to the communication device 414. The OC-M / STS-M 408 interface also can receive ATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the array 406. The OC-X / STS-X interface 410 is operational to receive ATM cells from the array 406 and to transmit the ATM cells over a connection to the communication device 416. The interface of OC-X / STS-X 410 can also receive ATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the matrix 406. The signaling of the call can be received through and transfer from the OC-M / STS-M 408 interface. Also, the call signaling can be received through and transferred from, the OC-X / STS-X interface 410. The call signaling can be connected in a connection or transmit to the control interface directly or via matrix 406. Signaling processor 412 is configured to send control messages to CAM 402 to implement particular characteristics in particular VP / VC circuits. Alternatively, search tables can be used to implement particular characteristics for particular VP / VCs. Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a CAM that has time division multiplexing (TDM) capability, but other CAMs that support the requirements of the invention are also applicable. The CAM 502 can receive and transmit signals signaled in band and out of band. The CAM 502 preferentially has a control interface 504, an OC-N / STS-N 506 interface, a digital signal level 3 (DS3) 508 interphase, a DSl 510 interface, a DSO 512 interface, an ATM adaptation layer (AAL) 514, a controllable ATM array 516, an OC-M / STS-M 518A interface, an OC-X interface / STS-X 518B, and an ISDN / GR-303 520 interface. As used herein in conjunction with OC or STS, "N" refers to an integer, "M" refers to an integer and " X "refers to a whole number. The control interface 504 receives control messages originating from the signaling processor 522, identifies the DSO virtual connection assignments in the control messages, and provides these assignments to the AAL 514 or the array 516 for implementation. The control messages can be received over an ATM virtual connection and through the interface of OC-M / STS-M 518A to the control interface 504, through the interface of OC-X / STS-X 518B and the matrix to the control interface, or directly through the control interface from a link. The OC-N / STS-N 506 interface, the DS3 interface 508, the DSl 510 interface, the DSO 512 interface and the ISDN / GR-303 520 interface, each can receive communications from the user from a 524 communication device. Similarly, the OC-M / STS interface M 518A and the interface OC-X / STS-X 518B can receive communications from the user from the communication devices 526 and 528. The interface of OC-M / STS-N 506 receives the user communications with OC-N format and the user's communications with STS-N format and convert the user's communications to the DS3 format. The DS3 508 interface receives user communications in DS3 format and converts user communications to the format of. DSl. The DS3 508 interface can receive DS3 from the OC-N / STS-N 506 interface or from an external connection. The DSl 510 interface receives the user's communications in the DSl format and converts the user's communications to the DSO format. The DSl 510 interface receives the DSls from the DS3 508 interface or from an external connection. The DSO 512 interface receives the user's communications in the DSO format and provides an interface to the AAL 514. The ISDN / GR-303 520 interface receives the user's communications either in the ISDN format or the GR format -303 and convert the user's communications to the DSO format. In addition, each interface can transmit user communications in a manner similar to the communication device 524. The OC-M / STS-M 518A interface is operational to receive ATM cells from the AAL 514 or from the matrix 516 and to transmit the ATM cells over a connection to the communication device 526. The OC-M / STS-M 518A interface can also receive ATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the AAL 514 or the 516 matrix. The interphase OC-X / STS-X 518B is operational to receive ATM cells from AAL 514 or matrix 516 and to transmit ATM cells over a connection to communication device 528. The OC-X / STS-X interface 518B can also receive ATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the AAL 514 or matrix 516. The call signaling can be received through, and transferred from, the OC-N / STS-N interface 506 and the interface of ISDN / GR-303 520. Also the signal Calling can be received through, and transferred from, the OC-M / STS-M 518A interface and the OC-X / STS-X 518B interface. The call signaling can be connected in a connection or transmitted to the control interface directly or via an interface as explained above. The AAL 514 comprises both a convergence sub-layer and a segmentation and reassembly sub-layer (SAR). The AAL 514 obtains the identity of the DSO and the VP / VC of ATM from the control interface 504. The AAL 514 is operational to convert between the DSO format and the ATM format. The AALs are known in the art and the information about the AALs is provided by the documents of the International Communications Union (ITU) in the series of 1,363, which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, ITU document 1.363.1 discusses AALl. An AAL for voice calls is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,806,553 entitled "Cell Processing for Voice Transmission," which is incorporated herein by reference. Calls with multiple DSOs of 64 kilobits per second (Kbps) are known as Nx64 calls. If desired, the AAL 514 can be configured to accept control messages through the control interface 504 for Nx64 calls. The CAM 502 is suitable for interleaving, multiplexing and demultiplexing for multiple DSOs. A technique for processing VP / VCs is described in the US patent application No. 08 / 653,852, which was filed on May 18, 1996 and was titled "Telecommunications System with a Connection Processing System", and which is incorporated herein by reference. The DSO connections are bi-directional and the ATM connections are typically uni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposite directions will typically be required for each DSO. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how this can be done in the context of the invention. For example, the cross connection can be provided with a second set of VP / VCs in the opposite direction, such as the original set VP / VCs. The array 516 is a controllable ATM array that provides cross-connect functionality in response to control messages from the signaling processor 522. The array 516 has access to the VP / VCs on which calls can be connected. For example, a call may arrive on a VP / VC through the interface of OC-M / STS-M 518A and be connected through matrix 516 on a VP / VC through the interface of OC-X / STS-X 518B in response to a control message received by the signaling processor 522 through the control interface 504. Alternatively, the matrix 516 can transmit a received call on a VP / VC through the OC-interface. M / STS-M 518A to AAL 514 in response to a control message received by signaling processor 522 through control interface 504. Communications can also occur in opposite directions through the various interfaces. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signal processing capabilities, for example at the DSO level. It may also be desirable to apply echo control to selected DSO circuits. In these modalities a signal processor can be included. The signaling processor 522 is configured to send control messages to the CAM 502 to implement particular characteristics in particular DSO or VP / VC circuits. Alternatively, search tables can be used to implement particular characteristics for particular circuits or VP / VC. It will be appreciated from the foregoing teachings for CAM and subsequent teachings for ATM interleaving units, that the CAMs described above can be adapted for modification to transmit and receive other formatted communications such as the synchronous transport module. (STM) and European-level communications (E). For example, interfaces OC / STS, DS3, DSl, DSO and ISDN / GR-303 can be replaced by electrical / optical (E / 0) STM interfaces, E3, El, EO and digital private network signaling system ( DPNSS), respectively.

THE ATM INTERLACEMENT UNIT Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an interleaving unit, which is an ATM interleaving unit 602 suitable for the present invention, for use with a SONET system. Other interlacing units that support the requirements of the invention are also applicable. The ATM interleaving unit 602 can receive and transmit in-band and out-of-band calls. The ATM interleaving unit 602 preferably has a control interface 604, an interface OC-N / STN-N 606, a DS3 interface 608, a DSI interface 610, a DSO interface 612, a signal processor 614, a AAL 616, an interface OC-M / STS-M 618 and an interface of ISDN / GR-303 620. As used herein in conjunction with OC or STS, "N" refers to an integer and "M" it refers to a whole number. The control interface 604- receives the control messages originating from the signaling processor 622, identifies the DSO and virtual connection assignments and the control messages, and provides these assignments to the AAL 616 for implementation. The control messages are received over an ATM virtual connection and through the interface of OC-M / STS-M 618 to the control interface 604 or directly through the control interface from a link '. The OC-N / STS-N 606 interface, the DS3 608 interface, the DSl 610 interface, the DSO 612 interface and the ISDN / GR-303 620 interface can each receive communications from the user from a communication device 624. Likewise, the interface of OC-M / STS-M 618 can receive communications from the user from a communication device 626. The interface of OC-N / STS-N 606 receives the user communications in the form of OC- N and user communications with STS-N format, and demultiplex user communications to DS3 format. The DS3 interface 608 receives the user communications in the DS3 form and demultiplexes the user's communications to the DSl format. The DS3 608 interface can receive the DS3s from the OC-N / STS-N 606 interface or from an external connection. The DSl 610 interface receives the user's communications - in the DSl format and demultiplexes the user's communications to the DSO format. The DSl 610 interface receives the DSls from the DS3 608 interface or from an external connection. The DSO 612 interface receives the user's communications in the DSO format and provides an interface to the AAL 616. The ISDN / GR-303 620 interface receives the user's communications either in the ISDN format or the GR format -303 and convert the user's communications to the DSO format. In addition, each interface can transmit the user's communications in a manner similar to the communication device 624. The interface of OC-M / STS-M 618 is operational to receive ATM cells from the AAL 616 and to transmit the ATM cells over the connection to the communication device 626. The interface of OC-M / STS-M 618 can also receive ATM cells in the OC or STS format and transmit them to the AAL 616. The call signaling can be received through, and transfer from, the OC-M / STS-M 606 interface and the ISDN / GR-303 620 interface. Also, call signaling can be received through, and transferred from, the OC-M interface / STS-M 618. Call signaling can be connected in a connection or transmitted to the control interface directly or via another interface as explained above. The AAL 616 comprises both a convergence sub-layer and a segmentation and reassembly sub-layer (SAR). The AAL 616 obtains the identity of the DSO and the VP / VC of the ATM from the control interface 604. The AAL 616 is operational to convert between the DSO format and the ATM format.

If desired, the AAL 616 can be configured to accept control messages through the control interface 604 for Nx64 calls. The interlacing unit of ATM 602 is suitable for interlacing, multiplex and demultiplex for multiple DSOs. The DSO connections are bi-directional and the ATM connections are typically uni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposite directions will typically be required for each DSO. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how this can be done in the context of the invention. For example, the cross connection may be provided with a second VP / VC set in the opposite direction as the original set of VP / VCs. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signal processing capabilities at the DSO level. Echo control to the selected DSO circuits could also be desired. In these embodiments, a signal processor 614 is included either separately (as shown) or as a part of the DSO interface 612. The signaling processor 622 is configured to send control messages to the interleaving unit of ATM 602 to implement particular characteristics in particular DSO circuits. Alternatively, search tables can be used to increase particular characteristics for particular circuits or VP / VCs. Figure 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an interleaving unit that is an ATM interleaving unit 602 suitable for the present invention, for use with an SDH system. The ATM interleaving unit 702 preferably has a control interface 704, an electric / optical (E / O) 706 STM-M interface, an E3 708 interface, an El 710 interface, an E2 712 interface, a signal processor "714, an AA1 716, an electrical / optical (E / O) STM-M interface 718 and a DPNSS 720 interface. As used herein in conjunction with STM," N "refers to an integer and "M" refers to an integer.The control interface 704 receives the control messages from the signaling processor 722, identifies the E0 and virtual connection assignments in the control messages, and provides these assignments to the AAL 716 For the implementation, the control messages are received over an ATM virtual connection and through the interface of STM-M 718 to the control interface 604 or directly through the control interface from a link. N E / O 706, the E3 708 interface, the El interface 710, the E0 712 interface and the DPNSS 720 interface, each can receive the user communications from a second communication device 724. Similarly, the STM-M E / O 718 interface can receive the user's communications. from a third communication device 726. The interface of STM-N E / O 706 receives the user communication signals in electric or optical STM-N format and converts user communications from the STM-N E / O format electrical or STM-N optical to the E3 format. The E3 708 interface receives the user communications in the E3 format and demultiplexes the user's communications to the El format. The E3 708 interface can receive E3s from the STM-N E / O 706 interface or from an external connection. The interface The 710 receives the user's communications in the El format and demultiplexes the user's communications to the E0 format. The interface The 710 receives the Els from the interface of STM-N E / O 706 or the E3 708 interface or from an external connection. The E0 712 interface receives the user's communications in the E0 format and provides an interface to the AAL 716. The DPNSS 720 interface receives the user's communications in the DPNSS format and converts the user's communications to the E0 format. In addition, each interface can transmit user communications in a manner similar to the communication device 724. The STM-M E / O 718 interface is operational to receive ATM cells from the AAL 716 and to transmit the ATM cells over the connection to the ATM. communication device 726. The interface of STM-M E / 0 718 can also receive ATM cells in the STM-M E / 0 format and transmit them to 'the AAL 716. The call signaling can be received through, and transfer from, the STM-N E / 0 706 interface and the DPNSS 720 interface. Also, call signaling can be received through, and transferred from, the STM-M E / 0 718 interface. The call signaling can be connected to a connection or transmitted to the control interface directly or via another interface, as explained above. The AAL 716 comprises both a convergence sub-layer and a segmentation and reassembly sub-layer (SAR). The AAL obtains the identity of the EO and the VP / VC of ATM from the control interface 704. The AAL 716 is operational to convert between the EO format and the ATM format, either in response to a control instruction or without a control instruction. AAL's are known in the art. If desired, the AAL 716 can be configured to receive control messages through the control interface 704 for Nx64 user communications. The E0 connections are bi-directional and the ATM connections are typically uni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposite directions will typically be required for each EO. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how this can be done in the context of the invention. In some instances, it may be desirable to incorporate digital signal processing capabilities at the EO level. Also, it may be desirable to apply echo control. In these embodiments, a signal processor 714 is included either separately (as shown) or as a part of the EO interface 712. The signaling processor 722 is configured to send control messages to the ATM interleaving unit 702 to implement particular characteristics in particular circuits. Alternatively, search tables can be used to implement particular characteristics for particular circuits or VP / VCs.

THE SIGNALING PROCESSOR The signaling processor receives and processes telecommunications call signaling, control messages, and customer data to select connections that establish communication paths for calls. In the preferred embodiment, the signaling processor processes SS7 signaling to select connections for a call. An example of call processing in a call processor and the associated maintenance that is performed by call processing is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 026,766 entitled "System and Method for Treating Cali for Cali Processing ", which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition to selecting connections, the signaling processor performs many other functions in the context of call processing. It can not only control the channeling and select the actual connections, but it can also validate the callers, control the echo cancellers, generate accounting information, call intelligent network functions, access remote databases, handle traffic and balance charges In the net. One skilled in the art will appreciate how the signaling processor described later may be able to operate in the above modes. Figure 8 illustrates a mode of a signaling processor. Other versions are also contemplated. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the signaling processor 802 has a signaling interface 804, a call processing control system 806 (CPCS) and a call processor 808. It will be appreciated that signaling processor 802 can be constructed as a module in a single unit or as multiple units.

The signaling interface 804 is externally coupled to signaling systems -preferably to signaling systems having a message transfer part (MTP), a part of the ISDN user (ISUP), a signaling connection control part (SCCP), an intelligent network application part (INAP), and a transaction capability application part (TCAP). The signaling interface 804 is preferably a platform comprising a level 1 of MTP 810, a level 2 of MTP 812, a level 3 of MTP 814, a process of SCCP 816, an ISUP process and a TCAP 820 process. 804 signaling interface also has INAP functionality. The signaling interface 804 can be linked to a communication device (not shown). For example, the communication device may be an SCP that is interrogated by the signaling interface with a TCAP interrogation to obtain additional data associated with the call. The response message may have additional information parameters - which are required to complete the call processing. The communication device can also be an STP or another device. The signaling interface 804 is operational to transmit, process and receive call signaling. The functionality of TCAP, SCCP, ISUP and INAP uses the services of the MTP to allow and receive messages. Preferably, the signaling interface 804 transmits and receives SS7 messages for NTP; TCAP, SCCP and ISUP. Together, this functionality is referred to as an "SS7 stack", and is well known. The programming elements required by a person skilled in the art to configure an SS7 stack are commercially available. An example is the OMNI SS7 stack of Dale, Gesek, McIiam & Sheridan, Inc. (the company of DGM &S). The processes of the signaling interface 804 process the information that is received in the message signal units (MSUs) and convert the information to call information elements that are sent to the call processor 808 to be processed. For example, a call information element may be an ISUP IAM message parameter from the MSU. The 804 signaling interface removes information from the unnecessary header of the MSU, to isolate the message information parameters and pass the parameters to the call processor 808 as the call information elements. Examples of these parameters are the called number, the caller's number and the user's service information. Other examples of messages with information elements are an ANM, an ACM, a REL, an RLC and an INF. In addition, the call information elements are transferred from the call processor 808 normally to the signaling interface 804, and the information elements are reassembled in the MSUs and transferred to a signaling point. The CPS 806 is a management and administration system. The CPS 806 is the user interface and the interface of external systems in the 808 call processor. The CPS 806 serves as a collector point for the data associated with the call such as registers, operational system data, statistical information, accounting and other data of the call. The CPS 806 can configure the data associated with the call and / or transmit it to the reporting centers. The CPS 806 accepts data, such as translations, from a source, such as an operations system and updates the data in the tables in the 808 call processor. The CPS 806 ensures that these data are in the correct format before the transferring the data to the 808 call processor. The CPS 806 also provides configuration data to other devices including the call processor 808, the signaling interface 804, the interleaving unit (not shown) and the controllable ATM matrix ( not shown). In addition, the CPS 806 provides remote control of call verification and call pickup applications from the 808 call processor.

The CPS 806 also serves as a collector point for alarms. The alarm information is transferred to the CPS 806. The CPS 806 then transports the alarm messages to the required communication device. For example, the CPS 806 can transport the alarms to an operations center. The CPS 806 also has a human-machine interface (HMI). This allows a person to register on the CPS 806 and manage data tables or review the data tables at the CPCS or provide maintenance services. The call processor 808 processes the call signaling and controls an ATM interleaving unit, such as an ATM interleaving multiplexer (mux) performing the interleaving of DSOs and VP / VCs, and an ATM matrix. However, the call processor 808 could control other communication devices and connections in other modes. The call processor 808 comprises a control platform 822 and an application platform 824. Each platform 822 and 824 is coupled to the other platform. The control platform 822 consists of several external interfaces, including an interleaving unit interface, a controllable ATM matrix, an echo interface, a resource control interface, a call information interface and an operations interface. The control platform 822 is externally coupled to an interleaving unit control, a controllable ATM matrix control, an echo control, a resource control, accounting and operations. The interleaving unit interface exchanges messages with at least one interleaving unit. These messages include assignments from DSO to VP / VC, acknowledgments and status information. The controllable ATM matrix interface exchanges messages with at least one controllable ATM matrix. These messages comprise assignments from DSO to VP / VC, assignments from VP / VC to VP / VC, acknowledgments, and status information. The echo control interface exchanges messages with echo control systems. Messages exchanged with echo control systems could include instructions to enable or disable echo cancellation in particular DSOs, acknowledgments and status information. The resource control interface exchanges messages with external resources. Examples of such resources are devices that implement continuity testing, encryption, compression, tone detection / transmission, voice detection and voice messaging. The messages exchanged with the resources are instructions to apply the resource to the particular DSOs, acknowledgments, and state information. For example, a message could instruct a continuity test resource to provide a cycle or to send and detect a tone for a continuity test. The call information interface transfers the relevant call information to a call information processing system, such as to CPCS 806. Typical call information includes the accounting information, such as the parties to the call, the points in time for the call and some special features applied to the call. One skilled in the art will appreciate how to produce the programming elements for the interfaces on the control platform 822. The application platform 824 processes the signaling information of the signaling interface 804 to select connections. The identity of the selected connections are provided to the control platform 822 for the interleaving unit interface and / or for the controllable ATM matrix interface. The 824 application platform is responsible for validation, translation, channeling, call control, exceptions, filtering and error handling. In addition to providing the control requirements for the interleaving unit and the controllable ATM matrix, the application platform 824 also provides requirements for echo control and resource control to the appropriate interface of the 822 control platform., the application platform 824 generates signaling information for transmission over the signaling interface 804. The signaling information could be for ISUP, INAP or TCAP messages to external network elements. The relevant information for each call is stored in an improved circuit data block (ECDB) for the call. The ECDB can be used for tracking and accounting of the call. The application platform 824 preferably works, in general, according to the basic call state model (BCSM) defined by the ITU. An example of the BCSM is created to handle each call. The BCSM includes a process of origin and a process of termination. The application platform 824 includes a service switching function (SSF) which is used to call the service control function (SCF). Typically the SCF is contained in an SCP. The SCF is interrogated with TCAP or INAP messages that are transported by the signaling interface 804 and that are initiated with information from the SCF on the application platform 824. In the originating or terminating processes they will access the remote databases with Intelligent network (IN) functionality via the SSF. The programming element requirements for the 824 application platform can be produced in the specification and description language (SDL) defined in ITU-T-Z.100 or similar logical or description languages.

The SDL can be converted into C codes. A real-time case tool such as SDT Telelogic Inc. or Object Time of Object Time, Inc. can be used. Additional C and C ++ code can be added as required to establish the environment. It will be appreciated that other languages of programming elements and tools can be used. The call processor 808 may consist of the programming elements described above loaded into a computer. The computer can be a fault-tolerant Unix computer, generally available, such as those provided by Sun, Tandem, or Hewlett Packard. It may be desirable to use the multi-threaded capability of a Unix operating system. From figure 8, it can be seen that the application platform 824 processes the signaling information to control numerous systems and facilitate the call connections and services. The signaling of SS7 is exchanged between the call processor 808 and the external components through the signaling interface 804, and the control information is exchanged with external systems through the control platform 822. Advantageously, the signaling interface 804, the CPCS 806 and the call processor 808 are not integrated into a central processing unit (CPU) of switching, which is coupled to a switching matrix. Other than an SCP, the components of signaling processor 802 are capable of processing ISUP messages independently of TCAP interrogations.

DESIGNATIONS OF SS7 MESSAGES SS7 messages are well known. Common designations are used for several SS7 messages. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the following message designations: ACM Address Complete Message ANM Response Message BLO Blocking BLA Blocking Recognition CPG Call Progress CGB Locking Circuit Group CGBA Locking Recognition of the GRS Circuit Group Resetting the Circuit Group GRA Recognition of the Circuit Group Reset CGU Unlocking of the CGUA Circuit Group Unlocking Recognition of the CQM Circuit Group Interrogation of the CQR Circuit Group Response to the Interrogation of the Circuit Group CRM Circuit reservation message CRA Recognition of the circuit reservation CVT Circuit validation test CVR Circuit validation response CFN Confusion COT Continuity CCR Request for continuity verification EXM Output message INF Information INR Request for information IAM Initial address message LPA Recognition or of the PAM cycle REL Message REL RLC Release Complete RSC Release Reset Circuit RES Summary SUS Suspended UBL Unlock UBA Unlock Recognition - UCIC Unattached Circuit Identification Code CALL PROCESSOR TABLES Call processing typically consists of two aspects. First, an incoming or "originating" connection is recognized by a call origination process. For example, the initial connection that a call uses to enter the network is the originating connection in that network. Second, an outgoing or "terminating" connection is selected by a termination call process. For example, the termination connection is coupled to the source connection in order to extend the call through the network. These two aspects of call processing are referred to as the originating side of the call and the terminating side of the call. Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary data structure preferably used by the call processor 802 of Figure 8 to execute the BCSM. This is done through a series of tables that indicate one another in several ways. Indicators typically consist of near function and close label designations. The next function indicates the table-next and the next label indicates an entry or a range of entries in that table. It will be appreciated that the indicators for the main call processing are illustrated in Figure 9. The primary data structure has a TDM 902 trunk circuit table, an ATM trunk circuit table 904, a trunk group table 906, a carrier table 908, an exception table 910, a source line information table (OLI) 912, an automatic number identification table ( ANI) 914, a number filtering table called 916, a number table called 918, a routing table 920, a service class table (COS) of trunk group 922 and a message mapping table 924. Also included in the data structure are a table of day of the year 926, a table of the day of the week 928, a table of time of the day 930 and a table of time zone 932. The table of the trunk circuit of TDM 902 contains information required for provide the TDM side of a connection from the call processor site. Each circuit on the TDM side of a connection has an input. The TDM trunk circuit board 902 is accessed from the trunk group table 906 or an external call process, and this indicates the trunk group table. The ATM 904 trunk circuit table contains information required to provide the ATM side of a connection. Typically, a record is presented in this table by ATM trunk group. However, the system can be configured alternatively for multiple registers per trunk group. The ATM trunk circuit table 904 is accessed from the trunk group table 906 or an external call process, and this indicates the trunk group table.

The trunk group table 906 contains information that is required to build trunk groups out of different trunk members identified in the TDM and ATM trunk circuit tables 902 and 904. The trunk group table 906 contains information related to the backbone trunk groups. origin and termination. The trunk group table 906 typically indicates the bearer table 908. However, the trunk group table 906 may indicate the exception table 910, the OLI table 912, the ANI table 914, the filtration table of number called 916, the call number table 918, the routing table 920, the day table of the year 926, the day table of the week 928, the time table of the day 930 and the treatment table (see figure 10). For the predetermined processing of an outbound call in the forward direction, when the calling process determines the call tuning and channeling parameters for the user's communications in the originating portion, the -troncal group table 906 is the next table after the TDM and ATM trunk circuit tables 902 and 904, and the trunk group table indicates the carrier table 908. For the predetermined processing of a day of an outgoing call in the forward direction, when the calling process determines the parameters of arranging and routing the call for the user communications in the termination portion, the trunk group table 906 is the next table after the next table after the routing table 920, and the Trunk group table indicates the TDM or ATM 902 'or 904 trunk circuit table. For the default processing of an MCA or ANM of a salt call In the origin direction, when the calling process determines the parameters for signaling, the trunk group table 906 is the next table after the TDM or ATM 902 or 904 trunk circuit table, and the group table trunk indicates the message mapping table 924. It will be appreciated that this is the predetermined method and, as explained herein, other implementations of table processing are presented. Carrier table 908 contains information that allows calls to be filtered based on, at least in part, bearer information parameter and bearer selection parameter. Carrier table 908 typically indicates exception table 910. However, carrier table 908 may indicate -the OLI table 912, the ANI table 914, the number filtering table named 916, the number table called 918, the routing table 920, the day table of the year 926, the table of day of the week 928, the table of the hour of the day 930, the treatment table (see figure 10) and the table of services of database (see figure 11).

Exception table 910 is used to identify several exception conditions related to the call that may influence the channeling or handling of the call. Exception table 910 contains information that allows calls to be filtered based on, at least in part, the called party's number and the calling party's category. Exception table 910 typically indicates the OLI table 912. However, exception table 910 may indicate to the ANI 914 table, the number filtering table called 916, the number table called 918, the channeling table 920, the day table of the year 926, the table of day of the week 928, the table of time of day 930, the table of proportion of call, the table of control in percent, the table of treatment (see the figure 10) and the database services table (see Figure 11). The OLI 912 table contains information that allows calls to be filtered based on, at least in part, the line-origin information in an IAM. The OLI 912 table typically indicates the ANI 914 table. However, the OLI table can tell the number filtering table named 916, the number table called 918, the routing table 920, the day table of the year 926, the table of day of the week 928, the table of time of day 930 and the table of treatment (see figure 10).

The ANI 914 table is used to identify some special features related to the caller's number, which is commonly known as automatic number identification. The ANI 914 table is used to filter and validate an incoming ANI. Specific ANI requirements can be established such as row formation, echo cancellation, time zone and treatments. The ANI 914 table typically indicates the number filtering table named 916. However, the ANI 914 table can indicate to the number table called 918, the routing table 920, the day table of the year 926, the table of day of the week 928, the table of time of day 930 and the table of treatment (see figure 10). The number filtering table called 916 is used to filter called numbers. The number filtering table called 916 determines the arrangement of the called number and the nature of the called number. The called number filtering table 916 is used to provide the trigger detection point (TDP) for an AIN SCP TCAP interrogation. For example, it is used with the local number portability (LNP) feature. The called number filtering table can call a TCAP. The called number filtering table 916 typically indicates the number table called 918. However, the number filtering table 916 may indicate to the routing table 920, the treatment table, the call composition table, the percent table (see figure ) and the database services table (see figure 11) - The number table called 918 is used to identify the channeling requirements, for example, based on the called number. This will be the case for normal calls. The number table called 918 typically indicates the routing table 910. In addition, the number table called 926 can be configured to alternatively indicate the day table of the year 926. The number table called 918 can also indicate the treatment table (see figure 10) and the database services table (see figure 11). The routing table 920 contains information related to the channeling of a call for several connections. The routing table 920 typically indicates the treatment table (see Figure 10). However, the routing table may also- indicate the trunk group table 906 and the database services table (see Figure 11). For the predetermined processing of an IAM of an outgoing call in the forward direction, when the calling process determines the call forwarding adjustment parameters for user communications, the channeling table 920 is the next table after the call. called number table 918, and the routing table indicates the trunk group table 916. For the predetermined processing of a day of an outgoing call in the forward direction, when the calling process determines the parameters for signaling, the table channeling 920 is the next table after the number table named 918, and the channeling table indicates the message mapping table 924. It will be appreciated that this is the predetermined method and, as explained herein, can be present other implementations of table processing. The COS table of trunk group 922 contains information that allows calls to be handled differently based on the service class assigned to the trunk group of origin and the trunk trunk group. The COS table of the trunk group can indicate the routing table 920 or the treatment table (see figure 10). When the COS table of the trunk group 922 is used in the processing, after the routing table 920 and the trunk group table 906 are processed, the trunk group table indicates the COS table of the trunk group. The COS table of the trunk group again indicates the routing table 920 for further processing.

The processing then continues with the routing table 920 which indicates the trunk group table 906, and the trunk group table indicating the TDM or ATM 902 trunk circuit board. It will be appreciated that this is the method predetermined and, as explained in the present, other implementations of table processing are presented. The mapping table or message representation 924 is used to provide instructions for the formatting of signaling messages from the call processor. This can typically be accessed by routing table 920 or trunk group table 906 and typically determines the format of outgoing messages left by the call processor. The day table of year 926 contains information that allows calls to be routed differently based on the day of the year. The day of the year table typically indicates the routing table 920 and refers to the time zone table 932 for information. The day table of year 926 can also tell the number filtering table called 916, the number table called 918, the routing table 920, the day table of the week 928, the time table of day 930 and the treatment table (see figure 10). The day of the week table 928 contains information that allows calls to be routed differently based on the day of the week. The day of the week table typically indicates the routing table 920 and refers to the time zone table 932 for information. The day table of the week 928 can also indicate the number filtering table called 916, the number table called 918, the time table of day 930 and the treatment table (see figure 10). The 930 time table contains information that allows calls to be handled differently based on the time of day. The time table of the day 930 typically indicates the routing table 920 and refers to the time zone table 932 for information. The time table of day 930 can also indicate to the number filtering table called 916, the number table called 918 and the treatment table (see figure 10). The time zone table 932 contains information that allows the call processing to determine whether the time associated with the call processing must be compensated based on the time zone - or daylight savings time. The time zone table 932 is referred to, and provides information to, the day table of year 926, the day table of the week 928 and the time table of day 930. Figure 10 is an overlay of figure 9 .

The tables of figure 9 are present. However, for clarity, the indicators in the table have been omitted and some tables have not been duplicated in Figure 10. Figure 10 illustrates additional tables that can be accessed from the tables in Figure 9. These include a table of release outgoing 1002, a treatment table 1004, a call proportion table 1006 and a control table in percent 1008, and time / date tables 1010. The outbound release table 1002 contains information that allows the call processing to determine how to format an outbound release message Release table 1002 typically indicates treatment table 1006. Treatment table 1004 identifies several special actions that are to be taken in the course of call processing. For example, based on the incoming trunk group or ANI, different treatments or cause codes are used to transport the problems to the called party and the calling party. This will typically result in the transmission of a release message (REL) and a cause value. The treatment table 1004 typically indicates the outbound release table 1002 and the database services table (see figure 11). The call proportion table 1006 contains information that is used to control call attempts on an attempt basis per second. Preferably, attempts of 100 per second to 1 per minute are programmable.

The call proportion table 1006 typically indicates the called number filtering table 916, the number table called 918, the routing table 920 and the treatment table 1004. The control table in percent 1008 has information that is Use to control call attempts based on a percent value of the traffic that is processed through call processing. The control table in percent 1008 typically indicates the filtering table of "called number 916, the called number table 918, the routing table 920 and the treatment table 1004. The date / time tables 1010 have been identified in Figure 9 as the day table of the year 926, the table of day of the week 928, the table of the time of day 926 and the table of time zone 932. They are illustrated in figure 10 as an individual location for ease and clarity, but do not need to be placed in this way • Figure 11 is an overlay of figures 9-10. The tables in figures 9-10 are present, however, for clarity, the indicators in the table have been omitted. , and some tables have not been duplicated in Figure 11. Figure 11 illustrates additional tables that can be accessed from the tables in Figures 9-10 and which are directed to the TCAP and SCCP message processes. database service table 1102, a signaling connection control part table (SCCP) 1104, an intermediate signaling network identification (ISNI) table 1106, a transaction capability application part table (TCAP) 1108, and a parameter table advanced intelligent network event (AIN) 1110. The database services table 1102 contains information about the type of database service requested by the call processing. The database services table 1102 references and obtains information from the SCCP table 1104 and the TCAP table 1108. After the database function is performed, the call is returned to the normal call processing. The database services table 1102 indicates the number table 918. The SCCP table 1104 contains information and the parameters required to construct an SCCP message. The SCCP table 1104 is referenced by the table of database services 1102 and provides information to the table of database services. The ISNI table 1106 contains network information that is used to route the SCCP message to a destination node. The ISNI table 1106 is referenced by the SCCP table 1104 and provides information to the SCCP table.

The TCAP table 1108 contains information and the parameters required to construct a TCAP message. The TCAP table 1108 is referenced by the database services table 1102 and provides information to the database services table. The AIN event parameter table 1110 contains information on the parameters that are included in the parameter portion of a TCAP event message. The AIN event parameter table 1110 is referenced by the TCAP table 1108 and provides information to the TCAP table. Figure 12 is an overlay of Figures 9-11. The tables of figures 9-11 are present. However, for clarity, the tables have not been duplicated in Figure 12. Figure 12 illustrates additional tables that can be used to adjust the calling process in such a way that the tables of Figures 9-11 can be used. These adjustment tables 1202 include a site exchange table 1204, an external echo canceller table 1206, an interleaving unit table (IU) 1208, a control matrix ATM (CAM) table 1210 and a ATM controllable matrix table (CAM) 1212. The site central table 1204 contains information that lists the parameters of the amplitude of the exchange, some of which are based on information and others that affect the processing of call. The site central table 1204 provides information to the call processor or switch during initialization or adjustment of initial values or other adjustment procedures, such as the population of data or transfer of information to one or more memory locations for use during call processing. The external echo canceller 1206 contains information that provides the interface identifier and the type of echo canceller when an external echo canceller is required. The external echo canceller table 1206 provides information to the call processor or switch during initialization or adjustment to initial values or other adjustment procedures, such as the population of data or transfer of information to one or more memory locations for use. during call processing. The table of I U 1208 contains the internet protocol (IP) identification numbers for the interfaces to the interleaving units at the site of the call processor or switch. The I U table 1208 provides information to the call processor or switch during initialization or other adjustment procedures, such as the data population or transfer of information to one or more memory locations for the use of call processing.

The interface table of CAM 1210 contains information for the logical interfaces associated with the CAM. The CAM interface table 1210 provides information to the call processor or switch during initialization or other adjustment procedures, such as the data population or transfer of information to one or more memory locations for use during call processing. The CAM table 1212 contains information associated with the logical and physical adjustment properties of the CAM. The CAM table 1212 provides information to the call processor or switch during initialization or other tuning procedures, such as data population or transfer of information to one or more memory locations for use during call processing. Figures 13-42 illustrate examples of several tables described above. It will be appreciated that other versions of tables can be used. In addition, the information of the identified tables can be combined or changed to form different tables. Figure 13 illustrates an example of a TDM trunk circuit board. The TDM trunk circuit board is used to access information about the source circuit for the call processing of the source circuit. It is also used to provide information about the terminating circuit for call processing of the terminating circuit. The trunk group number of the circuit associated with the call is used to enter the table. The group member is the second entry that is used as a key or key to identify or fill information in the table. The group member identifies the trunk group member number to which the circuit is assigned, and is used for circuit selection control. The table also contains the trunk circuit identification code (TCIC). The TCIC identifies the trunk circuit that is typically a DSO. The echo canceller (EC) tag entry identifies the echo canceller, if any, that is connected to the circuit. The interleaving unit label (IU) and the interleaving unit (IWU) port identify the location of the physical elements and the port number, respectively, of the interleaving unit. The DS1 / E1 tag and the DS1 / E1 channel denote the DSl or El and the channel within the DSl or El respectively, which contains the circuit. The initial state specifies the state of the circuit when it is installed. Valid states include the blocked if the circuit is installed and blocked from use, not equipped if the circuit is reserved and normal if the circuit is installed and available for use. Figure 14 illustrates an example of an ATM trunk circuit table. The ATM trunk circuit table is used to access information about the source circuit for the call processing of the source circuit. It is also used to provide information about the terminating circuit for call processing of the terminating circuit. The trunk group number of the circuit associated with the call is used to enter the table. The group size denotes the number of members in the trunk group. The Start Trunk Circuit Identification Code (TCIC) is the starting TCIC for the trunk group, and is used in the channeling tag of an ISUP message. The transmission interface label identifies the location of the physical elements of the virtual path over which. the call will be transmitted. The transmission interface label may designate either an interleaving unit interface unit or a CAM interface for the designated trunk members. The virtual transmission path identifier (VPI) is the VP that will be used on the side of the call transmission circuit. The reception interface label identifies the location of the physical elements of the virtual path upon which the call will be received. The reception interface label may designate either an interleaving unit interface or a CAM interface for the designated trunk members. The receiver virtual path identifier (VPI) is the VT that will be used on the circuit side of receiving the call. The initial state specifies the state of the circuit when it is installed. Valid states include blocked if the circuit is uninstalled and blocked from use, not equipped if the circuit is reserved, and normal if the circuit is installed and available for use. Figure 15A illustrates an example of a trunk group table. The trunk group number of the trunk group associated with the circuits is used for the key in the trunk group table. The management information field is used for information purposes concerning the trunk group and is typically not used in call processing. The associated point code is the point code for the remote end switch or call processor to which the trunk group connects. The common language location identification (CLLI) entry is a normalized Bellcore entry for the associated exchange to which the trunk group connects. The trunk group identifies the type of the trunk circuit in the trunk group. The trunk type can be a TDM trunk, an ATM trunk of the interleaving unit or an ATM trunk of the CAM. The associated numbering plan area (NPA) contains information that identifies in the switch from which the trunk group originates or to which the trunk group is terminated. The associated jurisdiction information parameter (JIP) contains information that identifies the switching from which the trunk group originates or to which the trunk group is terminated. If an ISUP JIP is not received in an IAM, the default JIP is a value registered in the ECDB of the call processor. If an incoming IAM does not have a JIP, call processing will populate the outgoing IAM JIP with the default value of the trunk group table. If a JIP is not filled with data, an outgoing JIP is not transmitted. The time zone label identifies the time zone that should be used when computing a local date and a local time for use with a day of the year table, the day of the week table, and the time of day table. The echo canceller information field describes the echo cancellation requirements of the trunk group. Valid entries for the echo canceller information include the normal for a trunk group that uses internal echo cancellation, the external one for a trunk group that requires external echo cancellers, and the disable for a trunk group that does not require echo cancellation for any call that passes over the group. Figure 15B is a continuation of Figure 15A for the trunk group table. The satellite input specifies that the trunk group for the circuit is connected through a satellite. If the trunk group uses too many satellites, then a call must not use the identified trunk group. This field is used in conjunction with the nature of the connection satellite indicator field from the incoming IAM to determine if an outgoing call can be connected over this trunk group. The selection sequence indicates the methodology that will be used to select a connection. The valid entries for the selection sequence field include the following: more unoccupied, less unoccupied, ascending or descending. The interworking unit (IWU) priority means that the outgoing call will attempt to use a trunk circuit in the same interleaving unit before using a trunk circuit in a different interleaving unit. The resolution of glare indicates how a situation of 'glare' will be resolved. The glare is the double capture of the same circuit. If the glare resolution input is set to "even / odd", the switch or call processor with the highest point code value will control the even number TCICs within the trunk group. The switch or call processor with the lowest point code value will control the odd-numbered TCICs. If the glare resolution input is set to "all", the call processor controls all the TCICs within the trunk group. If the glare resolution input is set to "none", the call processor will have no glare control and will produce all the double captures within the trunk group. The continuity check indicates whether continuity will be verified. The continuity for outgoing calls in the origin call processor are controlled in a trunk group base. This field specifies whether continuity is not required or if continuity and the frequencies of the required verification are required. The field identifies a percentage of calls that require continuity verification. The retry entry specifies how many times the outgoing call will be retested using a different circuit of the same trunk group after a continuity verification failure, a glare, another connection failure. The ignored local number (LNP) portableity information specifies whether or not the incoming LNP information is ignored. The treatment label is an efiquette in the treatment table for the trunk group used in the call. Because specific trunk group connections may require specific causes or release treatments for a specific client, this field identifies the type of treatment that is required. The message mapping tag is a label in the message mapping table that specifies the backward message configuration that will be used in the trunk group. Figure 15C is a continuation of Figure 15B for the trunk group table. The row formation entry means that the termination part of the trunk group is capable of forming in a row calls that originate from a subscriber who called a number ending in this trunk group. The ringing input without specific response without the trunk group requires ring timing without response. If the input is set to zero, the call processing will not use the unanswered ringing timer for calls terminated in the trunk group. A non-zero number specifies the ringing time without response, in seconds, for calls ending in this trunk group. The speech path cut-off identifies how and when the voice path of the termination call will be cut off in the trunk group. Options for this field include the following: connect for a cut-in both directions after receipt of an ACM, answer for the cut in the forward direction when receiving an ACM, then cut in the forward direction in receiving an ANM, or immediate for the cutoff in both directions immediately after an IAM has been sent.

The source class of service (COS) tag provides a label in a class of service table, which determines how a call is handled based on the combination of the source COS and the termination COS from another trunk group. Based on the combination of this field and the termination COS of another trunk group field, the call will be handled differently. For example, the call can be denied, advanced en route or processed in another way. The termination service class (COS) tag provides tag in a class of service table that determines how a call is handled based on the combination of the originating COS from another trunk group and the termination COS from the present trunk group . Based on a combination of this field and the originating COS, the call will be handled differently. For example, the call can be denied, advanced en route or processed in another way. Call control provides an index to a specific trunk group level traffic management control. Valid entries include normal for unapplied control, jump control, extended area telecommunication service re-routing (WATS) functionality, cancellation control, re-channel control overflow, and immediate control of re-channeling . The next function indicates the next table, and the next label indicates to an entry an input range in that table. Figure 16 illustrates an example of a carrier table. The carrier label is the key or key to enter the table. The identification (ID) of the bearer specifies the bearer to be used by the calling party. The bearer selection entry identifies how the caller specifies the bearer. For example, identify if the caller dialed a prefix digit or if the caller was pre-attached. Carrier selection is used to determine how the call will be routed. The next function indicates the next table, and the next label defines an area in that table for additional call processing. Figure 17 illustrates an example of an exception table. The exception label is used as a key to enter the table. The calling party's category entry specifies how to process a call from an ordinary subscriber, an unknown subscriber, or a test telephone. The nature of the address of the called number is differentiated between 0+ calls, 1+ calls, test calls, local routing number (LRN) calls, and international calls. For example, international calls could be routed to a preselected international carrier. The "digits from" and the "digits towards" the called number, focus the additional processing unique to a defined range of called numbers. The "digits from" field is a decimal number that varies from 1-15 digits. This can be of any length and, if it is filled with less than 15 digits, it is filled with zeros for the remaining digits. The "digits to" field is a decimal number that varies from 1-15 digits. This can be of any length and, if it is filled with less than 15 digits, it is filled with 9s for the remaining digits. The next function and next label entries indicate the next table and the next entry within the table for the next channeling function. Figure 18 illustrates an example of the source line information table (OLI). The OLI tag is used as a key to enter the table from a previous next function operation. The origin line information entry specifies the information digits that are being transmitted from a carrier or carrier wave. Different calls are differentiated based on the information digits. For example, the information digits can identify an ordinary subscriber, a multi-party line, NOO service, prison service, cellular service or private payment station. The next and next label function entries indicate the next table and the area within that table for the next channeling function. Figure 19 illustrates an example of an automatic number identification table (ANI). The ANI label is "used as a key to enter the table from a previous next option" the "digits from" and "digits to" from the part of the caller's party, with charge, they form in additional processing unique to the ANI within a given range. These entries are considered to determine if the number of the incoming caller falls within the "digits from" and "digits towards" fields. The time zone label indicates the entry in the time zone table that should be used when the date and local time are computed. The time zone tag ignores the time zone information of the trunk group table 906. The client information entry specifies the additional client information on the originating side for the routing of the calling process. The echo cancellation information field (EC) specifies whether or not to apply echo cancellation to the associated ANI. The row training entry identifies whether or not row training is available to the calling party if the called party is busy. Row formation timers determine the length of time a call can be formed in a row. The treatment label defines how a call will be treated based on the information in the treatment table. For example, the treatment tag can send a call to a specific record based on a dialed number. The next function and the next label indicate the next table and an area within that table for additional call processing. Figure 20 illustrates an example of a called number filtering table. The called number filtering tag is used as a key to enter the table. The nature of the address of the called number indicates the type of the dialed number, for example, national versus international. The address nature entry allows the calling process to route a call differently based on the address nature value provided. The entries of "digits from" and "digits towards" focus the additional processing unique to a range of called numbers. The "digits from" and "digits towards" columns both contain digits of the called number, such as the ranges of NPA-NXXs that-may contain port numbers and are verified by an LRN. This table serves as the trigger detection point (TDP) for a TCAP LNP, for example, when the NPA-NXXs of the donor switches that have had a subscriber port, their numbers are filled with data in the "digit from" fields. "and" digits to ". The field of deleted digits provides the number of digits that will be deleted from the called number before processing continues. The next function and the next label indicate the next table and the area within that table for additional call processing. Figure 21 illustrates an example of a called number table. The called number label is used as a key to enter the table, the address nature entry of the called number indicates the type of dialed number, for example, national versus international. the entries "digits from" and "digits towards" focus the additional processing unique to a number range, including LRNs. The next function and the next label indicate a nearby table and the area within that table used for the additional call processing. Figure 22 illustrates an example of a day of the year table. The day of the year label is used as a key to enter the table. The date field indicates the local date that is applicable to the action that will be taken during the processing of this table. The next function and the next label identify the table and the area within that table for the additional call processing. Figure 23 illustrates an example of a day of the week table. The day of the week label is a key used to enter the table. The "day from" field indicates the local day of the week in which the action to be taken by this table line entry begins. The "day to" field indicates the local day of the week in which the action to be taken by this table line entry is completed, the next function and the next label identify the next table and the area within this table for it additional call processing. Figure 24 illustrates an example of a time of day table. The time of day label is used as a key to enter the table from a previous previous function. The "hour from" entry indicates the local time at which an action is to be taken. The "hour to" field indicates the local time just before the action to be taken stops. The next and next label function entries identify the next table and the area within that table for additional call processing. Figure 25 illustrates an example of a time zone table. The time zone label is used as a key to enter the table and to process an entry so that the customer's date and local time can be computed. Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) indicates a normal deviation of this time zone from UTC. UTC is also known as the average Greenwich, GMT or Zulu time. UTC should be positive for time zones west of Greenwich, such as Europe and Asia, and negative for time zones west of Greenwich, such as North America. The daylight savings entry indicates whether the daylight saving time is used during the summer in this time zone. Figure 26 illustrates an example of a channeling table. The channeling tag is used as a key to enter the table from a previous next function. The route number specifies a route within a route list. The call processing will process the route selections for a given route label in the order indicated by the route numbers. The next function and the next label identify the next table and the area within that table for additional call processing. The signal path tag is associated with the next action that will be taken by the call processing for this call. The signal path tag provides the index to access the message mapping tag. The signaling route tag is used in order to modify the parameter data fields in a signaling message that is being propagated to a nearby switch or a near call processor. Figure 27 illustrates an example of a trunk group service class (COS) table. The originating COS COS tag and the terminating COS COS tag are used as the keys to enter the table and define the call processing. The next function identifies the next action that will be taken by the call processing, for this call. Valid entries in the next function column can be continuous, processed, advanced en route or managed. Based on these entries, the call processing can continue using the trunk group in progress, send the calls to the treatment, omit the trunk group in progress and the channeling table and advance to the next trunk group in the list, or send the call to a different label in the channeling table. The next label entry is an indicator that defines the trunk group that the next function will use to process the call. This field is ignored when the next function is continuous or advanced en route. Figure 28 illustrates an example of a treatment table. The treatment tag is a key used to enter the table. The treatment tag is a designation in a call process that determines the disposition of the call. The error / cause label corresponds to either the internally generated error conditions and the call processing or the incoming release cause values. For each treatment label, there will be a set of error conditions and cause values that will be associated with a series of labels for the error conditions of the call processing and a series of labels for all the values of the cause of the incoming release message. The next function and the next label indicate the next table and the area within this table for additional call processing. Figure 29 illustrates an example of an outbound release table. The outbound release label is used as a key to enter the table for processing. The location of the outgoing cause value identifies the type of network that will be used. For example, the location entry could specify a local or remote network or a private, transit or international network. The coding standard identifies the standard as a standard of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or a standard of the National Standards Institute of America (ANSÍ). The cause value designates the error, maintenance or offline processes. Figure 30 illustrates an example of a percent control board. The label, in percent is used as a key to enter the table. The control percentage specifies the percentage of incoming calls that will be affected by the control. The next control function allows attempts for the call connection to be routed to another table during call processing. The next control label indicates an area within the table for additional call processing. The next based function allows only incoming attempts to be routed to another table. The next label indicates an area in that table for additional call processing. Figure 31 illustrates an example of a call proportion table. The call proportion label is used as a key to enter the table. The call proportion specifies the number of calls that will be passed by the control at termination or for termination. Call processing will use this information to determine if the incoming call number falls within this control. The next control function allows one blocked call attempt to be routed to another table. The next control label is an indicator that defines the area in the next table for additional call processing. The next pass function allows only one incoming call attempt to be redirected to another table. The next passed function is an indicator that defines an area in that table for additional call processing. Figure 32 illustrates an example of a database services table. The database services label is used as a key to enter the table. The type of service determines the type of logic that is applied when it is constructed and answers to database queries. ' The types of service include the local number portability and the translation of the NOO number. The signaling connection control part label (SCCP) identifies a location within an SCCP table for additional call processing. The Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) label identifies a location within a TCAP table for further processing. The next function identifies the location for the next routing function based on the information contained in the database services table, as well as the information received from a database query. The next label entry specifies an area within the table identified in the next function for further processing. Figure 33A illustrates an example of a signaling connection control part (SCCP) table. The SCCP label is used as a key to enter the field. The message type entry identifies the type of message that will be sent in the SCCP message. Message types include unit data messages and extended unit data messages, the protocol class entry indicates the type of protocol class that will be used for the message specified in the message type field. The protocol class is used for offline transactions to determine if messages are discarded or returned to an error condition. The message handling field identifies how the target processor or switch is to handle the SCCP message if it is received with errors. This field will designate that the message will be discarded or returned. The jump counter input (travel of a radio wave from the ground to the ionosphere and back) denotes the number of nodes through which the SCCP message can be routed before the message is returned with an error condition. The segmentation entry denotes whether or not this SCCP message will use segmentation and send more than one SCCP message to the destination. Fig. 33B is a continuation of Fig. 33A for the SCCP table. Intermediate signaling network identification (ISNI) fields allow the SCCP message to traverse different networks in order to reach a desired node. The ISNI type identifies the type of ISNI message format that will be used for this SCCP message. The route indicator subfield indicates whether or not this SCCP message requires a special type of channeling to go through other networks. The sub-field of brand identification identifies whether or not network identification will be used for this SCCP message. The tag sub-field identifies a unique address in the ISNI table when the route indicator subfield is set to "restricted" and the brand identification subfield is set to "yes". Figure 33C is a continuation of Figure 33B for the SCCP table. Figure 33C identifies the field and sub-fields of the called party's address to provide information as to how to channel this SCCP message. The address indicator sub-system number (SSN) indicates whether or not a number of sub-systems will be included in the address of the called party. The point code entry indicates whether or not a point code will be included in the address of the caller's party. The global title indicator sub-field identifies whether or not a global title translation will be used to channel the SCCP message. If a global title translation is selected, this subfield also identifies the type. The channeling indicator sub-field identifies the elements that will be used to channel the message. Valid entries include the global title and the point code. The national / international sub-field identifies whether the SCCP message will use national or international channeling and adjustment. The sub-system number field identifies the sub-system number for the SCCP message. The point code number indicates the destination point code which will be addressed in the SCCP message. This field will be used to channel messages that do not require SCCP translation.

The global title translation field allows the intermediate nodes to translate the SCCP messages so that the messages can be routed to the correct destination with the correct point code. The translation type entry of the global title directs the SCCP message to the correct global title translation function. The coding scheme identifies how the type of address will be coded. The number plan subfield identifies the numbering plan that will be sent to the destination node. The address type field will identify which type of address to use for the address digits and the SCCP channeling through the network. Figure 33D is a "continuation of Figure 33C for the SCCP table." Figure 33D identifies the address field of the calling party that contains the channeling information that the destination database uses to retain the message of SCCP The address indicator subsystem number (SSN) indicates whether or not a sub-system number will be included in the address of the called party The dot code sub-field indicates whether or not a point code will be included in the address of the caller's party The global title indicator sub-field identifies whether or not the global title translation will be used to channel the SCCP message The channeling indicator sub-field identifies which elements will be used by all the "message. This field could use global title elements or point code elements. The national / international sub-field identifies whether the SCCP will use national or international channeling and adjustment. The sub-system number identifies a sub-system number for the SCCP message. The dot code number field indicates the destination point code to which it will be piped into the SCCP message. Global title translations allow intermediate nodes to translate SCCP messages and channel messages to the correct destination. The type of global title translation directs the SCCP message to the correct global title translation function. The coding scheme identifies how the type of address will be coded. The number plan identifies the number plan that will be sent to the destination node. The address type sub-field identifies what type of address to use for the address digits in the routing of the SCCP through the network. Figure 34 illustrates an example of an intermediate signaling network identification (ISNI) table. The ISNI table contains a list of networks that will be used to route SCCP messages to the destination node. The ISNI tag is used as a key to enter the table. Network fields 1-16 identify the network number of up to 16 networks that can be used to route the SCCP message. Figure 35 illustrates an example of a transaction capability application part table (TCAP). The TCAP tag is used as a key to enter the table. The type of TCAP identifies the type of TCAP that will be constructed. TCAP types include advanced intelligent network (AIN) and distributed intelligent network architecture (DINA). The label class indicates whether the message will use a common or patented structure. The packet type field identifies the type of packet that will be used in the transaction portion of the TCAP message. The component type field identifies the type of component that will be used in the component portion of the TCAP message. The message type field identifies the type of TCAP message. Message points include variable options depending on whether they are AIN message types or DINA message types. Figure 36 illustrates an example of an external echo canceller table. The type of echo canceller specifies whether an external echo canceller is being used in the circuit and, if so, the type of echo canceller. The echo canceller tag indicates a location in the matrix table ATM controllable for additional call processing. The RS-232 address is the address of the RS-232 interface that is used to communicate with the external echo cancr. The module entry is the module number of the external echo cancr. Figure 37 illustrates an example of an interlacing unit interface table. The interleaving unit (IWU) is a key that is used to enter the table. The identification (ID) of IWU identifies which interlacing unit is being addressed. Receptacles 1-4 of the internet protocol (IP) specify the IP plug address of any of the four connections to the interleaving unit. - Figure 38 illustrates an example of a controllable ATM matrix interchange (CAM) table. The CAM interface tag is used as a key to enter the table. The CAM tag indicates that CAM contains the interface. The logical link entry specifies a logical interface or port number in the CAM. Figure 39 illustrates an example of a controllable ATM matrix (CAM) table. The CAM tag is used as a key to enter the table. The CAM type indicates the type of CAM control protocol. The CAM address identifies the CAM address. Figure 40A illustrates an example of a central table of the call processor or switch site. The CLLI name of the exchange identifies a CLLI of the associated exchange for the call processor or switch. The site processor node ID (ID) of the call processor 0 switch specifies the node identifier of the call processor or switch. The originator identifier (ID) of the call processor or switch specifies a source identifier of the call processor or switch. The identifier (ID) of programming elements specifies a release identifier of programming elements. The call processor identifier (ID) specifies the identifier of the call processor or switch that is sent to the interleaving units. Figure 40B is a continuation of Figure 40A of the site processor table of the call processor or switch. The automatic congestion control (ACC) specifies whether the ACC is enabled or disabled. The beggining 1 of automatic congestion control level (ACL) identifies a percentage value of start of use of a first buffer or temporary. The abatement input of ACL 1 specifies a percentage of abatement of use for a first buffer or temporary. The ACL start entry 2 specifies a start level for a second buffer or temporary buffer. The ACL abatement input 2 specifies a percentage of abatement utilization level of the buffer or temporary memory for a second buffer. The start input of ACL 3 specifies a percentage of start level of utilization of the buffer for a third buffer. The abatement input ACL 3 specifies a percentage of abatement level of buffer utilization for a third buffer. Figure 40C is a continuation of Figure 40B for the central table of the call processor or switch site. The maximum trunks for the pick-up queue (max OHQ trunks) specifies a maximum number of trunk groups that can have the pick-up queue, enabled. The OHQ timer input 1 (TQ1) specifies the number of milliseconds for the number 1 pickup timer. The OHQ timer input 2 (TQ2) specifies the number of seconds for the number two timer to pick up. The unanswered ringing timer specifies the number of seconds for the ringing timer without answer. The active billing entry specifies whether -the ECDBs are being sent to the call processing control system (CPCS). The entry to allow network management (NWM) identifies whether or not a selective trunk reservation and group control are allowed or not allowed. The toll-free billing entry entry specifies whether a call will not be billed if the billing process is unavailable. The free call with default billing will be either enabled for free calls or disabled so there are no free calls. Fig. 40D is a continuation of Fig. 40C for the central table of the call processor or switch site. The maximum hop counts (max) identify the number of call processor or switch jumps that can be made in a single call. The maximum table (max) searches identify the number of table searches that can be performed for a single call. This value is used to detect closed circuits in channeling tables. Figures 41A-41B illustrate an example of an advanced intelligent network event (AIN) parameter table. The AIN event parameter table has two columns. The first identifies the parameters that will be included in the parameter portion of the TCAP event message. The second entry may include information for analysis. Figure 42 illustrates an example of a message mapping table. This table allows the call processor to alter the information in outgoing messages. The message type field is used as a key to enter the table and illustrates the type of outgoing normal message. The parameter input is a relevant parameter within the outgoing message. The indices indicate several entries in the trunk group and determine if the parameters are based without change, omitted or modified in outgoing messages. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of the specific embodiments described above are contemplated by the invention. The invention should not be restricted to the above modalities, but must be commensurate with the following claims. It is noted that, with regard to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A communication system comprising a signaling processor, a plurality of interleaving units and an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) matrix. , the signaling processor is configured to receive signaling for a call, process the signaling to select a second ATM connection and transfer a second control message indicating the second selected ATM connection to the ATM matrix, the interleaving units are coupled to the second time division multiplexing (TDM) connections and the first ATM connections and are configured to receive TDM communications for the call from one of the TDM connections, convert the TDM communications to ATM communications and transfer the ATM communications on one of the first ATM connections to the To ATM matrix, the ATM matrix is coupled to the signaling processor, the first ATM connections and the second ATM connection and is configured to receive the second control message from the signaling processor, to receive the ATM communications from a of the first ATM connections and channeling ATM communications over the second ATM connection in response to the second control message, the communication system is characterized in that it comprises: a TDM matrix coupled to the first TDM connections, the second connections of TDM and signaling processor, and configured to receive a first signaling processor control message, receive TDM communications from one of the first TDM connections and channel TDM communications over one of the second TDM connections in response to the first control message; and the signaling processor is further configured to process the signaling to select one of the second TDM connections and transfer the first control message indicating a selected one of the second TDM connections to the TDM matrix.
2. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling includes an initial address message.
3. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the second TDM connections include echo cancellers and the signaling processor is configured to select one of the second TDM connection based on the cancellation requirements. of echo for the call.
4. 4. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the interleaving units include echo cancellers and the signaling processor is configured to select one of the second TDM connection based on the echo cancellation requirements for call. * S 5.
5. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the interleaving units are coupled to the signaling processor and are configured to cancel the echo of the TDM communications in response to a third control message from the signal processor. signaling, and the signaling processor is configured to process the signaling to select echo cancellation for the call and to transfer the third control message indicating echo cancellation.
6. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the interleaving units are coupled to the signaling processor and are configured to channel the ATM communications to one of the first ATM connections in response to a third control message of the signaling processor, and the signaling processor is configured to process the signaling to select one of the first ATM connections and to transfer the third control message indicating one of the first ATM connections.
7. 7. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the TDM matrix is configured for the cross-connection of two of the first TDM connections for other calls, in response to other control messages from the signaling processor, and the processor Signaling is configured to process another signaling for the other calls to select the cross connections and to transfer the other control messages indicating the cross connections to the TDM matrix.
8. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling processor is configured to process a number called r in the signaling to select the second ATM connection.
9. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling processor is configured to process a caller number in the signaling, to select the second ATM connection.
10. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling processor is configured to process the signaling to generate and to transfer additional signaling for the call.
11. 11. A method for putting into operation a communication system performing the steps of receiving signaling for a call in a signaling processor and processing the signaling to select a second ATM connection, transferring a second control message indicating the second ATM connection selected from the signal processor to an ATM matrix, receive TDM communications for the call from one of the TDM connections to one of the interleaving networks and convert the ATM communications of one of the interleaving networks to one of the connections ATM to the ATM matrix and channel ATM communications from the ATM matrix on the second ATM connection in response to the second control message, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: processing the signaling in the signaling processor to select one of the second TDM connections; transferring a first control message indicating a selected one of the second TDM connections of the signaling processor to a TDM matrix coupled to the first TDM connections, the second TDM connections and the signaling processor; and receiving the TDM communications from one of the first TDM connections in the TDM matrix and channeling the TDM communications over one of the second TDM connections in response to the first control message.
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the signaling includes an initial address message.
13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the processing of the signaling to select one of the second TDM connections consists of selecting one of the second TDM connections based on the echo cancellation requirements for the call and also to cancel the echo of TDM communications.
14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the signaling processing to select one of the second TDM connection, consists of selecting one of the second TDM connection based on the echo cancellation requirements for the call. , and also cancel the echo of the TDM communications in one of the interlacing units.
15. 15. The method of compliance with the claim 11, characterized in that the interleaving units are coupled to the signaling processor and furthermore by signaling processing to select the echo cancellation for the call, transferring a third control message indicating echo cancellation of the signaling processor to a of the interleaving units and canceling the echo of the TDM communications in one of the interleaving units in response to the third control message of the signaling processor.
16. 16. The method of compliance with the claim 11, wherein the interleaving units are coupled to the signaling processor, and further characterized by processing the signaling to select one of the first ATM connections, transferring a third control message indicating a selected one of the first ATM connections of the processor signaling to one of the interleaving units, and channeling the ATM communications to a selected one of the first ATM connections in response to the third signaling processor control message.
17. 17. The method of compliance with the claim 11, further characterized by the processing of another signaling in the signaling processor for the other calls to select cross connections, transfer other control messages indicating the cross connections of the signaling processor to the TDM matrix, and cross connect two of the first TDM connections in the TDM matrix for other calls in response to the other control messages.
18. 18. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the processing of the signaling to select the second ATM connection consists in processing a called number in the signaling. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the signaling processing for selecting the second ATM connection consists in processing a number of the caller in the signaling. The method according to claim 11, further characterized by the signaling processing to generate and transfer additional signaling for the call.