MXPA99004599A - Broadband telecommunications system - Google Patents

Abstract

A telecommunication system that can integrate the capabilities of broadband components with the capabilities of conventional circuit switches. A signalling processor (140) receives and processes a first telecommunications signalling message (160) for the call to provide control and signalling messages (162, 163, 164, 165, 166) that identify the selection and transfer the control messages to the ATM internetworking multiplexers (110, 112, 114) that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexers (110, 112, 114) convert user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the control messages (162-166). An ATM cross connect system (120) operationally connected to the multiplexers (110, 112, 114) routes the ATM cells based on the virtual connection identified in the ATM cells. The narrowband switches (130, 132) provides the service to call based on the telecommunication signaling message.

Description

- SYSTEM. OF BANDA AMPLIA TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention describes broadband systems, and in particular, wideband systems that use narrowband circuit switches for various calling capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Conventional circuit switches provide the cornerstone for many current telecommunication networks. These switches process the call signal and extend the call connection to the destination. They have been developed to include sophisticated capabilities. Examples include validation by the caller. Numeric display on the screen, routing, connection control, and billing. These switches are also used to deploy various services. These examples include phone cards, calls to the "800" number, voice message, and quality services. REF .: 30118 Currently, the Automatic Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Technology is being used to provide capacity for broadband switches for telecommunications calls, which are required for telecommunications services. Some ATM systems have used cross-connections to provide virtual connections, but cross-connection designs do not have the capability to process the signal used by telecommunication networks to establish the call and this is not achieved. Therefore, ATM cross connections can not make connections on a call-to-call basis.

As a result, connection systems from cross-connections must be pre-subscribed which creates a relatively rigid switching structure. Due to this limitation, cross-connect ATM systems have been used mainly to provide certain connections, such as permanent virtual circuits (PVCS), and permanent virtual routes (PVPS). But, they do not provide ATM switching on a call-to-call basis as required to provide switched virtual circuits (SVCS) or switched virtual routes (SVPS). Those experienced in the -. Are technicians aware of the efficiencies created by the use of SVPS and SVCS as opposed to PVC? and to the PVPS that the SVCS and the SVPS use bandwidth more efficiently.

ATM switches have also been used to provide PVCS and PVPS. Since PVCS and PVPS are not established on a call-to-call basis, the ATM switch does not need to use its call processing or signaling capability. ATM switches require both; Signal capacity and call processing capacity to provide SVCS and SVPS. In order to carry out virtual connection switching on a call-to-call basis, ATM switches are being developed so that they can process calls in response to the signal to provide virtual connections for each call. These systems cause problems, however, because they must be very sophisticated to support current networks. These ATM switches must process high call volumes and transition legacy services from existing networks. An example could be an ATM switch that can handle large numbers of POTS, 800 numbers, and VPN calls.

Currently, ATM multiplexers are capable of intertwining the transit of other formats within the ATM format. These are known as interconnecting ATM multiplexers (muxes). ATM multiplexers are being developed so that they can interconnect traffic within ATM cells and multiplex the cells for transport over an ATM network. These ATM mux are not used to implement selected virtual connections on a call-to-call basis.

Unfortunately, there is a need for efficient systems that can integrate the capabilities of broadband components with the capabilities of conventional circuit switches. Such a system, provide virtual ATM connections on a call-to-call basis, but support the numerous services currently provided by the circuit switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a telecommunications system and method for providing a service for a call. The invention works as follows. A call processor receives and processes a first telecommunication signal message for the call to provide a first control message, a second control message, and a second telecommunications signal message. A first ATM interconnect multiplexer receives the narrowband traffic for the call over a first narrowband connection. This converts the narrow band traffic of the first ancosta band connection into the ATM cells that identify a first virtual connection based on the first control message and transmits the ATM cells on the first virtual connection. An ATM cross-connect system receives the ATM cells of the first ATM interconnect multiplexer over the first virtual connection and gives it a route to the ATM cells of the first virtual connection based on the first virtual connection identified in the ATM cells. A second ATM interconnect multiplexer receives the ATM cells from the ATM cross connection system on the first virtual connection. This converts the ATM cells of the first virtual connection into the narrowband traffic and transmits the narrowband traffic over a second narrowband connection based on the second control message. A narrowband switch receives the narrowband traffic from the second ATM multiplexer over the second narrowband connection and provides a call service based on the second telecommunications signal message. In several embodiments, the service provided by the narrowband switch is: call routing, call payment, call validation, a telephone card service, or a voice message service.

In various embodiments, the signal processor selects the narrow band switch, the selection may be based on: available access to the narrow band switch, load on the narrow band switch, an area served by the narrow band switch, network maintenance, or the first telecommunications message signal (which includes a destination code point, a source code point, an NPA, an NPA-NXX, a user number, a number "800", "888", or" 900", or an identifying network in the message).

In various embodiments, the signal processor selects the first virtual connection based on: The selection of the narrowband switch, available access to the narrowband switch, loading on the narrowband switch, an area served by the narrowband switch, maintenance conditions to the network, or the first telecommunication signal message (which includes a destination code point, a source code point, an NPA, an NPA-NXX, a user number, a "800" number, "888", or "900", or an identifying network in the message).

In various embodiments, the narrow band switch processes the call based on the second telecommunications signal message. This provides a third telecommunication signal message based on the calling process and gives a route to the narrow band switch traffic of the second ATM multiplexer call over a third narrowband connection. The signal processor receives and processes the third telecommunication signal message to provide a third control message to the second ATM multiplexer, and provides a fourth control message. The second ATM interconnect multiplexer receives the narrowband traffic for the call from the narrowband switch over the third narrowband connection. This converts the narrowband traffic from the third narrowband connection into the ATM cells that identify a second virtual connection based on a third control message and transmits the ATM cells over the second narrowband connection. The cross-connect ATM systems receive the ATM cells from the second ATM interconnect multiplexer over the second virtual connection and send the ATM cells of the second virtual connection based on the second virtual connection identified in the ATM cells. A third ATM interconnect multiplexer receives the cells. TM of the ATM cross connection system on the second virtual connection. This converts the ATM cells of the second virtual connection into narrow band traffic and transmits the trafic:; of narrow band on a fourth narrowband connection based on a fourth control message. In several of these embodiments, the signal processor selects the second virtual connection based on a destination code point in the third telecommunications signal message or based on a destination network identified in the third telecommunications signal message.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram for a version of the invention.

Figure 2 is a logic diagram for a version of the invention.

Figure 3 is a block diagram for a version of the invention.

- -. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 represents a version of the invention. The term "connection" refers to the transmission medium used to carry the user traffic and the term "link" refers to the transmission medium used to carry the signal or the control message. In Figure 1, the connections are shown by solid lines, and the links are shown by dashed lines. The users 100 and 102 are connected to the broadband system 104 by the connections 150 and 151 respectively. Users 100 and 102 are linked to broadband system 104 by links 160 and 161 respectively. The users 100 and 102 can be any entity that provides telecommunications traffic to the broadband system 104 or that receives traffic from the broadband system 104. Some examples can be a telecommunications switch or customer premise equipment (CPE). The connections 150 and 151 represent any connection and could be used by the users 100 and 102 to provide access to the broadband system 104. Examples include: DS3, DS1, DS0, ISDN, E3, El-, E0, SDH, SONET, cellular, and PCS connections. The links - 160 and 161 represent any signal link that could be used between the users 100 and 102 and the broadband system 104. Examples include signal systems # 7 (SS7), C7, ISDN, TCP / IP, and UDP / IP.

The broadband system 104 includes the »ATM interconnection multiplexer (mux) 110, mux 112, mux 114, cross connection 120 ATM, narrowband switches 130 and 132, and signal processor 140. Broadband system 104 also includes connections 152-156 and links 162-166. Cross connection 120 is connected to mux 110, 112, and 114 through connections 152, 153, and 154 respectively. The mux 112 is connected to the switch 132 by the connection 155, and the mux 114 is connected to the switch 130 by the connection 156. The mux 112 is connected to the user 100 by the connection 150, and the mux 112 is connected to the user 102 by connection 151. Connections 152-154 are ATM connections preferably carried by SONET. ' Connections 155 and 156 are narrow band connections similar to connections 150 and 151. Preferably, connections 155 and 156 are DS3 or DS1 connections with implanted DS0s.

The signal processor 140 is linked to the mux HO via the link 162, the mux 112 through the link 163, the switch 132 over the link 164, the mux 114 over the link 165, and the switch 130 over the link 166. The processor of signal is linked to users 100 and 102 by links 160 and 161 respectively. One skilled in the art is aware that an STP could be used to exchange signals in v; z of direct links. Links 160, 161, 164, and 166 are conventional signal links with examples SS7, ISDN, or C7. Links 162, 163, and 165 are any link that can carry control messages, with SS7 links as examples, UDP / IP over ethernet, or a bus array using a conventional bus protocol. Switches and muxes are typically connected to a control network system that is not displayed for reasons of clarity. The ATM cross connection 120 is a conventional device that provides a plurality of ATM virtual connections between the muxes. The virtual connection should typically use the DS1, DS3, or SONET for transport. Virtual connections are typically designed by the Virtual Route Identifier / Virtual Channel Identifier (VPI / VCI) in the cell headers. These VPI / VCIS are supplied from mux to mux, but the cross connection does not need to be controlled on a call-to-call basis. An example of a cross connection is the NEC model 20. Those skilled in the art are aware that a multiple cross connection can be used in this fashion, but for purposes of clarity, only a single cross connection is shown. Either a single cross connection or multiple cross connections these refer to a cross connection system.

The muxes 110, 112, and 114 are operational to interconnect (convert) traffic between ATM and non-ATM formats in response to control messages from the signal processor 140. Typically, these interconnect links interconnect individual DSOs with the individual VPIs / VCIs of according to the messages from the signal processor 140. A detailed description of the muxes is given below.

The narrow wave switches 130 and 132 are conventional circuit switches. These switches process and interconnect calls. Typically, they connect an incoming DSO to an outgoing DSO. Often, they perform numerous tasks that include, validation, shielding, routing, billing, and echo control. These switches can also be configured to provide special services.

Examples of special services are: Phone cards, class services, voice activated call and voice message, private virtual work network, assistance / elevation hearing problems, operator services and an intelligent call routing network ( independence of the local number, personal / terminal mobility, calls to toll-free numbers).

The signal processor 140 is operational to receive and process signals to select a narrowband switch and connections to the desired switch. This selection of the switch can be based on several criteria. Some examples are: Access available to the switch, current load in the switch, the service capabilities of the switch, or the area served by the switch. The connections should typically be a VPI / VCI and a DSO. The signal processor 140 is capable of providing control messages to the muxes to implement the connections. The signal processor 140 is also capable of exchanging the signal with the switches to facilitate the calling process. If required, the signal processor 140 can also exchange the signal with the users to facilitate the call. Next, a detailed description of the signal processor 140 is provided.

In one embodiment, the invention operates as follows for a call from the user 100 to the user 102. In this embodiment, the signal processor 140 is transparent to the users and to the narrowband switches. Users and narrowband switches try to interact as they should in a typical network scenario. In the context of the invention, the signal is "intercepted" and processed by the signal processor 140. The connections are "intercepted" and extended by the muxes.

User 100 will take a call connection on connection 150 to mux 110. This is a DSO typically embedded within a DS3. The user 100 also transmits a call and places a message in the signal processor 140. Typically, this is an Initial Address Message (IAM) SS7. The signal processor 140 will process the IAM in order to select a processor to process the call, this will select the connections for such a switch. For example, if the selected switch is 130, a pre-provisioned ATM connection must be selected through the cross connection 154 of the mux 110 to the mux 114 over the connections 152 and 154. In short, a connection to the switch 130 should be selected one VPI / VCI and one DSO must be selected by the signal processor 140.

Signal processor 140 should send an IAM to switch 130 over link 166. The IAM should contain information used to process the call, such as the dialed number and the incoming DSO. The signal processor should send a control message to the mux 110 on the link 162. The control message should instruct the mux 110 to interconnect the DSO on the connection 150 with the selected VPI / VCI on the connection 152. The signal processor must send a control message to the mux 114 on the link 165. The control message shall command the mux 114 to interconnect the selected VPI / VCI on the connection 154 with the selected DSO on the connection 156. As a result, a route call from user 100 to switch 130 should be established through mux 110, cross connection 120, and mux 114.

The switch 130 should process the call and select a route for the call. The switch should interconnect the incoming DSO in connection 156 with another DSO in connection 156. Switch 130 should also send an IAM indicating the destination for the call. In this example, the destination selected by the switch. 130 should be the user 102. The IAM from the switch 130 should be routed to the signal processor 140. The signal processor 140 could read the destination code point in this IAM to determine the destination (user 102) selected by the switch for the call. The signal processor 140 should select a VPI / VCI of the mux 114 that s sees the destination - mux 112. The signal processor 140 should also select a DSO within the connection 1.51 between the mux 112 and the user 102.

The signal processor 140 should send a control message to the mux 114 on the link 165. The control message should command the mux 114 to interconnect with the DSO on the connection 156 with the selected VPI / VCI on the link 154. The processor signal 140 should send a control message to mux 112 over link 163. The control message should instruct the mux 112 to interconnect to the selected VPI / VCI in connection 153 with the selected DSO in connection 151. Signal processor 140 could send a signal message to the user 102 to facilitate the call being terminated.

As a result, a call path from switch 130 to user 102 should be established through mux 114, cross connection 120, and mux 112, by combining the two call paths, a connection from user 100 to user 102 is established. through the broadband system 104. This is advantageously achieved over ATM broadband connections, but without the need for an ATM switch for call-to-call control of the ATM cross-connection. The muxes and the cross connection provide ATM connections selected by the signal processor on a call-to-call basis. The signal processor makes these selections based on the call process of the narrowband switch. The narrowband switch is also capable of providing special features to the call.

Advantageously, only one narrowband switch was required within the system 104. Since ATM broadband transport is available, the location of this switch is relatively independent. Any switch in the system 104 can be used for calling process. The ATM system provides the connection from the original point to the switch, and from the switch to the destination point. This means that narrowband switches can be selected based on load and availability. A narrow band switch could also be taken out of service simply by instructions from the signal processor to let it be selected.

THE SIGNAL PROCESSOR Typically, the signal processor could be separated from the muxes, but those skilled in the art understand that these can be put together and coupled in a bus array instead of being coupled by a signal or a data link. The signal processor must support a single mux or a plurality of muxes. The signal processor comprises hardware and software.

Those skilled in the art are informed of hardware components that can support the requirements of the invention. An example of such hardware is the FT-Sparc provided by the Integrated Micro Products PLC. The FT-Sparc could use the operating system Solaris Any data storage requirement can be solved with conventional database software systems.

Figure 2 illustrates an example signal processor, but any processor that can support the requirements of the invention would suffice. As shown in figure 2, signal processor 240 includes functional blocks composed of SS7 interface 242, interface mux 244, and connection processor 246. These functional blocks have interrelationships which are indicated and discussed below. The SS7 interface 242 receives and transmits the SS7 signal on the link 261. The mux interface 244 exchanges control messages with the muxes on the link 263. The connection processor 246 exchanges network management information with network management systems on link 263.

The SS7 interface 242 is operational to receive and transmit SS7 messages. The SS7 interface 242 includes Message Transfer Part (MTP) that work for levels 1, 2 and 3. MTP 1 defines the physical and electrical requirements for a signal link. MTP 2 is above MTP 1, and transportation remains reliable over the signal link by monitoring status as well as performing error checking. Together, MTP 1-2 provide reliable transport over an individual link. A device will need the functionality of MTP 1-2 for each link it uses. The MTP 3 is above the MTP 2, and provides messages to the signal link itself (actually to the MTP 2 by such link). The MTP 3, directs application messages using the MTP 1-2 for access to the signal system. The MTP 3 also has an address function since it monitors the status of the signal system and can take appropriate measures to restore service through the system. The MTP 1-3 levels correspond to layers 1-3 the basic reference model of open systems interconnection (OSIBRF).

The SS7 interface 242, also functionally includes Services Integrated to the Digital Network by the User (ISUP). This may include timers that generate reliable messages, or retransmit the message when appropriate. If the B-ISUP signal is being used, the SS7 interface 242 can also be equipped with B-ISUP capability. All of these elements are known in the art. The DD7 interface 242 can be built using commercially available SS7 interface software tools. An example of these tools may be the SS7 interface software provided by either Trillium, Inc., or by Dale, Gese, McWilliams, and sheridan, Inc.

The SS7 interface 242, activates IAM messages from the link 261 to the connection processor 246. The SS7 interface 242 also receives IAMs from the connection processor 246 and transmits them over the link 261. The SS7 interface 242 will subsequently receive call messages. coming from link 261. SS7 interface 242 will modify the route tags of these subsequent messages and retransmit them on link 261. Examples of these subsequent messages include Complete Messages of "/ iration (ACM), Response Messages (ANM), Disconnection Messages (REL), and Complete Disconnection Messages (RLC).

The route tag contains a destination code point (DPC), a source code point (OPC), a circuit identification code (CCI), and a signal link selection code (SLS). The OPC and the DPC identify the desired origin and destination for the signal message. For example, a message sent from a point A to a point B must have an OPC of A and a DPC of B. A return message must reverse both and have an OPC of B and a DPC of A. The CIC identifies the circuit of origin used in the call. The SLS is used to allow the load sharing between the signal links.

The following discussion refers to Figure 1, and its associated modality. When the subsequent messages linked to calls are received by the SS7 - -. Signal processor 140 interface, OPC, DPC, and / or CIC may need to be modified. A message from the originating user 100 to the selected switch 130 should have its DPC and its CIC changed to reflect the new DPC and CIC selected for the call of the signal processor 140.

This happens because the switch 130 waits for its own DPC and the switch 130 also needs to know the current DSO used by the mux 114 on the connection 156. A message from the originating user 100 from the switch 130 should have its OPC modified to reflect the DPC in the original IAM of user 100. This happens because user 100 waits for response messages of the call originating from the point where the original IAM was sent. This code point is the DPC of the original AMI. The CIC is also modified to reflect the CIC in the original IAM of the user 100. This is because the user 100 waits for the DSO in the message to be the DSO used in connection 150. The messages between the user of terminal 102 and the switch The selected CICs would need the modified CICs to reflect the current DSOs used by the recipient of the message. The CIC shall reflect the DSO on connection 156 in messages from the user 102 to the switch 130. The CIC shall reflect the DSO on the -connection 151 in messages from the switch 130 to the user 102.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the connection processor 246 is operational to process the incoming IAMs and select connections. In calls within the network, the connection processor 246 selects a narrowband switch to process the call, and also selects the connections for this narrowband switch. These connections are typically VPI / VCI-DSO combinations. If the call extends beyond the selected narrowband switch, the connection processor 246 identifies the destination required by the destination for the call in the AMI from the narrowband switch. The connection processor 246 also selects the combinations for this destination. These connections are typically VPI / VCI-DSO combinations.

As discussed above, the signal processor may be transparent to users. As a result, users will send a signal to the narrowband switch selected by the user. The destination of this SS7 signal message is identified by the Destination Code Point (DPC). Thus, in calls that enter the network, the DPC indicates a band-to-narrow switch selected by the user. Typically, the connection processor 246 uses this DPC to select a narrowband switch. This narrow band switch may be the same selected by the user or another narrow band switch. The connection processor 246 can then verify the current used by the selected switch. This may include the trunk access available to the switch and / or the process load of the switch. If access to the switch is congested or if the switch CPU is heavily loaded, then an alternate switch must be selected. In sum, operations with special networks may require the use of an alternate switch-for example, if a switch is inactivated by maintenance or testing.

Once the switch is selected, the connections for the switch are selected. The DSO in the arrival connection is identified by the Circuit Identification Code (CIC) in the IAM. A selected VPI / VCI that has been previously supplied through the cross connection from the mux connected to the incoming DSO to the mux serving the selected switch. A DSO of the last mux is selected to the selected switch. Based on these selections, the IAM information is provided by the SS7 interface 242, and the control message information is provided by the mux interface 244.

As discussed previously, once the narrowband switch processes the call, it will send an IAM to the destination. The connection processor 246 will receive this IAM and will use the DPC to identify the destination and select the appropriate connections for this destination. The CIC in the IAM identifies the DSO from the selected switch to the mux. A VPI / VCI is selected from such mux to a destination mux and a DSO from the destination mux to the destination. The selections are then implemented by the muxes in response to the control messages from the signal processor 240. The connection processor 246 also tracks the usage and status of the connections and connection groups for the connections under its range of control. It also receives network administration information.

In some embodiments, the connection processor 246 uses minimal portions of the dialed number to select the narrowband switch. For example, the narrow band switch "A" can be assigned to the area code "X". In calls to area code "X", switch "A" is selected. If switch "A" is not available, the alternate "B" switch can be used. This can also be carried out using the area code and exchange (NPA-NXX). In some modalities, the dialed number may correspond to a special service offered by a select group of switches. For example, the number "1-800-NXX-XXXX" may correspond to a telephone card service offered from only two switches. The numbers "888" and "900" are also used in this fashion. The connection processor can select one of these switches based on the dialed number. In some modalities, the call number (commonly referred to as ANI), may be used in a similar fashion in order to select the switch that provides service to the telephone user. In some embodiments, the telephone user may be routed by a switch based on the carrier identification in the signal. This information is found in the parameter of the carrier identification of the signal, in the AMI.

The mux interface 244 accepts information from the connection processor 246 that indicates the connections that are to be made or disconnected. The mux interface 244 accepts this information and provides corresponding control messages for the appropriate muxes. The mux interface 244 can also receive muxes recognition. As a result, the signal processor 240 can provide ATM header information to the muxes for use in configuring the ATM cell headers so that the cells are routed to the desired destination.

MULTIPLEXERS OF ATM INTERCONNECTION Figure 3 shows a mux embodiment that is appropriate for the present invention, but other muxes that support the requirements of the invention are also applicable. The interface control 300, the OC-3 interface 305, the DS3 interface 310, the DSl interface 315, the DSO interface 320, the ATM adaptation layer (AAL) 330, and the OC-3 interface 335 are shown. The interface control 300 exchanges control messages with the signal processor. Typically, these messages include the interconnection tasks DS0-VPI / VCI that are to be implemented by AAL 330. As such, this information is provided to the AAL 330.

The OC-3 interface 305 accepts the OC-3 format, and converts to DS3. The DS3 interface 310 accepts the DS3 format and converts to DSl. The DS3 interface 310 can accept DS3s from the OC-3 interface 305 or from an external connection. The DSL interface 315 accepts the DSl format and converts to DSO. The DSL interface 315 can accept DSls from the DS3 interface 310 or from an external connection. The DSO interface 320 accepts the DSO format and provides an interface to the AAL 330. The OC-3 interface 335 is operational to accept cells. ATM from the AAL 330 and transmit them to the cross connection.

The AAL 330 comprises both; a convergence sublayer and a segmentation and assembly layer (SAR). The AAL 330 is operational to accept the user information in the DSO format from the DSO interface 320 and convert the information into ATM cells. The AALs are recognized in the art and information about the AALs is provided by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in document 1.363. Also described is an AAl for voice in the application of the patent with serial number 08 / 395,745, registered on February 28, 1995, and entitled "cell process for voice transmission", and as a result of this, incorporated as reference within this application. The AAL 330 obtains the virtual router identifier (VPI) and the virtual channel identifier (VCI) for each call from the control interface 300. The AAL 300 also gets the identity of the DSO for each call (or the DSOs for a Nx64 call). The AAL 300 then converts the user information between the identified DSO and the identified ATM virtual connection. If desired, acknowledgments of the tasks that have been carried out can be sent back to the signal processor. Calls with a bit rate that are a multiple of 64 kbit / sec are recognized as Nx64 calls. If desired, the AAL 330 may be able to accept control messages through the control interface 300, for Nx64 calls.

As discussed earlier, the mux also handles calls in the opposite direction-coming from the OC-3 interface 335 to the DSO interface 320. This traffic must be converted to ATM by another mux and routed to the OC-3 335 by the cross-connection over the VPI / VCI selected. The control interface 300 will provide AAL 330 with the role of the selected VPI / VCI to the selected output DSO. The muxes will convert the ATM cells with the selected VPI / VCI in the cell headers into the DSO format and provide it to the selected output DSO connection. A technique for processing VPIs / VCIs is disclosed in the application of the patent with serial number 08 / 653,852, registered on May 28, 1996, entitled "Telecommunications System with a Connection Process System" and as a result of this , incorporated as a reference within this application.

DSO connections are bi-directional and ATM connections are typically uni-directional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposite directions will typically be required for each DSO. As discussed, this can perfectly supply the cross connection with the complementary VPIs / VCIs in the opposite direction as the original VPI / VCIs. In each call, the muxes must be configured to automatically use the particular complementary VPI / VCI to provide a bi-directional virtual connection to join the bi-directional DSO to the call.

With an understanding of the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention allows the integration of high speed broadband system transport with process-configured systems and narrow band control. To perform call handling functions in narrowband switches, the transparent broadband transport capability for users and for other existing components in the network configured to interact with narrowband switches. On the other hand, broadband transport is economically and efficiently perfect without the need for broadband switches.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from specific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention. The invention should not be limited by the above modalities, but should be estimated by the following claims.

It is noted that in relation 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. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (87)

- CLAIMS

1. A telecommunications system that provides a service for a call, characterized in that the telecommunications system comprises; a signal processor that is operative to receive and process a first telecommunication signal message for the call and provides a first control message, a second control message, and a second telecommunication signal message for the call; a first ATM interconnect multiplexer that is joined to the signal processor and that is operational to receive narrowband traffic for the call over a first narrowband connection, which converts the narrowband traffic from the first narrowband connection within of the ATM cells that identify a first virtual connection based on the first control message, and transmits the ATM cells on the first virtual connection; an ATM cross-connect system that is connected to the first ATM interconnect multiplexer and that is - - operational to receive the ATM cells from the first ATM interconnect multiplexer on the first virtual connection and to route the ATM cells from the first virtual connection based on the first virtual connection identified in the ATM cells; a second ATM interconnect multiplexer that is connected to the ATM cross-connect system and that is attached to the signal processor, and that is operational to receive the ATM cells from the ATM cross-connection system on the first virtual connection, to convert the cells ATM from the first virtual connection over the narrow band traffic over a second narrow band connection based on the second control message; and a narrowband switch that is connected to the second ATM multiplexer and attached to the signal processor, and which is operational to receive the narrowband traffic from the second ATM multiplexer over the second narrowband connection and to implement a service for the call based on the second telecommunications signal message.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on the selected narrow band switch.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on a destination code point in the first telecommunications signal message.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on a source code point and a destination code point in the first telecommunications signal message.

- - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on the available access to the narrow band switch.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on the load on the narrow band switch.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrowband switch based on the area to serve by the narrowband switch.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrowband switch based on an NPA in the first telecommunications signal message

10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrowband switch based on an NPA-NXX in the first telecommunications signal message.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on the user number in the first telecommunication signal message.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on a number. "800", "888", and "900" in the first telecommunication signal message.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrowband switch based on a network identification in the first telecommunications signal message.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the narrow band switch based on maintenance conditions to the network.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on the second broadband connection based on the first telecommunications signal message.

16. The tandem system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first telecommunications signal message is a message preparation call.

17. The tandem system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first telecommunications signal message is an Initial Directory Message of Signal System # 7 (SS7 IAM).

18. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on the available access to the narrowband switch.

19. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on the load on the narrowband switch.

20. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on an area served by the narrowband switch.

21. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on an NPA in the first telecommunications signal message.

22. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on an NPA-NXX in the first telecommunications signal message.

23. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on a number of the user in the first telecommunications signal message.

24. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on a number "800", "888", and "900" in the first telecommunications signal message.

25. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on a network identification in the first telecommunications signal message.

26. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the first virtual connection based on maintenance conditions to the network.

- 27. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first virtual connection is designed by a Virtual Route Identifier / Virtual Channel Identifier (VPI / VCI).

28. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first virtual connection has been pre-supplied through the ATM cross-connection system.

29. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control message identifies the first narrowband connection and the first virtual connection, and where the second control message identifies the first virtual connection and the second narrowband connection.

30. The system according to claim 1, characterized by the second telecommunications signal message is an Initial Directory Message.

31. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second narrowband connections are DSO connections.

32. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is to route the call.

33. The system Lepa according to claim 1, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is billing the call.

34. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is to validate the call.

35. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is a telephone card service.

36. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is a voice message service. - -

37. The telecommunications system of claim 1, characterized in that: the narrowband switch is further operational to process the call based on the second telecommunication signal message, to provide a third telecommunication signal message: - ^ ar-ions based in the calling process, and to route the narrowband traffic by the call to the second ATM multiplexer over a third narrowband connection, the signal processor is further operational to receive and process the third telecommunication signal message to provide a third message control to the second ATM multiplexer, and to provide a fourth message control; the second ATM interconnect multiplexer is further operational to receive the narrowband traffic for the call from the narrowband switch over the third narrowband connection, to convert the narrowband traffic from the third narrowband connection within the ATM cells that identify a second virtual connection based on the third control message, and transmit the ATM cells on the second narrowband connection; the ATM cross-connect system is further operational to receive the ATM cells from the second ATM interconnect multiplexer over the second virtual connection and to route the ATM cells from the second virtual connection based on the second virtual connection identified in the ATM cells; and a third ATM interconnect multiplexer connected to the ATM cross connection system and linked to the signal processor and which is operational to receive ATM cells from the ATM cross connection system on the second virtual connection, to convert the ATM cells from the second virtual connection within the narrow band traffic, and to transmit the narrow band traffic over a fourth narrow band connection in the fourth control message.

38. The system according to claim 37, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the second virtual connection based on a destination code point in the third telecommunications signal message.

39. The system according to claim 37, characterized in that the signal processor is operational to select the second virtual connection based on a destination network identification in the third telecommunications signal message.

40. A method for the operation of a telecommunications system that provides a service for a call, characterized in that the method comprises; that the narrowband traffic receives a call within a first ATM interconnect multiplexer, coming from a first narrowband connection; that a first telecommunication signal message receives the call within a signal processor; in the signal processor, the processing of the first telecommunication signal message, to provide a first control message to the first ATM interconnect multiplexer where the first control message identifies the first narrowband connection and a first ATM connection, and provides a second control message to a second ATM interconnect multiplexer where the second control message identifies the first ATM connection and a second narrowband connection. in the first ATM multiplexer, the conversion of the narrowband traffic from the first narrowband connection into the ATM cells identifying the first ATM connection based on the first control message; the transmission of the ATM cells from the first ATM interconnect multiplexer to an ATM cross-connect system; in the ATM cross-connection system, the routing of the ATM cells from the first ATM connection to the second ATM interconnect multiplexer based on the first ATM connection that is identified in the ATM cells; receiving the ATM cells within the second ATM interconnect multiplexer from the ATM cross connection system on the first ATM connection; in the second ATM interconnect multiplexer, the ATM cells are converted into narrow band traffic; the transmission of the narrowband traffic from the second ATM interconnect multiplexer over the second narrowband connection based on the second control message; receive the narrow band traffic for the call coming from the second interconnect multiplexer ATM over the second narrow band connection within a narrow band switch; and provide a service for the call in the narrowband switch.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrow band switch.

42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on the selected ango band switch.

43. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrow band switch based on a destination code point in the first telecommunications signal message.

44. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrow band switch based on a source code point and a destination code point on the first telecommunications signal message.

45. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrowband switch based on the available access to the narrowband switch.

46. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrow band switch based on the load on the narrow band switch.

47. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrowband switch based on a service area for the narrowband switch.

48. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor is selected to the narrowband switch based on an NPA in the first telecommunications signal message.

49. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrowband switch based on an NPA-NXX in the first telecommunications signal message.

- - 50. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrow band switch based on a number of the user in the first telecommunications signal message.

51. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrowband switch based on a number "800", "888", and "900" in the first telecommunications signal message.

52. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrowband switch based on a network identification in the first telecommunications signal message.

53. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the narrowband switch based on maintenance conditions to the network.

54. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on the second broadband connection based on the first telecommunications signal message.

55. The tandem method according to claim 40, characterized in that the first telecommunications signal message is a message that prepares the call.

56. The tandem method according to claim 40, characterized in that the first telecommunication signal message is an Initial Address Message of Signal Method # 7 (SS7 IAM).

57. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on the available access to the narrowband switch.

58. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on the load on the narrowband switch.

59. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on a service area for the narrowband switch.

60. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on an NPA in the first telecommunications signal message.

61. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on an NPA-NXX in the first telecommunications signal message.

62. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on a number of the user in the first telecommunications signal message.

63. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on a number "800", "888", and "900" in the first telecommunications signal message.

64. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on a network identification in the first telecommunications signal message.

65. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the signal processor selects the first ATM connection based on maintenance conditions to the network.

66. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the first connection ATM is designed by an ATM Network Identifier / ATM Channel Identifier (VPI / VCI).

67. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the first connection ATM has been pre-supplied through the ATM cross connection system.

68. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the first message . The control device identifies the first narrowband connection and the first ATM connection, and where the second control message identifies the first ATM connection and the second narrowband connection.

69. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the second telecommunications signal message is an Initial Directory Message.

70. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the first and second narrowband connections are DSO connections.

71. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is to route the call.

72. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is billing the call.

73. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is to validate the call.

74. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch is a telephone card service.

75. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the service provided by the narrowband switch, is a voice message service.

76. The telecommunications method according to claim 40, characterized in that it also comprises: the calling process in the narrowband switch based on the second telecommunications signal message. providing a third telecommunication signal message from the narrowband switch based on the calling process; routing the narrowband traffic for the call from the narrowband switch to the second ATM interconnect multiplexer on a third narrowband connection; the processing of the third telecommunication signal message in the signal processor to provide a third control message to the second ATM interconnect multiplexer, and to provide a fourth control message; receive the narrowband traffic for the call from the narrowband switch over the third narrowband connection within the second ATM interconnect multiplexer; in the second ATM interconnect multiplexer, converting the narrow band traffic from the third narrowband connection into the ATM cells identifying a second ATM connection based on the third control message; transmitting the ATM cells from the second ATM interconnect multiplexer over the second ATM connection to the ATM cross connection system; receiving the ATM cells of the second ATM interconnect multiplexer in the second ATM connection in the cross connection system; in the cross connection system ATm, the routing of the ATM cells from the second ATM connection to the third ATM interconnect multiplexer based on the second ATM connection identified in the ATM cells. receiving the ATM cells from the ATM cross-connection system on the second ATM connection within the third ATM interconnect multiplexer; in the third ATM interconnect multiplexer, converting the ATM cells from the second ATM connection into the narrowband traffic; and transmitting the narrow band traffic from the third ATM interconnect multiplexer over a fourth narrowband connection based on the fourth control message.

77. The method according to claim 76, characterized in that the signal processor selects the second ATM connection based on a destination code point in the third telecommunications signal message.

78. The method according to claim 76, characterized in that the signal processor selects the second ATM connection based on a destination network identified in the third telecommunications signal message.

79. A method for operating a telecommunications network to handle a localized call from a user of origin to a destination user, the originating user provides call signal information regarding the call and provides the call in a narrow band format, the network includes a plurality of narrowband switches, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving the call and the call signal information within the network and in response, selecting one of the narrowband switches as a selected switch; (b) routing the call through said selected switch; (c) response on said selected switch to the call and call signal information by performing at least one of a plurality of functions that handle calls including the determination by the user of the call and, in response to providing information of destination signal representative of the destination user of the network; (d) response in the network to said destination signal information by converting the call to the narrow band format and transporting the call over the network in the narrow band format to the destination user; and (e) converting the call from the broadband format to the narrow band format and providing the narrow band format call to the destination user.

80. The method as set forth in claim 79, characterized in that said broadband format includes a plurality of ATM cells with respective headers containing routing information for said cells, step (d) including the steps of: receiving said signal information of destination within a control processor and responding by producing destination header information, receiving the call in narrow band format from said selected switch and receiving said destination header information within a mux associated with a switch and in that in respect of converting the call to the broadband format by producing the ATM cells with headers configured according to said destination header information, to route said cells over the network to a destination mux by means of a cross connection system in accordance with the headers, and said mux of destination, convert the calls to a format of narrow band by converting said cells to a narrow band format. - -.

81. The method as set forth in claim 79, characterized in that it includes the steps of: receiving the call signal information within a control processor and in that respect using the signal information to determine said switch. selected signal, to produce signal information of the selected switch, representative of this, to give the call signal information for said selected switch, and receive the call in narrow band format and said signal information of the selected switch within an origin mux and in that respect converting the call to broad band format by producing ATM cells with headers configured according to said signal information of the selected switch, step (b) includes the steps of: giving route to the call for said switch selected by the routing of said cells for said mux associated with a switch in the form of a cross connection according to said headers, and said mux associated with a switch, converting said cells and by that to the narrow band format and distributing the call in narrow band format for said switch -selected.

82. The method as set out in accordance with claim 79, step (c) characterized in that it includes the step of producing billing information regarding the call in said selected switch.

83. The method as set forth in claim 79, characterized step (c) includes the step of using said selected switch to handle increased services for the call including translation of a dialed number to a destination number.

84. The method as set forth in claim 79, said call signal information includes information representative of a designated destination switch selected by a source switch, step (a), characterized in that it includes the step of selecting said selected switch different from said destination switch designated according to a predetermined criterion.

85. The method as set forth in claim 79, step (a), characterized in that it includes the step of selecting said switch -selected according to the availability of the network current of the switch resources.

86. A telecommunications system characterized in that it handles a call located from a user of origin to a destination user, the originating user provides call signal information regarding the call and provides the call in a narrow band format, said system comprises: a plurality of narrow band switches; means for receiving the call signal information and, in response, selecting one of said narrow band switches as a selected switch; giving route to the means for routing the call through said selected switch, said selected switch includes means for answering the call and for the call signal information by performing at least one of a plurality of call handling functions including determining the destination of the user of the call and, in response, providing destination signal information representative of the destination user to the network; means for responding to said destination signal information by receiving the call from said selected switch in narrow band format and -converting the call to broadband format, said routing means include means for transporting the call over the network in the format broadband towards the destination user; and means for converting the call from the wide band format to the narrow band format and providing the call in narrow band format to the destination user.

87. The system as set forth in claim 86, characterized in that said broadband format includes a plurality of ATM cells with respective headers containing routing information for said cells, said means for receiving include a control processor having means for producing destination header information, said conversion means include a mux having means to produce ATM cells with headers configured in accordance with said destination header information, said routing means include an operable cross connection for routing ATM cells according to this with the headers.