MXPA99004757A - Broadband telecommunications system interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a system for interfacing (200) a GR-303 system (220, 222) with a broadband system (BROADBAND NETWORK). The broadband system can be an ATM system. The invention can process (360) the GR-303 signaling to select ATM connections and then interwork the GR-303 connections with the selected ATM connections. The invention can interwork (362) GR-303 signaling and SS7 signaling. The invention can also process SS7 signaling to select GR-303 connections and then interwork ATM connections with the selected GR-303 connections.

Description

BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM INTERFACE Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to telecommunications and in particular to systems that provide access between GR-303 systems and broadband systems. 2. Background in the Previous Art Figure 1 illustrates a prior art configuration for access to local telecommunications. Some telephones that are connected to a local switch are shown through digital remote terminals.

Typically, there are more telephones connected to each digital remote terminal, but the illustrated number of phones has been restricted for purposes of clarity. Connections between telephones and digital remote terminals typically carry analog signals over twisted pair cables, although other connections are known. The digital remote terminals provide a digital interface between the callers and the REF .: 30120 local switch, converting the analogue signals from the callers, into a digital signal that is multiplexed for the local switch. A common standard for the connection between a digital remote terminal and a local switch is provided in the Bell core Reference GR-TSY-000303 (GR-303). The GR-303 format is very similar to the digital network format with integrated services (ISDN). The ISDN format has support channels (B) and signaling channel (D) that are typically combined at a primary ratio (23B + D) or at a basic ratio (2B + D). Both the ISDN format and the GR-303 format are already known in the art. Currently, broadband systems are being developed and implemented. Broadband systems provide telecommunications service providers with many benefits, including higher capacities, more efficient use of bandwidth and the ability to integrate voice, data and video traffic. These broadband systems provide callers with broader capabilities at lower costs. However, callers can not have these broadband terminals, which can access these broadband systems. These callers need an effective interface that provides them access to sophisticated broadband systems. Telecommunications service providers also need such an interface, with the objective of using their broadband systems, in order to provide their services to a larger user base.

Brief Compendium of the Invention The invention includes a telecommunications system that inter-operates between a broadband system, such as a system in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and a GR-303 system for telecommunications calls. The telecommunications system comprises a signaling processing system, a signaling interface or BBS intexfaa óe > so'po? tB. 21 signaling processing system, has such an operation, to process the call signaling from the GR-303 system and from the ATM system, to select at least one GR-303 connection and an ATM connection for each call and provide messages from control that identifies the selected connections. The signaling interface has such an operation to exchange the call signaling between the GR-303 system and the signaling processing system. The support interface has such an operation, to receive the control messages from the signaling processing system and interwork the call communications between the GR-303 system and the ATM system, over the selected connections based on the control messages. In some embodiments, the signaling processing system also has such an operation to interwork the GR-303 signaling and the signaling in Signaling System # 7 (SS7). Other modalities, include a digital remote terminal, an ATM interconnection, an ATM multiplexer, a signal converter and signaling processor. The invention also includes a method for operating a telecommunications system that inter-operates between a GR-303 system and an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) system, for telecommunication calls. The method comprises receiving GR-303 signaling and GR-303 communications within a telecommunications system. The GR-303 signaling is converted to signaling in Signaling System # 7 (SS7), which is processed to select ATM connections. The GR-303 connections are interfunctioned with the selected ATM connections. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving SS7 signals and ATM communications within the telecommunications system, processing SS7 signaling to select GR-303 connections, and interworking ATM communications with the selected GR-303 connections. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving additional GR-303 signaling and additional GR-303 communications in the telecommunications system. The additional GR-303 signaling is converted into signaling in additional Signaling System # 7 (SS7), which is processed to select GR-303 connections. The additional GR-303 communications are interconnected with the selected GR-303 connections. The invention provides the callers with an effective interface for sophisticated broadband systems, without the need to have their own broadband terminals. The invention provides telecommunications service providers with an interface that can use broadband systems to provide services to a larger user base.

Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of a prior art version. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 4 is a message sequence diagram for a version of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a message sequence diagram for a version of the present invention. Figure 6 is a message sequence diagram for a version of the present invention. Figure 7 is a message sequence diagram for a version of the present invention. Figure 8 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 9 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 10 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 11 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 12 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 13 is a block diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 14 is a logic diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 15 is a logic diagram of a version of the present invention. Figure 16 illustrates an example of the core circuit board. Figure 17 illustrates an example of the table of panel groups.

Figure 18 illustrates an example of the exception table. Figure 19 illustrates an example of the ANI table. Figure 20 illustrates an example of the called number table. Figure 21 illustrates an example of the routing table. Figure 22 illustrates an example of the treatment table. Figure 23 illustrates an example of the message table.

Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of the prior art discussed above, to provide access to a telecommunications system. In this configuration, the telephones are typically connected, over analog connections, to the digital remote terminal. The digital remote terminals convert the analog signals into multiplexed digital signal, which is based on the GR-303 standard. The local switch accepts the signal in GR-303 format and provides callers with a telephone service. All these components and connections are already known in the art.

Figure 2 illustrates a version of the invention. The telephones 210 to 215 are shown, connected to the digital remote terminals 220 and 222, these telephones and remote digital terminals are connected and operate as mentioned above with respect to Figure 1. It should be noted that although they are only shown telephones the invention is fully applicable to numerous other types of communication devices, which seek access to a broadband system. Examples may include wireless devices, computers, modems, and fax machines. These devices can employ many forms of connections to the digital remote terminals 220 and 222, for example, wired coaxial connections. Also shown in Figure 2 is the broadband system interface 200. The broadband system interface 200 replaces the local switch of Figure 1. The broadband system interface 200 is connected to the digital remote terminal 220. by means of connection 230 and link 231. Broadband system interface 200 is connected to digital remote terminal 222 via connection 232 and link 233. Connections 230 and 232 are based on the GR-format. 303 and represent the support channels. The links 231 and 233 are based on the GR-303 format and represent the signaling channels. Also shown are connection 240 and signaling link 242. Connection 240 is a broadband connection, eg, a synchronous optical network (SONET) connection that transports cells in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM). Other forms of broadband connections are also applicable. Signaling link 242 carries telecommunications signaling, for example, messages in Signaling System # 7 (SS7). Other forms of signaling links are also applicable. Connection 240 and link 242 are connected to a broadband network cloud, which represents any number of network elements such as switches, enhanced platforms and servers, to name just a few. The operation of the broadband system interface 200 includes the conversion of support and signaling communications from one format to another. Support communications are user information, for example, voice traffic. The signaling is information used by the network for example, a called number. In some embodiments, the conversion process is described with the term "interworking." This term is already well known to those skilled in the art, for example, the GR-303 signaling is interworking with SS7 signaling, by converting to the GR-303 signaling to analog SS7 signaling and by converting SS7 signaling into analog GR-303 signaling GR-303 support communications are interfunctioned with ATM communication, by converting GR-303 signaling to ATM signaling Analogously and by means of converting the ATM signaling into analog GR-303 signaling, the broadband system interface 200 accepts calls in the GR-303 format from connection 230 and link 231 and from connection 232 and link 233. The broadband system interface 200 provides a support interface for the GR-303 support channels and a signaling interface for the signaling channels GR-303 signaling interface provides the GR-303 signaling to a signaling processing system, within the broadband system interface 200. The signaling processing system processes the call signaling and selects connections for the signals. calls. The support interface receives communications from the GR-303 support channels and implements the selected connections, in response to instructions from the signaling processing system. Typically, this requires interworking between GR-303 connections and broadband connections, and connections can be selected on a per-call basis. The broadband system interface 200 can route calls to one of the other telephones connected to the digital remote terminals 220 or 222. In addition, the broadband system interface 200 can route calls over a broadband connection 240 and its associated signaling on link 242. Connection 240 and link 242 can connect callers to many other networks and network elements, to provide numerous services. It can be seen that the broadband system interface 200 provides callers with access to a broadband system. It can also be seen that the broadband system interface 200 is capable of accepting calls in the GR-303 format, currently used by the local switches. Figure 3 illustrates a version of the invention, although any person skilled in the art will recognize the variations of this version, which are also contemplated by the invention. The telephones 310 to 315, the digital remote terminals 320 and 322 and the broadband system interface 300 are shown. The broadband system interface 300 is comprised of an ATM 350 interworking multiplexer, a 360 signaling processor and a signaling converter 362. The digital remote terminal 320 is connected to the ATM interworking multiplexer 350 by means of the connection 330 and the link 331. The digital remote terminal 322 is connected to the ATM interworking multiplexer 350 by means of the connection 332 and the link 333. The ATM interworking multiplexer 350, signaling processor 360, and signaling converter 362 are linked via link 352. ATM interworking multiplexer 350 is linked to signaling converter 362 via link 354. Signaling converter 362 is linked to the signaling processor via link 364. The multi ATM interworking plexer 350 is also connected to connection 340 and signaling processor 360 is also linked to link 342. Phones 310 to 315, the digital remote terminals 320 and 322, the connections 330 and 332 and the links 331 and 333 are as described above. The connections 320 and 322 and the links 331 and 333 comprise digital multiplexed signals GR-303. The multiplexed digital signal GR-303 is comprised of multiple support channels that carry caller communications and a signaling channel that carries call signaling. Link 352 can be any link capable of carrying control messages. Examples of such a link may be the SS7, UDP / IP or TCP / IP over Ethernet link or a bus configuration using conventional bus protocol. The link 354 carries the DSOs comprising the GR-303 signaling channels. Links 342 and 364 are SS7 links. The connection 340 is an ATM connection. The ATM 350 interworking multiplexer provides the support interface and the signaling interface. The ATM interworking multiplexer 350 has an operation to receive communications in GR-303 format over the connections 330 and 332 and the links 331 and 333. The support channels coming from the connections 330 and 332 and the signaling channels coming from links 331 and 333 are a well-known DSO format. The ATM 350 interworking multiplexer is capable of connecting each DSO to any other DSO. The ATM interworking multiplexer 350 connects the DSO from the link 331 to the DSO of the link 354, to provide a signaling channel GR-303, from the digital remote terminal 320 to the signaling converter 362. The 350 connects to the DSO from link 333 to the DSO of link 354, to provide a GR-303 signaling channel from digital remote terminal 322 to signaling converter 362. ATM 350 interworking multiplexer can also connect to DSO signals carrying user communications . For example, a DSO from the telephone 310 can be connected to a DSO for the telephone 314. The ATM 350 interworking multiplexer can make this latter connection from DSO to DSO, in response to the control instructions from the 360, which are received. over link 352. ATM interworking multiplexer 350 also has an operation to convert DSO signals into ATM cells with their virtual path identifiers (VPI) / virtual channel identifiers (VCI). This conversion is known as ATM interworking. These ATM cells are transmitted over the connection 340. Typically, these are provided to an ATM interconnect device that routes the cells according to their VPI / VCI identifier. Since the DSO signals are bidirectional, a VPI / VCI companion identifier will typically be reassigned to the selected VPI / VCI identifier, to provide a call connection back to the caller. The ATM interworking multiplexer can convert the ATM cells of the accompanying VPI / VCI identifier to the return path of the DSO. The ATM 350 interworking multiplexer makes the DS0 / ATM conversions, in response to the control instructions from the signaling processor 360 and which are received on the link 352. In this embodiment, the ATM 350 interworking multiplexer also includes a capacity of digital signal processing, which can detect and provide tones for certain DSO signals. For example, the ATM interworking multiplexer 350 can apply a dial tone to a particular DSO, in response to a control construction from 362. The ATM interworking multiplexer 350 can then detect the DTMF pulses received from the caller on the DSO and provide this information to the signaling converter 362 on the link 352. A more detailed description of the ATM interworking multiplexer will be given below. Signaling processor 360 and 362 comprise a signaling processing system having an operation, to receive GR-303 signaling and select connections. These can also receive SS7 signaling and select connections. These two components can be integrated so that they remain hidden. The signaling converter 362 inter-operates between the GR-303 signaling and the SS7 signaling. The 362 exchanges GR-303 signaling with the digital remote terminals 320 and 322, over the links 354, 331 and 333 (through ATM 350 interworking multiplexer). Signaling converter 362 exchanges signaling SS7 with signaling processor 360 over link 364. GR-303 format falls on the LAPD protocols and user communications and Q.931 established for signaling of D-channel digital network with integrated services ( ISDN). The devices that convert to the ISDN D channel signaling in the SS7 format are already known. Anybody skilled in the art will appreciate how such a device can be adapted to convert GR-303 signage into the SS7 format. In some embodiments, the signaling converter 362 will generate and transmit control instruction to the ATM interworking multiplexer 350 over link 354, to collect DTMF tone input from a caller. This will typically occur in response to an establishment message GR-303. After these digits are collected by means of the ATM 350 interworking multiplexer, the 362 will receive a message from the ATM interworking multiplexer 350, on the link 352 that identifies the digits dialed by the caller. These digits will be incorporated into an SS7 message sent to the signaling processor 360. The 362 may also instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer 350 to provide a dial tone to the caller at the opposite end of the call. The ATM interworking multiplexer can provide a dial tone to the caller on the opposite side, which indicates that the called party at the very end was alerted. When appropriate, a busy signal may be provided. The 362 can also instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer to provide the caller's number to the called party. This can be used for the caller ID feature. Signaling processor 360 has an operation to process signaling. The signaling processor will typically process an initial SS7 address message (IAM) for call establishment. The signaling information is processed by the 360, in order to select a particular connection for a particular call. This connection can be a DSO or a VPI / VCI. The signaling processor 360 sends control instructions to the signaling processor 360, which identify the selected connections. A detailed description of the signaling processor will be given below. Figure 4 illustrates the operation of the invention, in the form of a message sequence diagram. Figure 4 illustrates a call that is being made from a telephone (for example, telephone 310 of figure 3) to an entity that is on the other side of the country. The sequence begins when the phone takes a connection to the digital remote terminal. This can be done when the phone is picked up. The digital remote terminal detects the off-hook condition and sends an establishment message GR-303 to the 362, through the ATM interworking multiplexer. (As long as the ATM interworking multiplexer transfers all messages between the signaling converter and the digital remote terminal, the express reference to this transfer will be omitted in the following discussions). The establishment message identifies the DSO used by the digital remote terminal for the call. The signaling converter returns an acknowledgment from the establishment to the digital remote terminal and instructs the ATM interworking multiplexer to collect the DTMF tones from the DSO of the call. The mux provides a dial tone to the selected DSO and internally connects the DSO with the digit collection apparatus. (With start circuits on the ground at this time, the digital remote terminal will send a TIP-RING voltage to the phone and will receive the loop closure from the phone, this is not shown. The telephone responds with the caller DTMF entry, the ATM interworking multiplexer detects the DTMF input and provides a message to the signaling converts, which indicates the dialed number. The signaling converter converts the establishment message GR-303 into an initial address message (IAM) containing the dialed number from the ATM interworking multiplexer and sends an IAM SS7 message to the signaling processor. The signaling processor processes the message IAM SS7 and select a connection. For a call across the country, the connection can typically be a VPI / VCI identifier provided to a long distance network. The signaling processor will generate an IAM SS7 message and send it to the relevant network element, to extend the call. The signaling processor also sends a control instruction to the ATM interworking multiplexer, identifying the DSO and the VPI / VCI identifier. Once the other end has received all the information required for the call, it will return a completed address message (ACM) SS7 to the signaling processor. At this time, the other end typically returns a dial tone indicating that the called party is being alerted (or if appropriate, a busy signal). This dial tone is passed to the telephone that is on the VPI / VCI identifier, DSO connection. If the called party answers, the signaling processor will receive an ANM message from the opposite end. The signal processor will send an ANM SS7 message to the converter and the converter will send the GR-303 connection message to the digital remote terminal. At this point, the call is connected and a conversation, a fax transmission, etc. can take place. The ATM interworking multiplexer converts the diamond information into DSO to ATM cells for the selected VPI / VCI identifier. Additionally, the ATM interworking multiplexer converts the received ATM cells from the accompanying VPI / VCI identifier into the return path of the DSO. As a result, the caller has access to an ATM system through a GR-303 interface. Advantageously, the VPI / VCI identifier is selected on a call-by-call basis by means of the signaling processor. This allows the signaling processor to select a virtual connection that has previously been provided for an appropriate destination. Figure 5 illustrates a call from an entity across the country to the same telephone as Figure 4. The sequence starts with an IAM SS7 message from the originating side of the call that is being received by the signaling processor. The signaling processor processes the IAM message and selects a destination DSO. The signaling processor sends an IAM message to the signaling converter, which transfers an analogue GR-303 set-up message to the digital remote terminal. The establishment message identifies the selected DSO to use the call. The signaling processor also sends a control command to the mux, identifying the VPI / VCI identifier and the selected DSO, for the call.

The digital remote terminal provides a socket and an alarm signal to the telephone. The digital remote terminal will send an alert message GR-303 to the signal converter and the signal converter will send an analog ACM SS7 message to the signaling processor. The signal converter will also instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer to provide a dial tone to the source side of the call (or a busy signal when appropriate). The ATM interworking multiplexer will provide a dial tone to the caller indicating to the caller that the calling party is being alerted. The signaling processor will send an ACM SS7 message to the originating side of the call. The digital remote terminal will detect a silence interval after the first ring and send a notification message GR-303 to the signaling converter. Until reception, the signaling converter will instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer to pass the caller's number to the telephone and the ATM interworking multiplexer will pass the required DTMF tones to the telephone. When a digital remote terminal detects that the phone has been answered, it will send a GR-303 connection message to the signal converter and the signal converter will provide an analogous AN7 SS7 message to the signaling processor. The signal processor will send an ANM SS7 message to the originating side of the call. The signaling processor will instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer to stop the dial tone and provide a cut-by-trace for the call. At this point, the call is connected. Figure 6 illustrates a call that is being released when the telephone of Figures 4 and 5 hangs up. The digital remote terminal detects when the device hangs up and sends a GR-303 disconnection message to the signaling converter. The signaling converter sends a release message (REL) SS7 to the signaling processor. The signaling processor initiates the release procedures and sends a REL SS7 message to the other side of the call connection. In addition, the signaling processor sends an instruction to the ATM interworking multiplexer to disconnect the DSO and the VPI / VCI identifier. The signaling processor will then send a finished release message (RLC) SS7 to the SS7 converter. The SS7 / GR-303 converter will then send an analog GR-303 release message to the digital remote converter, which will provide a loop opening to the telephone. The other side will typically respond with an RLC SS7 message to the signaling processor. At this point the call has been disconnected. Figure 7 illustrates a call that is being released when the other end of the call hangs up. The other end will send a REL SS7 message to the signaling processor and the signaling processor will initiate the call release procedures. The signaling processor will send a REL SS7 message to the SS7 converter and the SS7 converter will send an analogue GR-303 disconnect message to the digital remote terminal. The digital remote terminal will provide a disconnection for the telephone. The signaling processor sends a control instruction to the ATM interworking multiplexer, to disconnect the DSO from the VPI / VCI identifier. The signaling processor also sends an RLC SS7 message to the other side of the call. When the digital remote terminal detects that the telephone signaling processor hangs up, it will provide a GR-303 release message to the converter. The converter will provide an analog RLC SS7 message to the signaling processor, indicating that the connection has been released for reuse. At this point, the call has been disconnected. In Figures 4 to 7, the caller is provided with an interface for a broadband system, up to a conventional digital remote terminal GR-303. The network is capable of providing this interface and of providing a selected ATM connection on a call-by-call basis, all without the need for an ATM switch or a call-by-call control over an ATM interconnect. Said system provides a distinct advantage over the previous systems. The ATM interworking multiplexer can implement DSO to DSO connections for particular calls. Referring to Figure 3, if a call is made from the telephone 310 to the telephone 314, a DSO of the telephone 310 and a DSO of the telephone 314 can be selected by the signaling processor 360. The ATM 350 interworking multiplexer can interconnect both DSO signals, in response to a command from the 360. Note that this occurs without the need to convert DSOs to ATM. In the alternative, the signaling processor may select a VPI / VCI identifier for the call. The VPI / VCI identifier can be previously provided to the ATM interworking multiplexer so as to connect to the DSO of the telephone 314. In some embodiments, some telephones can be pulse dialing instead of dialing DTMF tones. The digital remote terminals have such an operation to detect the digits pulsed by the telephones and to provide GR-303 information messages to the signal converter (through the ATM interworking multiplexer). The digital remote terminal can also receive an information message and press the calling number towards a called telephone. With these scenarios the ATM interworking multiplexer will not need to exchange DTMF tone with telephones. The signal converter exchanges GR-303 information messages with the digital remote interfaces. The signaling processor will exchange this information with the signal converter, through the SS7 messages and will not need to instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer to exchange DTMF tones with the caller. In an alternative mode, the digital remote interface can be adapted to exchange the DTMF tone and provide a dial tone for the telephones. In this mode, the ATM interworking multiplexer does not need to handle DTMF or dial tone. Establishment and information messages GR-303 can be used to carry dialed numbers between the digital remote interface and the converter. In some modalities, the digital remote interface may use hybrid GR-303 signaling. The hybrid GR-303 signaling uses stolen bit ABCD signaling in a hanging / off-hook situation, for the additional signaling of a channel. In these embodiments, the ATM interworking multiplexer can be adapted to transfer the signaling from the signaling channel and the stolen signaling bits ABCD. The converter can be adapted to convert both into analog SS7 messages. Figures 8 to 12 illustrate several alternative configurations of the invention, but the invention is not limited to these alternatives. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how variations can be combined in different configurations that are all contemplated by the invention. Figure 8 illustrates a broadband system interface 800 which is comprised of an ATM interworking multiplexer 850, links 852 and 854, and a signaling processor 860. A link 852 and connections 830, 832 and 840. These components are configured to operate in the same manner, described above, for the corresponding reference numerals in Figure 3, except that the signaling converter has been incorporated into signaling processor 860. Figure 9 illustrates a broadband system interface 900 which is comprised of an ATM 950 interworking multiplexer, links 952 and 954, signaling processor 960. A link 952 and connections 930, 932 and 940 are also shown.; and links 931, 933 and 942. These components are configured to operate in the same manner, described above, for the corresponding reference numerals in Figure 3, except that the signaling converter has been incorporated into the interworking multiplexer. ATM 950. Figure 10 illustrates a broadband system interface 1000 which is comprised of an ATM interworking multiplexer 1050, a links 1052, 1054 and 1062, a signaling processor 1060 and a signaling converter 1062. Also shown are the connections 1030, 1032 and 1040; and the links 1052, 1054 and 1062. These components are configured to operate in the same manner, described above, for the corresponding reference numerals of Figure 3, except that the resource device 1070 and the connection 1072 have been added. Figure 11 illustrates a broadband system interface 1100 which is comprised of an ATM interworking multiplexer 1150, links 1144, 1152, 1154 and 1164, a signaling processor 1160 and an SS7 converter 1162. Also shown is a link 1132 and connections 1120, 1122, 1142 and 1130. These components are configured to operate in the same manner, described above, for the corresponding reference numerals of Figure 3, except that the ATM 1180 interconnection and the connection 1182. The ATM interconnection 1180 is a conventional ATM interconnect, such as a NEC model 20 interconnect. The ATM interconnect 1180 provides a plurality of VPI / VCI connections previously provided for the ATM interworking multiplexer 1150, over the ATM connection 1182. These VPI / VCI identifiers can be provided previously through the ATM interconnection 1180, towards a plurality of destinations. Examples include switches, servers, enhanced platforms, equipment at the customer's premises and other ATM interworking multiplexers. The addition of interconnection 1180 demonstrates how the selection of the VPI / VCI identifiers performed by the signaling processor on a call-by-call basis allows the 1100 broadband system interface to route calls to selected destinations over connections. selected broadband This is done without the need for an ATM switch. This provides a distinct advantage over systems based on current ATM switches, in terms of cost and control. ATM switches are typically very expensive and control over the switch is relegated to the switch provider. In the invention, the signaling processor exercises control and the signal processor does not need to be purchased from an ATM switch provider.

The ATM Interworking Multiplexer Figure 12 shows one modality of the ATM interworking multiplexer, which is suitable for the present invention, but other ATM interworking multiplexers that support the requirements of the invention, can also be applied. Shown are a control interface 1250, a DSO interface 1255, a digital signal processor 1256, an ATM adaptation layer 1257 and a SONET interface 1258. The SONET interface 1258 accepts ATM cells from the ATM adaptation layer 1240 and transmits them. over connection 1230. Connection 1240 is a synchronous optical network connection (SONET), such as a connection of type OC-3. The control interface 1250 exchanges control messages between the signaling processor, signaling converter and the elements of the ATM interworking multiplexer that go over the link 1252. The DSO 1255 interface accepts signals in the GR-303 format over the links 1231 and 1233 , and connection 1230 and 1232. The DSO interface 1255 has an operation for interconnecting DSO signals in particular to other DSO signals in particular in response to the control instructions. The DSO 1255 interface interconnects the DSO signaling channel. The DSO signal support channel is coupled to the signaling processing system 256 or the ATM adaptation layer 257 in response to the message instructions. In some embodiments, the DSO interface can monitor the ABCD bits from hybrid GR-303 connections and to provide and connect this information to the 120, to transfer to the signaling converter. The DSO 1255 interface provides a reciprocal processing in the opposite direction. For example, signaling messages GR-303 from the signal converter are received from link 1254, are sent to the digital remote interface together with DSO, either from the ATM adaptation layer 1257 or the digital signal processor 1256. The DSO interface 1255 receives the DSO signals and handles them in accordance with the instructions of the signaling processor, received through the control interface 1250. This may include interconnecting DSO signals in particular to other DSO signals in particular, in calls in particular. It may also include connecting to particular DSO signals to certain functions of the digital signal processor 1256 or of the ATM adaptation layer 1257. The digital signal processor 1256 has such an operation as to apply various digital processes to DSO signals, in response to control instructions received through the 1250 control interface. Examples of digital processing include: tone detection, tone transmission, loops, voice detection, voice mail, echo cancellation, compression and encryption. For example, call signaling may instruct the ATM interworking multiplexer to collect a DTMF-dialed number and then apply echo cancellation to the DSO signal before it is converted to ATM. The digital signal processor 1256 is connected to the ATM adaptation layer 1257. As discussed, the DSO signals from the DSO interface 1255 can contour to the digital signal processor 1256 and be directly coupled to the ATM adaptation layer 1257 The ATM adaptation layer 1257 comprises both a convergence sublayer and a segmentation and reassembly layer (SAR). The ATM adaptation layer 1257 has such an operation as to accept the user information in DSO format and convert the information in the DSO format into ATM cells. ATM adaptation layers are already known in the art and information about them is provided in document 1.363 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). An ATM adaptation layer for voice is also described in patent application serial number 08 / 395,745, filed on February 28, 1995, entitled * Cell Processing for Vole Transmission "and therefore, incorporated in this application for your reference. The adaptation layer ATM 1257 obtains the virtual path identifier (VPI) and the virtual channel identifier (VCI) for each call, from the control interface 1250. The ATM adaptation layer 1257 also obtains the identity of the DSO signal of each call (or the DSO signals for a Nx64 call). The ATM adaptation layer 1257 then converts the user information between the identified DSO and the identified ATM virtual connection. They can be sent to the call / connection manager (CCM) if desired, acknowledging that assignments have been implemented. Calls that have a bit ratio that are multiples of 64 Kbits / second are known as Nx64 calls. If desired, the adaptation layer ATM 330 may be able to accept control messages through the control interface 1250 in the Nx64 calls. The signaling processor may instruct the ATM adaptation layer 1257 to coil the DSO signals in the call. As discussed above, the multiplexer also handles calls in the opposite direction, from the SONET 1258 interface to the DSO 1255 interface. For these communications, the VPI / VCI identifier must already have been selected and the communications routed through the interconnection. As a result, the ATM adaptation layer 1257 needs only to identify the DSO, for the particular VPI / VCI identifier. The signaling processor can provide this assignment, through the control interface 1250, to the ATM adaptation layer 1257. A technique for processing VPI / VCI identifiers is discovered in the patent application with serial number 08 / 653,852 , filed on May 28, 1996, entitled * Tel ecommuni ca ti ons System whi th a Connecti on Processing Systepf ', and therefore, incorporated in this application, for your reference. DSO connections are bidirectional and ATM connections are typically unidirectional. As a result, two virtual connections in opposite directions will typically be required for each DSO. As discussed above this can be done by providing the interconnection with an accompanying VPI / VCI identifier, in the opposite direction of the original leader. In each call, the multiplexers can be configured to automatically evoke the accompanying VPI / VCI identifier in particular, to provide a bidirectional virtual connection that matches the bidirectional DSO in the call.

The Signaling Processor The signaling processor is referred to as a call / connection manager (CCM), and it receives and processes telecommunications call signaling and control messages to select connections that establish communication paths for calls. In the preferred mode, the call / connection manager (CCM) processes signaling of type SS7 to select connections for a call. The CCM processing is described in the United States Patent Application with legal file number 1148, which is entitled * Tel ecommuni ca ti on System ", which is assigned to the same assignee as this patent application and which is incorporated herein for In addition to selecting connections, the call / connection manager (CCM) performs many other functions within the context of the processing of a call, which can not only control the routing and selection of the calls in question, but also can validate callers, control echo cancellers, generate billing information, invoke smart network functions, access remote databases, manage traffic and balance network loads.Any expert in the art will appreciate how the call / connection manager ( CCM) described above, can be adapted to operate in the above modalities.

Figure 14 illustrates a version of the call / connection manager (CCM). Other versions are also contemplated. In the embodiment of Figure 14 the call / connection manager (CCM) 1400 controls an ATM interworking multiplexer (mux) that performs the interworking of the DSO signals and the VPI / VCI identifiers. However, the call / connection manager (CCM) can control other communication devices and connections, in other modes. The call / connection manager 1400 comprises the signaling platform 1410, the control platform 1420 and the application platform 1430. Each of the platforms 1410, 1420 and 1430 is coupled to the other platforms. The signaling platform 1410 is externally coupled to the SS7 systems, in particular to the systems having a message transfer part (MTP), an ISDN user part (ISUP), a signaling connection control part (SCCP) , an application part for intelligent network (INAP) and an application part for transaction capacity (TCAP). The control platform 1420 is externally coupled to a multi-spindle controller, an echo controller, a resource controller, billing and operations. The signaling platform 1410 comprises the message transfer part (MTP) 1 to 3 levels, ISUP, TCAP, SCCP, INAP and TCAP functionalities and has such an operation, for transmitting and receiving SS7 messages. The functionalities of ISUP, TCAP, SCCP, INAP and TCAP use the message transfer part (MTP) to transmit SS7 messages. Overall, this functionality is referred to as an 'SS7 stack' and is already known.The software or software required by any person skilled in the art, for configuring an SS7 stack, is commercially available from Trilli um Company, for example. The control platform 1420 is comprised of several external interfaces, including a multiplexing interface, an echo interface, a resource control interface, a billing interface and an operations interface.The multiplexing interface exchanges messages with at least a multiplexer, these messages understand the assignments of DSO signals to VPI / VCI identifiers, acknowledgments and situation information.The echo control interface, exchanges messages with the echo control systems.The messages exchanged with the control systems of echo, may include instructions that enable or disable echo cancellation in DSO digital signals, acknowledgments and situation information. The resource control interface exchanges messages with external resources. Examples of such resources are devices that implement continuity checking, encryption, compression detection / transmission of tones, voice detection and voice mails. The messages exchanged with the resources are instructions to apply the resource to DSO digital signals, acknowledgments and situation information, in particular. For example, a message can instruct a continuity check facility, provide a loop, or send and detect a tone for a continuity test. The billing interface transfers the relevant billing information to the billing system, the typical billing information includes the parties making the call, time points of the call and any special features that are applied to the call. The operations interface allows configuration and control of the call / connection manager 1400. Any person skilled in the art will appreciate, how to produce the software or software for the interfaces of the control platform 1420. The application platform 1430 has functions to process the signaling information from the signaling platform 1410, in order to select connections. The identity of the selected connections is provided to the control platform 1420, for the multiplexing interface. Application platform 1430 is responsible for validation, routing translation, call control, exceptions, screening and error handling. In addition to providing the control requirements for the multiplexer, the application platform 1430 also provides requirements for echo control and resource control, towards the appropriate interface of the control platform 1420. In addition, the application platform 1430 generates the information signaling to be transmitted by means of signaling platform 1410. The signaling information may be ISUP, INAP or TCAP messages for external network elements. The relevant information for each call is stored in a call control block (CCB) for each call. The call control block (CCB) can be used to track and bill the call. Application platform 1430 operates in accordance with the Basic Telephone Communication Model (BCM), defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). An example of the Basic Telephone Communication Model (BCM) is created to handle each call. The Model of a Basic Telephone Communication (BCM) includes a process of origin and a process of destination. The application platform 1430 includes a service switching process (SSF) which is used to invoke the service control function (SCF). Typically, the service switching process (SSF) is consulted with TCAP or INAP messages. The originating and destination processes will have access to remote databases with the intelligent network (IN) functionality, through the service switching process (SSF) function. The software or software requirements for the 1430 application platform can be produced in the description and specification language (SDL), defined in the ITU-T Z.100 document. The description and specification language (SDL) can be converted to C code. Additional coding of C and C ++ can be added, as required to establish the environment. The call / connection manager 1400 may comprise of the software or software described above, loaded on a computer. The computer can be a computer FT-Sparc 600 of In tegra ted Mi cro Products (IMP), which uses the Solaris operating system and conventional database systems. It may be desirable to use the multitreatment capability of an operating system Unix From Figure 14, it can be seen that the application platform 1430 processes the signaling information to control numerous systems and facilitates the connections and call services. The signaling of type SS7 is exchanged with external components through the signaling platform 1410, and the control information is exchanged with external systems through the control platform 1420. Advantageously, the call / connection manager 1400 is not integrated to the central processing unit (CPU) switch that is coupled to a switch matrix. Unlike the service control point (SCP), the call / connection manager 1400 is capable of processing ISUP messages, independently of the TCAP queries.

SS7 Messaging Designations The SS7 messages are already known. The designations for several SS7 messages are commonly used. Those skilled in the art are familiar to the following message designations: ACM - Terminated Address Message ANM - BLO Response Message - BLA Blocking - CPG Blocking Acknowledgment - CRG Call Progression - CGB Information Load - CGBA Circuit Group Blocking - Block Group Acknowledgment GRS - Reinitialization of Circuit Group GRA - Group Reinitialization Acknowledgment CGU Circuits - CGUA Circuit Group Unlocking - Group Unblocking Acknowledgment CQM Circuits - CQR Circuit Group Query - Group Query Response from CRM Circuits - Circuit Reservation Message CRA - CVT Circuit Reservation Acknowledgment - CVR Circuit Validation Test - Circuit Validation Response CFN - Confusion COT - Continuity CCR - Request for Verification of Continuity EXM - INF Output Message - INR Information - IAN Information Request - LPA Initial Address - PAM Loop Acknowledge - Pass REL Length - RLC Release - RSC Terminated Release - RES Circuit Reset - Resume SUS - UBL Suspension - Unblocking UBA - UCIC Unblocking Acknowledgment - Unsupervised Circuit Identification Code Message Call Manager / Connection (CCM) Tables Call Processing typically involves two aspects. First, an incoming or * originating connection "is recognized by means of an originating call process, for example, the initial connection that a call uses to enter a network is the originating connection in that network. Outgoing connection or destination "is selected by means of a destination call process. For example, the destination connection is coupled to the originating 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 destination side of the call. Figure 14 shows the data structure used by the application platform 1330, to execute the Basic Telephone Communication Model (BCM). This is done through a series of tables that point to one another in several ways. The pointers are typically comprised of following function designations and next index. The following function points to the next table and the next index points to an income or income range in this table. The data structure has a switchboard table 1400, a table of switchboard groups 1402, an exception table 504, an automatic number identification table (ANI) 1506, a number table called 1408 and a routing table 1410. The circuit board of control panels 1400 contains information related to the connections. Typically, the connections are DSO or ATM connections. Initially the circuit board of exchanges 1400 is used to retrieve information about the origin connection. After, the table is used to retrieve information about the destination connection. When the origin connection is being processed, the number of control panel groups in the plant circuit table 1400 points to the group of control panels applicable to the origin connection in the group of control panels table 1402. The group table of Central 1402 contains information related to the groups of originating and destination exchanges. When the source connection is being processed, the group of control panels table 1402 provides the relevant information to the group of exchanges of the originating connection and typically points to the exception table 1404. The exception table 1404 is used to identify various conditions of exception related to the call that may influence the routing or other type of call administration. Typically, the exception table 1404 points to the ANI table 1406. However, the exception table 1404 may point directly to the table of panel groups 1402, the number table named 1408, or the routing table 1410. The ANI table 1406 is used to identify any special feature, related to the caller's number. The caller number is commonly known as automatic number identification (ANI). The ANI table 1406 typically points to the number table named 1408. However, the ANI table 1406 can point directly to the table of panel groups 1402 or routing table 1410. The table number called 1408 is used to identify the Routing requirements based on the called number. This will be the case for standard telephone calls. The number table called 1408 typically points to routing table 1410.

However, it can point to the table of group of exchanges 1402. The routing table 1410 has information related to the routing of the call in several connections. The routing table 1410 is input from a pointer in either the exception table 1404, ANI table 1406 or in the number table named 1408. The routing table 1410 typically points to a group of exchanges in the table of groups of 1402. When the exception table 1404, the ANI table 1406, the called number table 1408 or the routing table 1410 point to the table of group of exchanges 1402, they effectively select the group of destination exchanges. When the destination connection is being processed, the number of groups of exchanges within the table of group of exchanges 1402, points to the group of exchanges that contains the applicable destination connection that is inside the table of groups of exchanges 1402 The destination exchange circuit is used to extend the call, the exchange circuit is typically a virtual path identifier / virtual channel identifier (VPI / VCI) or a digital level zero signal (DSO). Thus, it can be seen that when migrating through the tables, it can be selected for a call, a destination connection. Figure 15 is a transcript of Figure 14. The tables of Figure 14 are present, but for purposes of clarity, their pointers have been omitted. Figure 15 illustrates the additional tables that can be accessed, from the tables in Figure 14. These include a CCM 1500 identification table, a treatment table 1504, a query / response table 1506 and a message table 1508. The CCM 1500 identification table contains several SS7 CCM point codes. This can be accessed from the central group table 1402 and points back to the central group table 1402. The treatment table 1504 identifies several special actions to be taken in the course of call processing. This will typically result in the transmission of a release message (REL) and a cause value. The treatment table 1504 can be accessed from the power plant circuit board 1400, the power station table 1402, the exception table 1404, the ANI table 1406, the called number table 1408, the routing table 1410 and the treatment table 1504. The query / response table 1506 has information used to request the service control function (SCF). This can be accessed by means of the table of panel groups 1402, the table of exception 1404, table 7? NI 1406, the table of number called 1408 and the routing table 1410. This, points to the table of groups of 1402, exception table 1404, ANI table 1406, number table 1408, routing table 1410, and treatment table 1504. Message table 1508 is used to provide functions for messages from the exchange side. destination of the call. This can be accessed by means of the table of groups of exchanges 1402 and points to the table of groups of exchanges 1402. Figures 16-23 illustrate examples of the different table, described above. Figure 17 shows an example of the central circuit board. Initially, the central circuit board is used to access the information about the source circuit. Later in the process, it is used to provide the information about the destination circuit. In the origin circuit processing, the associated point code is used to enter the table. This is the point code of the switch or call / connection manager (CCM) associated with the source circuit. The table also contains the circuit identification code (CIC). The circuit identification code (CIC) identifies the circuit, which is typically a DSO or a VPI / VCI. If the circuit is ATM, then the virtual path (VP) and the virtual channel (VC) can also be used for identification. The number of group members is a numeric code, which is used for the selection of the destination circuit. The hardware or hardware identifier identifies the location of the hardware or hardware that is associated with the source circuit. The echo canceling identification (EC) entry identifies the echo canceller for the source circuit. The leftover fields are dynamic, since they are filled during the processing of the call. The echo control input is filled based on three signaling message fields: The echo suppressor indicator in the IAM or CRM, the echo control device indicator in the ACM or CPM and the transfer capacity of information in the IAM. This information is used to determine if echo control is required on the call. The satellite indicator is filled with the satellite indicator in the IAM or CRM. This can be used to reject a call if many satellites are being used. The circuit situation indicates if a given circuit is at rest, blocked or not blocked. The circuit status indicates the current circuit status, for example, active or in transition the date / time indicates when the idle circuit was at rest. Figure 17 illustrates an example of the table of panel groups. During the origin processing, the number of groups of exchanges from the plant circuit table is used to access the plant table. The flash resolution indicates how a flash situation should be resolved. The flash is a double shot of the same circuit. If the flash resolution input is set to 'par / non', the element of the network with the highest point code controls the even circuits and element of the network with the lowest point code controls the odd circuits If the entry of the flash resolution is set to 'all', the call / connection manager (CCM) controls all the circuits. If the flash resolution entry is set to 'none', the call / connection manager (CCM) produces it.The continuity control entry lists the percentage of calls that require continuity testing in the group of exchanges. The common language location identifier (CLLI) entry is a standardized Bell core entry The group entry of satellite-based exchanges indicates that the group of exchanges uses a satellite The group entry of stations in satellite is used in conjunction with the field of the satellite indicator described above, to determine if the call has used too many satellite connections and, consequently, must be rejected The service indicator indicates whether the incoming message comes from a call / connection manager (CCM) (ATM) ) or a switch (TDM) The ambient message index (OMI) points to the message table in such a way that outgoing messages can obtain parameters. The entry of the associated number planning area (NPA) identifies the area code. The selection sequence indicates the methodology that will be used to select a connection. The designations of the selection sequence field inform the group of stations to select circuits based on the following: Less rest, more rest, ascending, descending, clockwise and counter-clockwise. clock . The jump counter is decremented from the AMI. If the jump counter is at zero, then the call is released. The active automatic congestion control (ACC) indicates whether the congestion control is active or not. If automatic congestion control is active, then the call / connection manager (CCM) can release the call. During the completion process, the index and the following function are used to enter the circuit board of exchanges. Figure 18 illustrates an example of the exception table. The index is used as a pointer, to enter the table. The carrier selection identification (ID) parameter indicates how the caller arrived at the network and is used to route certain types of calls. The following is used by this field: spare or no indication, selected carrier identification code presubscribed and entered by the calling party, selected carrier identification code presubscribed and not entered by the calling party, carrier identification code selected Presubscribed and without indication of being entered by the calling party and the selected carrier identification code not presubscribed and entered by the calling party. The carrier identification (ID) indicates the network that the caller wants to use. This is used to route calls directly to the desired network. The nature of the called party's address number is differentiated between 0+ calls, 1+ calls, test calls and international calls. For example, international calls can be routed to a previously selected international carrier company. The 'digits from' and 'digits towards' from the called party focus on a single additional processing, towards a defined range of called numbers. The field 'digits from' is a decimal number that is within a range of 1 to 14 digits.It can be of any length and if it is filled with less than 14 digits, it will be filled with zeros in the remaining digits. 'digits to' is a decimal number that is within a range of 1 to 14 digits. This can be of any length and if it is filled with less than 14 digits, it will be filled with new ones in the remaining digits. The following index and next function entries point to the following table, which is typically an ANI table.

Figure 19 illustrates an example of the ANI table. The index is used to enter the fields in the table. The calling party category differs from the calling party types, for example, test calls, emergency calls and common calls. The nature of the income of the charge / caller's address number indicates how the ANI should be obtained. The following is the filling of the table that is used in this field: unknown, unique subscriber numbers, ANI not available or not provided, unique national number, ANI of the called party included, ANI of the called party not included, ANI of the Part call includes national number, non-unique subscriber number, non-unique national number, non-unique international number, test line test line and all other parameter values.

The 'digits from' and 'digits towards' focus on a single additional processing, towards ANI within a given range. The data entry indicates whether the ANI represents a data device that does not need echo control. Line and origin (OLI) information differentiates between ordinary subscriber, multiple-party line, ANI failure, station-level classification, special-operator handling, outward dialing, automatic identification, coin-operated, or coin-less, using an access based in data, service call 800/888, with coins, prison service / inspected call handled by operator (blank, by irregular and normal problem) intercept outgoing broad area telecommunications service, telecommunications relay service (TRS) , cellular services, private payment station and access to private virtual network type services. The following function and the index point to the next table, which is typically the called number table. Figure 20 illustrates an example of the called number table. The index is used to enter the table. The nature of the called number of the address's income indicates the type of dialed number, for example national versus international. The 'digits from' and 'digits towards' focus on a single additional processing, towards a range of called numbers. The processing follows the logic of processing the fields 'digits from' and 'digits towards' that are in Figure 18. The following function and the next index point to the next table, which is typically the routing table. Figure 21 shows an example of the routing table. The index is used to enter the table. The transit network selection (ID) network identification (ID) plan indicates the number of digits to be used in the circuit identification code (CIC). The fields 'digits from' and 'digits towards' of the transit network selection define the range of numbers, to identify an international carrier company. The circuit code indicates that an operator is needed on the call. The following function and next index entries that are in the routing table are used to identify a group of exchanges. The second and third function / index entries below define alternative routes. The third following function entry can also point back to another set of following functions in the routing table, with the aim of expanding the number of alternative route options. The only different income that is allowed, are the pointers that go to the treatment table. If the routing table points to the table of group of exchanges, then the table of group of exchanges typically points to a circuit of exchanges of the table of circuits of exchanges. The output from the circuit board of exchanges is the destination connection of the call. It can be seen from Figures 16-21 that the tables can be configured to relate to each other in such a way that the call processes can enter the circuit board of exchanges for the origin connection and can pass through them. the tables by entering information and using the pointers. The production of the tables is typically a destination connection, identified by means of the circuit board of plants. In certain cases, a treatment is specified by means of a treatment table, instead of a connection. If a group of exchanges can be selected, at any point during processing, the process can proceed directly to the table of groups of exchanges to complete the circuit selection. For example, it may be desirable to route calls from a particular ANI, over a set of groups of particular exchanges. In this case the ANI table can point directly to the table of group of exchanges and the table of groups of exchanges can point to a circuit board of exchanges for a termination circuit. The default path that goes through the tables is: circuit of exchanges, groups of exchanges, exception, ANI, called number, routing, groups of exchanges and circuit of exchanges. Figure 22 illustrates an example of the treatment table. Both the index and the cause number received from the message are filled and used to enter the table. If the index is filled and used to enter the table, the cause value, coding rule and general location indicator are used to generate a REL SS7 release. The received value of message cause value is the cause value in a received SS7 message. If the message received cause value is filled and used to enter the table, then the cause value from this message is used in a REL release from the call / connection manager (CCM). The following function and the following index point to the following table. Figure 24 illustrates an example of the message table. This table allows the call / connection manager (CCM) to alter the information in outgoing messages. The type of message is used to enter the table and represents the outgoing SS7 standard message type. The parameter is the relevant parameter that is inside the outgoing SS7 message. The indexes point to several entries in the table of groups of exchanges and determine if the parameters can remain unchanged, be omitted or modified in outgoing messages. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from the specific embodiments, discovered above, are contemplated by the invention. The invention should not be restricted by the above embodiments, but should be measured by the field and meaning of the following claims. It is noted that, with regard to this date, the best method known by the requested, to carry out the present invention, is that which is clear from the present, discovering the invention. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (11)

2. A telecommunications system, to be used between an asynchronous system and a GR-303 system for telecommunications calls, the telecommunications system, characterized in that it comprises: a signaling processing system, configured to process call signaling from a GR-303 system and from an asynchronous system, to select at least one GR-303 connection and an asynchronous identifier for each call and to provide control messages identifying the selected connections and identifiers; and a support interface, configured to receive the control messages from the signaling processing system and to interwork the call connections between the GR-303 system and the asynchronous system, using the selected connections and the identifiers, on the basis of the control messages.
3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the asynchronous system comprises a system in asynchronous transfer mode and wherein the identifiers comprise connections in asynchronous transfer mode.
4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling processing system is configured to process initial address messages, to select the connections and identifiers.
5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling processing system comprises a signaling converter and a signaling processor.
6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a resource device, coupled to the support interface and configured to detect DTMF tones.
7. A method for operating a telecommunications system, for telecommunication calls between an asynchronous system and a GR-303 system, the method characterized in that it comprises: receiving call signaling in a signaling processing system, from the GR-303 system and the asynchronous system; in the signaling processing system, process the call signaling from the GR-303 system and the asynchronous system, to select at least one GR-303 connection and an asynchronous identifier, for each call; provide control messages that identify the selected connections and identifiers, from the signaling processing system, to a support interface; and in the support interface, interworking call communications between the GR-303 system and the asynchronous system, using the connections and selected identifiers, based on the control messages. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the asynchronous system comprises a system in asynchronous transfer mode and wherein the identifiers comprise connections in asynchronous transfer mode.
8. 8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing of the call signaling in the signaling processing system comprises processing initial address messages.
9. 9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the processing of the call signaling in the signaling processing system comprises converting the call signaling from the GR-303 system.
10. 10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that it also comprises detecting DTMF tones in a resource device, coupled to the support interface.
11. 11. A signaling processing system for telecommunications calls, between an asynchronous system and a GR-303 system, the system characterized because it comprises: signaling means for receiving call signaling from the GR-303 system and the asynchronous system; application means, for processing the call signaling, from the GR-303 system and the synchronous system to select at least one GR-303 connection and an identifier for each call; Y control means, to provide control messages identifying the selected connections and identifiers, for a support interface. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the asynchronous system comprises a system in asynchronous transfer mode and the asynchronous identifiers comprise connections in asynchronous transfer mode. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the application means are for processing initial address messages, to select the connections and identifiers. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises, to a conversion means, to convert the call signaling from the GR-303 system.