WO1999009709A1

WO1999009709A1 - Remotely accessible telecommunications switching system

Info

Publication number: WO1999009709A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/015742
Authority: WO
Inventors: R. Keith Stephenson; Steve M. Pullen; David L. Hill
Original assignee: Alcatel Usa Sourcing, L.P.
Priority date: 1997-08-19
Filing date: 1998-07-30
Publication date: 1999-02-25
Also published as: TW380340B; AU8669798A; AR016830A1

Abstract

A remotely accessible communication switching system (10) includes a delivery unit (12) to provide call information interfaces to and from wire line and wireless communication devices. A service unit (14) provides centralized maintenance for the delivery unit (12) under its control. The service unit (14) also provides access to operation information through a port (15). A first communication path (16, 18) is coupled to both the delivery unit (12) and the service unit (14). A remote terminal (30, 32, 34) receives operation information from the port (15) of the service unit (14).

Description

REMOTELY ACCESSIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SWITCHING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to telecommunications systems and more particularly to a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The trend in telecommunication systems of today is toward increased mobility, as evident in the cellular environment where nearly ninety percent of new cellular phone sales are portable units. The switching systems that handle the resulting call traffic may be distributed throughout the area covered by the cellular receivers. Telecommunication subscribers are demanding portable phones that are functional over a larger area. This trend tends to decrease the centralization of switching systems. Each switching system may require periodic maintenance of both hardware and software components resulting in possible interruptions in service. Even if a redundant system can temporarily cover for an interruption, repair of hardware or debugging of software needs to occur quickly. The implementation of a new service may necessitate software changes within each switching system.

However, presently discussed distributed switching systems are dependent upon conventional local access for maintenance, repair, and development. These conventional systems require that an engineer or developer travel to the system or have someone physically located at the switching system. As switching systems multiply and decentralize, travel requirements for maintenance, repair, and development increase. Therefore, it is desirable to have a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system that can provide access for centrally located personnel to distributed switching systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system that can be maintained and repaired from a centralized facility. A need has also arisen for a specific application of a communications network in the form of remotely accessible telecommunications switching system that can adopt improvements without local interaction. Further, it is beneficial for a telecommunications switching system that can be evaluated from a central location. Additionally, the switching system must be secure from unauthorized access.

In accordance with the present invention, a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system is provided which substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with conventional telecommunication systems.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system that includes a delivery unit to provide call information interfaces to and from wire line and wireless communication devices. A service unit provides centralized maintenance for the delivery unit under its control. The service units also provides access to operation information through a port. A first communication path is coupled to both the delivery unit and the service unit. A remote terminal receives operation information from the port of the service unit.

The remotely accessible telecommunications switching system of the present invention provides various technical advantages over conventional telecommunication systems. For example, one technical advantage is facilitating hardware and software maintenance of switching systems. Another technical advantage is in reducing the need for travel by engineers and technicians. Yet another technical advantage is in reducing the downtime of an interrupted system. Still another technical advantage is in having secure access capabilities. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system according to the teachings of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system according to the teachings of the present invention; and FIGURE 5 is a dataflow diagram of an automated software administration and maintenance system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10 according to the teachings of the present invention. This system can be a part of a larger distributed telecommunications switching system shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,495,484, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10 includes a delivery unit subsystem 12 that provides the message transport mechanism for call information. Remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10 also includes a service unit subsystem 14 that provides control and management functions on an advanced intelligent network

(AIN) service platform using information network architecture (INA) software design principles, for example. Delivery unit subsystem 12 operates under the control and direction of service unit subsystem 14. Service unit subsystem 14 can support multiple types of delivery unit subsystems 12 that can provide multiple services including broadband, video, conventional telephone, and personal communications services. Service unit subsystem 14 and delivery unit subsystem 12 may be geographically proximate within a single area or geographically separate while maintaining the switching function performed. Service unit subsystem 14 and delivery unit subsystems

12 may communicate with one another through a call processing ethernet link 16 and an administration ethernet link 18. A first ethernet link processor (ELP) 17 and a second ethernet link processor 19 couple service unit subsystem 14 to the ethernet links 16 and 18. A first ethernet controller (ENC) 21 and a second ethernet controller 23 couple delivery unit subsystem 12 to ethernet links 16 and 18, respectively. Call information is transported between delivery unit subsystem 12 and service unit subsystem 14 on call processing ethernet link 16.

Service unit subsystem 14 is also coupled to delivery unit subsystem 12 by channels 22. Channels 22 include dedicated, redundant channels for monitoring and resetting delivery unit subsystem 12. Channels 22 are coupled to a VICP serial communication controller 20 in service unit subsystem 12. A software application process controls channels 22.

Service unit subsystem 14 is remotely accessible through a serial port 15 coupled to a modem 26. A man- machine interface (MMI) 34, which includes a terminal, is coupled to modem 26. Through man-machine interface 34 a user may access operation information from switching system 10 via modem 26 and serial port 15. Service unit subsystem 14 and delivery unit subsystem

12 are also remotely accessible through administration ethernet link 18. A serial-to-ethernet controller 24 is coupled to administration ethernet link 18. Up to a predetermined number of modems e.g., sixteen, may be coupled to serial-to-ethernet controller 24.

A customer access box (CAB) 28 may be coupled to a modem 26 coupled to serial-to-ethernet controller 24 to provide software updates to service unit subsystem 14 or delivery unit subsystem 12. Discussions associated with FIGURE 5 below describes the use of customer access box 28 as a remote storage device.

An X-Windows terminal (X-term) 30 may also be coupled to ethernet link 18 through to a modem 26. Graphical data can be sent from the service unit subsystem 14 to the X-Windows terminal's 30 graphical user interface (GUI). Software processes executing on service unit subsystem 14 may control what types of operational information can be displayed and accessed. A user may use X-Windows terminal 30 to debug and trace software execution during development of service unit subsystem 14. Two tiers of debugging and tracing data are available on X-Windows terminal 30. The first tier of data may include call processing data. Such data may include, for example, the number of calls being handled per second or the usage of various trunks for call information transmission. The first tier may also include an event log listing specified events that occur during the operation of the delivery unit subsystem 12 and the service unit subsystem 14. The first tier may further include traffic metering and measurement (TMM) data. The second tier of data may include trace data display through a trigger. This type of data have more detail and may be gathered and reported in a logical way. Such trace data may include process-specific information, information regarding specific variable values during a process, and information specific to certain physical transmission media. For example, a trace could be specified to return data regarding calls transmitted through a certain trunk. X-Windows terminal 30 may display these types of data to assist in the repair, evaluation, maintenance, or further development of software in the remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10.

A terminal with signal transfer point network information problem reporter (SNIPR) interface 32 may also be coupled to modem 26 and to ethernet link 18. The terminal with SNIPR interface 34 receives binary data from service unit subsystem 14 for use in evaluating delivery unit subsystem 12 and service unit subsystem 14. Limiting operation data to the firewalled administration ethernet link 18 increases the security of remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10. A man-machine interface 34 may also be coupled to modem 26, which is coupled to serial-to-ethernet controller 24. FIGURE 2 illustrates a block diagram of a second embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10 according to the teachings of the present invention. This embodiment of the invention includes a delivery unit subsystem 12, a service unit subsystem 14, ethernet links 16 and 18, ethernet link processors 17 and 19, ethernet controllers 21 and 23, a VICP serial communication controller 20, and channels 22 arranged together as described above. In addition, delivery unit subsystem 12 is coupled to a standard CAMP SNIPR interface 25 and a CAMP debug interface 29 at CAMP serial ports 38. Additional serial ports 36 in service unit subsystem 14 are coupled to interfaces 25 and 29. Software executing in service unit subsystem receives data from the additional serial ports 36 and makes it available to serial port 15.

Service unit subsystem 14 is remotely accessible by a modem 26 through serial port 15. As described above, X-term 30 and man-machine interface terminals 34 may be coupled to modem 26. A SNIPR 32 terminal may be coupled to modem 26 and receives information from the delivery unit subsystem 12 through standard CAMP SNIPR interface 25 and CAMP debug interface 29.

A customer access box (CAB) 28 may also be coupled to modem 26 to provide software updates to service unit subsystem 14 or delivery unit subsystem 12.

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10 according to the teachings of the present invention. This embodiment of the invention includes a delivery unit subsystem 12, a service unit subsystem 14, ethernet links 16 and 18, ethernet link processors 17 and 19, ethernet controllers 21 and 23, a VICP serial communication controller 20, and channels 22 arranged together as described above. A modem 26 is coupled to a serial port 15 through a serial port interface 40. A standard CAMP SNIPR interface 25, and a CAMP debug interface 29 are coupled between serial port interface and CAMP serial ports 38 in delivery unit subsystem 12. Serial port interface 40 may present a menu to a user that allows the user to choose the serial port to which the user will be connected. Serial port interface 40 may utilize a small packet switch network to maintain the connection chosen. Through modem 26 and serial port interface 40, the CAB 26, X-term 30, MMI 34, or SNIPR 32 may receive or send operation information to perform maintenance, repair, or evaluation in a secure manner. A serial-to-ethernet controller 24 may also couple ethernet link 18 to serial port interface 40. FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10 according to the teachings of the present invention. This embodiment of the invention includes a delivery unit subsystem 12, a service unit subsystem 14, ethernet links 16 and 18, ethernet link processors 17 and 19, ethernet controllers 21 and 23, a VICP serial communication controller 20, and channels 22 arranged together as described above.

A serial-to-ethernet controller 24 is coupled to administration ethernet link 18. As shown in FIGURE 1, a modem 26 may be coupled to serial-to-ethernet controller 24 and access both delivery unit subsystem 12 and service unit subsystem 14. A man-machine interface terminal 34 or an X-term 30 may be coupled to the modem for use as described above. A custom access box 28 may be coupled to a modem 26 to provide software updates to service unit subsystem 14 and/or delivery unit subsystem 12.

Modems 26 can also connect directly to standard CAMP SNIPR interface 25 and CAMP debug interface 27 which are coupled to CAMP serial ports 38. A SNIPR terminal 32 may be coupled to standard CAMP SNIPR interface 25 through a modem 26. A man-machine interface may also be coupled to CAMP debug interface 27 through a modem 26. Service unit subsystem 14 is remotely accessible through a serial port 15 coupled to a modem 26. A man-machine interface 34 may be coupled to a modem 26 and access operation information from serial port 15.

FIGURE 5 is a dataflow diagram of an automated software administration and maintenance system constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Connecting delivery unit subsystem 12 and service unit subsystem 14 to customer access box 28 allows software updates as necessary without high costs. A software release library (SRL) 56 initially receives the software. A customer access release library (CARL) 54 pulls the necessary software from software release library 56 and sends the software release to customer access box 28. Customer access box 28 may use a connection shown in FIGURES 1-4 to service unit subsystem 14 and a Unix-to-Unix copy program (UUCP) 50 to forward the software release to service unit subsystem 14 upon request. Service unit subsystem 14 can check for new available software periodically. Alternatively, customer access box 28 may use a Unix-to-Unix copy program 50 to send the software release to a customer services computer access network (CSCANS) 52 from which service unit subsystem 14 can obtain the software. A software release to be used by delivery unit subsystem 12 may be downloaded via administration ethernet link 18. The automatic updating of software improves maintenance and repair of remotely accessible telecommunications switching system 10.

In summary, a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system includes a delivery unit to provide call information interfaces to and from wire line and wireless communication devices. A service unit provides centralized maintenance for the delivery unit under its control. The service units also provides access to operation information through a port. A first communication path is coupled to both the delivery unit and the service unit. A remote terminal receives operation information from the port of the service unit. The remote terminal can use the operation information to maintain, repair and evaluate the delivery and service units in a secure manner.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a remotely accessible telecommunications switching system that satisfies the advantages set forth above. Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A remotely accessible telecommunications switching system, comprising: a delivery unit for providing call information interfaces; a first communication path coupled to said delivery unit; a service unit for providing at least maintenance functions for said delivery unit, said service unit coupled to said first communication path, said service unit having a first set of operation information and a first port with access to said first set of operation information; a remote terminal coupled to said first port for receiving said first set of operation information.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first port is coupled to said remote terminal through at least said first communication path.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said delivery unit includes a second set of operation information and said remote terminal receives said second set of operation information via said first communication path.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said first communication path includes an ethernet link.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a serial-to-ethernet controller coupled to said first communication path and said remote terminal.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a plurality of remote terminals coupled to said serial-to-ethernet controller.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second communication path coupling said remote terminal to said first port.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said first port is a serial port.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said delivery unit includes a second set of operation information and said remote terminal receives said second set of operation information through said first port.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said delivery unit includes a second port coupled to said service unit for providing said second set of operation information to said first port.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a serial port interface for controlling port access coupled to said remote terminal and said first port.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said delivery unit includes a second port, said second port is a serial port coupled to said serial port interface.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said serial port interface actively couples said remote terminal to either said first port or said second port.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein said first communication path includes an ethernet link and said first port is coupled to said remote terminal via at least said first communication path.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a serial-to-ethernet controller coupled to said first communication path and said serial port interface.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said first set of operation information includes call processing data.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein said first set of operation information includes debugging information.

18. A remotely updated telecommunications switching system, comprising: a delivery unit for providing call information interfaces; a first communication path coupled to said delivery unit; a service unit for providing at least maintenance functions for said delivery unit, said service unit coupled to said first communication path, said service unit having operation information and a first port with access to said operation information; a remote storage device coupled to said first port for updating said operation information.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a software release library coupled to said remote storage device for providing updated operation information.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said operation information is a software program.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein said service unit is configured for periodically checking said remote storage device for updated operation information.