US5825780A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method, system and apparatus for telecommunications control
Assignee: Sprint Communications Co LP
•
Filing: 1995-12-07
•
Granted: 1998-10-20
•
Expires: 2015-12-07
Abstract
Abstract The present invention includes a method, system, and apparatus for providing communication control. The invention includes a method in which signaling is processed externally to a switch before it is applied by the network elements. The processor is able to select network characteristics and signal the network elements based the selections. A network employing the processing method is also included, as well as a signaling system that employs the processing method.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Michael Christie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 00:58
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L45/00; H04J; H04J3/00; H04J3/02; H04J3/12; H04J3/125; H04J3/24; H04J3/247; H04L49/00; H04L49/25; H04L49/253; H04L49/255; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04; H04Q11/0428; H04Q11/0478; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04Q3/0025; H04Q3/0029; H04Q3/42; H04Q3/54; H04Q3/545; H04Q3/54541; H04Q3/54566; H04L12/00; H04L12/54; H04L12/56; H04L12/5601; H04L2012/5603; H04L2012/5609; H04L2012/561; H04L2012/5629; H04L2012/563; H04L2012/5672; H04L49/20; H04L49/30; H04L49/3009; H04L49/50; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/13102; H04Q2213/13104; H04Q2213/13141; H04Q2213/13167; H04Q2213/13176; H04Q2213/13204; H04Q2213/13209; H04Q2213/1329; H04Q2213/13296; H04Q2213/13349; H04Q2213/1338; H04Q2213/13389; H04Q2213/13399; H04Q2213/13527
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 126
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message from a telecommunications user into a signaling processor that is located externally to any network elements that are switches; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select at least one characteristic for a communications path for the telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the at least one selected characteristic; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element has not received and did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message from a telecommunications user into a signaling processor that is located externally to any network elements that are switches; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select at least one characteristic for a communications path for the telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the at least one selected characteristic; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element has not received and did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 (SS7 ) Initial Address Message (IAM).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving a telecommunications signaling message in broadband format.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a point code in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a circuit identification code in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a message type in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a dialed number in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on set-up information in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving network status information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the network status information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving network loading information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a connection status.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an error condition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 9 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an alarm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving operational control information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the operational control information.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15 wherein receiving the operational control information comprises receiving an instruction not to select a particular network element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein generating the new telecommunications signaling message comprises generating a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein generating the new telecommunications signaling message comprises generating the signaling message in a broadband format.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message from a telecommunications user into a signaling processor that is not directly coupled to a switch matrix in any network elements; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select a connection for a communications path for the telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the selected connection; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message from a telecommunications user into a signaling processor that is not directly coupled to a switch matrix in any network elements; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select a connection for a communications path for the telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the selected connection; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 19 wherein selecting the connection comprises selecting a physical connection.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 19 wherein selecting the connection comprises selecting a logical connection.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message from a telecommunications user into a signaling processor that is not directly coupled to a switch matrix in any network elements; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select a network element for a communications path for the telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the selected network element; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element has not received and did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message from a telecommunications user into a signaling processor that is not directly coupled to a switch matrix in any network elements; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select a network element for a communications path for the telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the selected network element; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element has not received and did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 22 wherein selecting the network element comprises selecting a switch.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 22 wherein selecting the network element comprises selecting a server.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 22 wherein selecting the network element comprises selecting an enhanced platform.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 22 wherein selecting the network element comprises selecting a service node.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a Signaling System #7 (SS7 ) Initial Address Message (IAM) into a signaling processor that communicates with network elements on a communications path only through telecommunications signaling; processing the SS7 IAM in the signaling processor to select at least one characteristic for the communications path for a telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on at least one selected characteristic; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element has not received and did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a Signaling System #7 (SS7 ) Initial Address Message (IAM) into a signaling processor that communicates with network elements on a communications path only through telecommunications signaling; processing the SS7 IAM in the signaling processor to select at least one characteristic for the communications path for a telecommunications user; generating a new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on at least one selected characteristic; and transmitting the new telecommunications signaling message to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element has not received and did not generate the telecommunications signaling message received into the signaling processor.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for controlling communications in a telecommunications network that is comprised of a signaling processor, a first switch, and a second switch that are operational to establish communications paths in response to telecommunications signaling, wherein the method comprises: receiving a first signaling message into the signaling processor from outside of the telecommunications network wherein the signaling processor is located externally to any switch; processing the first signaling message in the signaling processor to select characteristics for a communications path for a telecommunications user; generating a second signaling message and a third signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the selected characteristics; and transmitting the second signaling message to the first switch and transmitting the third signaling message to the second switch; establishing a communications path through the first switch and the second switch in response to the second signaling message and the third signaling message.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for controlling communications in a telecommunications network that is comprised of a signaling processor, a first switch, and a second switch that are operational to establish communications paths in response to telecommunications signaling, wherein the method comprises: receiving a first signaling message into the signaling processor from outside of the telecommunications network wherein the signaling processor is located externally to any switch; processing the first signaling message in the signaling processor to select characteristics for a communications path for a telecommunications user; generating a second signaling message and a third signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the selected characteristics; and transmitting the second signaling message to the first switch and transmitting the third signaling message to the second switch; establishing a communications path through the first switch and the second switch in response to the second signaling message and the third signaling message.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the first switch and the second switch are different switch types.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the first switch and the second switch are provided by different switch manufacturers.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 28 wherein one of the switches is a broadband switch and the other switch is a narrowband switch.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
130 words
A telecommunications processor that comprises: a processor that is external to any network elements that are telecommunications switches and that is operational to process a first telecommunications signaling message to produce information used to establish a communication path, wherein the processor is further operational to generate a second telecommunications signaling message based on the information, and wherein the second telecommunications signaling message is for transmission to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not receive and did not generate the first signaling message; and a signaling interface that is directly coupled to the processor and that is operational to receive the first telecommunications signaling message and to transmit the second telecommunications signaling message to the one network element on the communications path.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
130 words
A telecommunications processor that comprises: a processor that is external to any network elements that are telecommunications switches and that is operational to process a first telecommunications signaling message to produce information used to establish a communication path, wherein the processor is further operational to generate a second telecommunications signaling message based on the information, and wherein the second telecommunications signaling message is for transmission to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not receive and did not generate the first signaling message; and a signaling interface that is directly coupled to the processor and that is operational to receive the first telecommunications signaling message and to transmit the second telecommunications signaling message to the one network element on the communications path.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
132 words
A telecommunications processor that comprises: a processor that is external to any network elements that are telecommunications switches and that is operational to process a first telecommunications signaling message to select a connection used to establish a communication path, wherein the processor is further operational to generate a second telecommunications signaling message based on the selected connection, and wherein the second telecommunications signaling message is for transmission to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not receive and did not generate the first signaling message; and a signaling interface that is directly coupled to the processor and that is operational to receive the first telecommunications signaling message and to transmit the second telecommunications signaling message to the one network element on the communications path.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
132 words
A telecommunications processor that comprises: a processor that is external to any network elements that are telecommunications switches and that is operational to process a first telecommunications signaling message to select a connection used to establish a communication path, wherein the processor is further operational to generate a second telecommunications signaling message based on the selected connection, and wherein the second telecommunications signaling message is for transmission to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not receive and did not generate the first signaling message; and a signaling interface that is directly coupled to the processor and that is operational to receive the first telecommunications signaling message and to transmit the second telecommunications signaling message to the one network element on the communications path.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
133 words
A telecommunications processor that comprises: a processor that is external to any network elements that are telecommunications switches and that is operational to process a first telecommunications signaling message to select a network element used to establish a communication path, wherein the processor is further operational to generate a second telecommunications signaling message based on the selected connection, and wherein the second telecommunications signaling message is for transmission to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not receive and did not generate the first signaling message; and a signaling interface that is directly coupled to the processor and that is operational to receive the first telecommunications signaling message and to transmit the second telecommunications signaling message to the one network element on the communications path.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
133 words
A telecommunications processor that comprises: a processor that is external to any network elements that are telecommunications switches and that is operational to process a first telecommunications signaling message to select a network element used to establish a communication path, wherein the processor is further operational to generate a second telecommunications signaling message based on the selected connection, and wherein the second telecommunications signaling message is for transmission to one of the network elements on the communications path wherein the one network element did not receive and did not generate the first signaling message; and a signaling interface that is directly coupled to the processor and that is operational to receive the first telecommunications signaling message and to transmit the second telecommunications signaling message to the one network element on the communications path.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of processing telecommunications signaling to extend a first communications path that is between a first network element and a second network element, the method comprising: receiving a first telecommunications signaling message into a telecommunications signaling processor, wherein the first telecommunications signaling message requests extension of the first communications path, and wherein the telecommunications signaling processor is located externally to the first network element and the second network element; processing the first telecommunications signaling message in the telecommunications signaling processor to select a characteristic for extending the first communications path; generating a second message in the telecommunications signaling processor wherein the second message identifies the selected characteristic; and transmitting the second message from the telecommunications signaling processor to the second telecommunications network element wherein the second telecommunications network element did not generate and did not receive the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of processing telecommunications signaling to extend a first communications path that is between a first network element and a second network element, the method comprising: receiving a first telecommunications signaling message into a telecommunications signaling processor, wherein the first telecommunications signaling message requests extension of the first communications path, and wherein the telecommunications signaling processor is located externally to the first network element and the second network element; processing the first telecommunications signaling message in the telecommunications signaling processor to select a characteristic for extending the first communications path; generating a second message in the telecommunications signaling processor wherein the second message identifies the selected characteristic; and transmitting the second message from the telecommunications signaling processor to the second telecommunications network element wherein the second telecommunications network element did not generate and did not receive the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 35 wherein receiving the first telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 (SS7) Initial Address Message (IAM).
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 35 wherein receiving the first telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving the first telecommunications signaling message in broadband format.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 35 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a point code in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 35 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a circuit identification code in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 35 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a message type in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 35 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a dialed number in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 35 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on set-up information in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising receiving network status information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the network status information.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 43 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving network loading information.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 43 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a connection status.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 43 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an error condition.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 43 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an alarm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 43 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 35 further comprising receiving operational control information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the operational control information.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 49 wherein receiving the operational control information comprises receiving an instruction not to select a particular network element.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 35 wherein generating the second message comprises generating a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 35 wherein generating the second message comprises generating the second signaling message in a broadband format.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a physical connection.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a logical connection.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 35 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a switch.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 35 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a server.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting an enhanced platform.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a service node.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the second network element is a broadband switch.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the second network element is a narrowband switch.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the second network element is an asynchronous transfer mode switch.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the second network element is an asynchronous transfer mode multiplexer.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of processing telecommunications signaling to extend a first communications path that is between a telecommunications user and a network element, the method comprising: receiving a first telecommunications signaling message into a telecommunications signaling processor, wherein the first telecommunications signaling message requests extension of the first communications path, and wherein the telecommunications signaling processor is located externally to the telecommunications user and the network element; processing the first telecommunications signaling message in the telecommunications signaling processor to select a characteristic for extending the first communications path; generating a second message in the telecommunications signaling processor wherein the second message identifies the selected characteristic; and transmitting the second message from the telecommunications signaling processor to the network element wherein the network element did not generate and did not receive the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of processing telecommunications signaling to extend a first communications path that is between a telecommunications user and a network element, the method comprising: receiving a first telecommunications signaling message into a telecommunications signaling processor, wherein the first telecommunications signaling message requests extension of the first communications path, and wherein the telecommunications signaling processor is located externally to the telecommunications user and the network element; processing the first telecommunications signaling message in the telecommunications signaling processor to select a characteristic for extending the first communications path; generating a second message in the telecommunications signaling processor wherein the second message identifies the selected characteristic; and transmitting the second message from the telecommunications signaling processor to the network element wherein the network element did not generate and did not receive the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 63 wherein receiving the first telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 (SS7) Initial Address Message (IAM).
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 63 wherein receiving the first telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving the first telecommunications signaling message in broadband format.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 63 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a point code in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 63 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a circuit identification code in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 63 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a message type in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 63 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a dialed number in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 63 wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on set-up information in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 63 further comprising receiving network status information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the network status information.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 71 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving network loading information.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 71 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a connection status.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 71 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an error condition.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 71 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an alarm.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 71 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 63 further comprising receiving operational control information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the first telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the operational control information.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 77 wherein receiving the operational control information comprises receiving an instruction not to select a particular network element.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 63 wherein generating the second message comprises generating a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 63 wherein generating the second message comprises generating the second signaling message in a broadband format.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a physical connection.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a logical connection.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 63 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a switch.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 63 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a server.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting an enhanced platform.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63 wherein selecting the characteristic comprises selecting a service node.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the second network element is a broadband switch.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the second network element is a narrowband switch.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the second network element is an asynchronous transfer mode switch.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 63 wherein the second network element is an asynchronous transfer mode multiplexer.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message into a signaling processor that is not directly coupled to a switch matrix; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select a first characteristic for a first communications path and to select a second characteristic for a second communications path; generating a first new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the first selected characteristic and generating a second new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the second selected characteristic; and transmitting the first new telecommunications signaling message and the second new telecommunications signaling message, wherein the first new telecommunications signaling message is used to establish the first communications path and the second new telecommunications signaling message is used to establish the second communications path.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for processing telecommunications signaling that comprises: receiving a telecommunications signaling message into a signaling processor that is not directly coupled to a switch matrix; processing the telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor to select a first characteristic for a first communications path and to select a second characteristic for a second communications path; generating a first new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the first selected characteristic and generating a second new telecommunications signaling message in the signaling processor that is based at least in part on the second selected characteristic; and transmitting the first new telecommunications signaling message and the second new telecommunications signaling message, wherein the first new telecommunications signaling message is used to establish the first communications path and the second new telecommunications signaling message is used to establish the second communications path.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 91 wherein the first communications path and the second communications path are both used to form a single communications path.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 91 wherein receiving the telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 (SS7) Initial Address Message (IAM).
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 91 wherein receiving the telecommunications signaling message into the signaling processor comprises receiving the telecommunications signaling message in broadband format.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 91 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a point code in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 91 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a circuit identification code in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 91 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a message type in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 91 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on a dialed number in the first telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 91 wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on set-up information in the telecommunications signaling message.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 91 further comprising receiving network status information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the network status information.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 100 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving network loading information.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 100 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a connection status.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 100 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an error condition.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 100 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving an alarm.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 100 wherein receiving the network status information comprises receiving a Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 91 further comprising receiving operational control information into the signaling processor and wherein processing the telecommunications signaling message comprises processing based at least in part on the operational control information.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 106 wherein receiving the operational control information comprises receiving an instruction not to select a particular network element.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 91 wherein generating the new telecommunications signaling messages comprises generating at least one Signaling System #7 message.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 91 wherein generating the new telecommunications signaling messages comprises generating at least one of the new signaling messages in a broadband format.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 91 wherein selecting the characteristics comprises selecting at least one physical connection.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 91 wherein selecting the characteristics comprises selecting at least one logical connection.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 91 wherein selecting the characteristics comprises selecting at least one switch.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 91 wherein selecting the characteristics comprises selecting at least one server.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 91 wherein selecting the characteristics comprises selecting at least one enhanced platform.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 91 wherein selecting the characteristics comprises selecting at least one service node.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-04-20 | 2002-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-19 | 2006-04-20 | 2006-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-19 | 2010-04-20 | 2010-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |