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US6079036A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Call message with traveling log for testing intelligent telecommunications network

Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
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Filing: 1995-10-19
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Granted: 2000-06-20
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Expires: 2015-10-19
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Abstract

Abstract In an Intelligent Network (IN) a method for acquiring data is provided. The method comprises a test call initiated from the SSP to a desired destination within the network. The test call with the log portion appended to TCAP (and ISUP) messages travel through the network and collects data in the log portion from each node on the test call path. The test call with the traveling log (TLog) helps the maintenance personnel isolate troubles and faults in the network without having to monitor each node (or office) on the route of a troubled message path.

Inventors

  • 👤 Omayma El-Sayed Moharram

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 02:05
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q3/00; H04Q3/0016; H04Q3/0062; H04Q3/0087; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/22; H04M3/2254; H04Q3/0025; H04Q3/0029; H04M3/08; H04M3/26; H04M3/28; H04M3/32; H04M3/323; H04M7/00; H04M7/06; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/1316; H04Q2213/13527; H04Q2213/13541

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim 129 words
In a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, the intelligent network having at least a service switching point and a service control point, a method of collecting data comprising the steps of: sending, by the service switching point, a test call message to a destination node, the test call message including an indication that it is a test call message, an indication for identifying which data is to be collected and a log for receiving collected data; applying, by a node that the test call message traverses en route to the destination node and responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected, an entry to the log; and sending a return message, which includes the log, to the originating node from a terminus node.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 129 words
In a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, the intelligent network having at least a service switching point and a service control point, a method of collecting data comprising the steps of: sending, by the service switching point, a test call message to a destination node, the test call message including an indication that it is a test call message, an indication for identifying which data is to be collected and a log for receiving collected data; applying, by a node that the test call message traverses en route to the destination node and responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected, an entry to the log; and sending a return message, which includes the log, to the originating node from a terminus node.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 60 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the return message includes the indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and the method further comprises applying, by a node that the return message traverses en route to the originating node and responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected, an entry to the log.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 29 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of sending the return message includes applying, by the terminus node, an indication of a fault to the log.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 16 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein each entry includes an identification of the node.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting a service provider name.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting a service provider address.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 28 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting a service provider name and address.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 28 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting a third party service provider name.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 28 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting a third party service provider address.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 30 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting a third party service provider name and address.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting routing cost information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 24 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting routing messages.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting routing cost and messages.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 40 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting service provider name and address, third party service provider name and address, and routing cost information and messages.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting service subsystem number.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 31 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting service provider name and address, and service subsystem number.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 24 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting billing records.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 37 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting service provider name and address, third party service provider name and address, and billing records.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 40 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting service provider name and address, third party service provider name and address, service subsystem number, and billing records.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting intelligent network message type.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 30 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting service subsystem number and intelligent network message type.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting local exchange carrier name.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting local exchange carrier address.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting inter exchange carrier name.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 26 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indication for identifying which data is to be collected is a value requesting inter exchange carrier address.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 38 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the test call message and the return message are a common channel signaling system number 7 (CCS7) message which includes a parameter indicative of that message being a test message.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 17 words
A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the CCS7 message is an ISDN user part message.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 17 words
A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the CCS7 message is an intelligent network query message.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 29 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the step of sending the return message includes applying, by the terminus node, an indication of a fault to the log.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 15 words
A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the terminus node is the destination node.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 28 words
A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the terminus node is any node from which the test message can not be further routed towards the destination node.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the entry includes a number corresponding to a count of routes that are usable for the test call message.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the entry includes a number corresponding to a count of routes that are provisioned at the node.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 23 words
A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the entry includes a cost figure for a selected route for the test call message.
Claim 36
Independent Claim 99 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected and, a log for receiving collected data; applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and if the routing information identifies the node as said destination node, replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 37
Independent Claim 99 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected and, a log for receiving collected data; applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and if the routing information identifies the node as said destination node, replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 38
Independent Claim 99 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node, forwarding the log according to the routing information.
Claim 39
Independent Claim 99 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node, forwarding the log according to the routing information.
Claim 40
Independent Claim 117 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node and the test call message cannot be routed further, entering an error message in said the log and replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 41
Independent Claim 117 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node and the test call message cannot be routed further, entering an error message in said the log and replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 42
Independent Claim 92 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: sending by the node a test call message identifying a destination node, the test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; receiving a return message to the test call message which includes said log, said log including entries made in response to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected by a node in the network.
Claim 43
Independent Claim 92 words
A method for collecting data at a node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising the steps of: sending by the node a test call message identifying a destination node, the test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; receiving a return message to the test call message which includes said log, said log including entries made in response to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected by a node in the network.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 100 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for determining if the routing information identifies the node as the destination node; and means for replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 100 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for determining if the routing information identifies the node as the destination node; and means for replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 97 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for receiving a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for determining if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node; and means for forwarding the log according to the routing information.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 97 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for receiving a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node, said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for determining if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node; and means for forwarding the log according to the routing information.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 109 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for determining if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node and if the test call message can be routed; and means for replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 109 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for receiving at the node a test call message including routing information identifying a destination node said test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for applying at the node an entry to the log responsive to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for determining if the routing information identifies another node as the destination node and if the test call message can be routed; and means for replying to the originating node with the log.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 87 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for sending a test call message identifying a destination node, the test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for receiving a return message to the test call message which includes said log, said log including entries made in response to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for reading the entries in the log.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 87 words
A node in a telecommunications network that includes an intelligent network, comprising: means for sending a test call message identifying a destination node, the test call message including an indication for identifying which data is to be collected, and a log for receiving collected data; means for receiving a return message to the test call message which includes said log, said log including entries made in response to the indication for identifying which data is to be collected; and means for reading the entries in the log.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

GB1218902A Cited
GB2176972A Cited
US4797875A Cited
US4745593A Cited
US4910760A Cited
EP0411798A2 Cited
US5218676A Cited
US5390298A Cited
US5359646A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2003-06-20 2003-12-20 2004-06-20 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2007-06-20 2007-12-20 2008-06-20 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2011-06-20 2011-12-20 2012-06-20 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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