At+t Corp.

Lance Wayne Wilson

Kamlesh T Tewani

Lev Slutsman

David James Houck, Jr

A method is provided which reduces post-dial delay in a number portability environment. In particular, a switching office which controls call routing to portable numbers (NPA-NXXs) contains a cache for which location routing number response information may be stored. The processing office concurrently checks the cache for LRN response information corresponding to the dialed number and launches a query to a number portability database. Thus, if the LRN response information in the cache is valid then the call will be routed in the timeliest manner. However, if either the cache does not have any LRN response information or the LRN response information in the cache proves not to be valid then, the switching office will have received the LRN response information from the database more quickly based on the concurrent launching of a query. Therefore, a more timely attempt at establishing a proper connection to the dialed number will occur thereby reducing post-dial delay.

Method of enhancing call processing in a number portability environment

A method reduces the number of queries generated to a number portability database. The number portable communication system includes a local cache associated with the switching office or facility responsible for identifying and controlling the routing of calls to portable numbers. By including the cache and only generating a request to the number portability database when the cache either does not contain LRN response information or if a call attempted based on LRN response information in the cache fails, the total number of queries to the number portability database are reduced. This reduces query traffic as well as speeds up the processing of calls able to use cached information.

A method of routing an interim NP call in which it is determined to give a called number interim NP redirection rather than conventional RCF redirection when the called number is to be ported. When a ported call is to receive interim NP redirection and SS7 networking is used, an Initial Address Message for the call is created with the Called Party Number parameter of the Initial Address Message populated with the Location Routing Number for the switch to which the called number has been ported. The Generic Address Parameter of the Initial Address Message is populated with the called number and the M bit of the Forward Call Indicator parameter of the Initial Address Message is set. The call is then redirected to the switch to which the called number has been ported based on the Location Routing Number in the Called Party Number parameter of an Initial Address Message. This method avoids the use of RCF 'shadow numbers' and the need to query an external long-term NP database.

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Marlboro, NJ, United States of America

Lance Wayne Wilson