Tekelec

Stentor Resource Centre Inc.

Lee B Smith

Virgil E Long

Dean Douglas Glenn

Gerald W Fikis

Venkat Ravishankar

H Stewart Patch

Peter Joseph Marsico

Michael J Mueller

Robert John Tinsley

Gregory Allen Hunt

Brian Frederick Bidulock

Richard Arthur Ellis

Michael J Muelifr

A distributed gateway includes distributed gateway routing elements co-located with SS7 network elements. Each distributed gateway routing element performs an SS7 routing function, such an MTP level 3 routing function. The distributed gateway routing elements communicate with each other over a virtual bus that guarantees quality of service for SS7 message packets. Accordingly, the distributed gateway routing elements set quality of service parameters in the SS7 message packets that are forwarded over the virtual bus.

Distributed signaling system 7 (SS7) message routing gateway

A method and apparatus for signal mediation in a common channel signaling network are described. The method involves identifying candidate message signal units that require mediation and transmitting the candidate signal unit to an associated mediation function which performs access mediation on the contents of the candidate signal unit. The access mediation function may return one or more data packets to the network. The apparatus includes the signal transfer point, the associated mediation function and enhanced functionality in the signal transfer point for screening candidate signal units. The advantage is a more flexible and easily managed signal mediation point that removes the bulk of signal mediation from the signal transfer point so that the signal transfer point can remain dedicated to its signal transfer function.

Method and apparatus for signal mediation in a common channel signaling

A method and system is disclosed for mediating signalling protocol dialogue between an internal signalling network operational domain operated by one network operator and an external signalling network operational domain operated by another network operator. One embodiment provides a method of dividing the SS7 traffic (Message Signal Units or MSUs) arriving for Mediation, into classes such that network performance requirements can be met, wherein some message classes will receive only normal SS7 processing while others will be analyzed in detail. MSUs requiring detailed analysis must be routed to a mediation application process appropriate to that class. Another embodiment provides a method of manipulating Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) address parameters in the SMP in order to maintain normal SS7 message processing and routing functions while mediating individual messages. Yet another embodiment provides a method enabling the SMP to route a received MSU on toward its intended final destination based on information encoded in the Message Transfer Part (MTP) addresses contained in the MSU.

Method and system for providing mediated access between signaling

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Lee B Smith