Nortel Networks Corporation

Robert H Holt

Robert Linwood Myers

Robert T Gibson

Douglas Gordon Turner

Marie C Hattar

Charles C Britney

James Wimberley

Richard E Patchet

An apparatus and method of mediating data flow across a network from a network switching system to a server utilizes a control message that limits repeated attempts to access a busy server port. To that end, it first is determined if the server port is available so that a control message can be generated reflecting the determined availability of the server port. If the server port is determined to be not available, then the control message is generated to include command data commanding the network switching system to not transmit data to the server port until receipt of another control message having control data indicating that the server is available. In contrast, if the server port is determined to be available, then the control message is generated to include control data indicating that the server port is available. Once generated, the control message is forwarded to the network switching system.

Apparatus and method for mediating message transmission across a network

In a data access transport service call setup from the Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN) requires efficient utilization of PSTN resources and signalling infrastructure. A system is disclosed for interworking the PSTN Common Channel Signalling System Number 7 (CCS7) and Internet Protocol (IP) based data networks call setup protocols. The system provides efficient control of network-based signalling and control resources in support of PSTN originated IP-based data calls and services interworking between IP-based networks and other telecommunications networks. An architecture is provided allowing a flexible implementation and distribution of the interworking functions, including functional distribution between an CCS7 interworking function, network controller, Network Access Server, and existing telecommunications network interfaces.

SS7 mediation for data network call setup and services interworking

In a Data Access Transport Service (DATS), Data Service Providers (DSPs) share dial-in access (e.g. analog modem or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) access) resources from a common pool maintained by a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) (or potentially a DSP. A system is disclosed wherein a Network Controller (NC) performs the role of DSP service partitioning, quota enforcement, and resource load balancing to ensure that a DATS provider can provide a high quality of service (availability, response time & consistent bandwidth) to subscribed DSPs and their end-users. The Network Controller assists in Internet Data call establishment and tear-down, with the ability to refuse calls when the associated DSP has exceeded its service quota. The Network Controller also assists in the routing of calls to one of the DSPs Network Gateways (or data routers), using a load balancing scheme that maintains a pre-defined relative load on given DSP Network Gateways. The Network Controller will also provide an implementation that supports Multilink Point-to-Point Protocol (MLP) and 56 kbps data calls for ISDN BRI access. Additionally, the Network Controller will perform such functions as statistics collection, and network element administrative control. The Network Controller can be positioned to provide similar service control functionality with higher speed access technologies such as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL) and high-speed cable modems.

Control in a data access transport service

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Nepean, Canada

Robert H Holt