Alcatel Lucent

Alcatel USA Sourcing, L.p.

Robert Wayne Davis

Thomas Lamar George, Jr

Ramanamurthy Dantu

A system and method for interconnecting two network domains operable to transport SS7 traffic of different types. A gateway disposed between a first network domain and a second network domain includes a generic Interworking functionality that is operable to effectuate an MTP2-based relay linkage between a first MTP2 interface and a second MTP2 interface. A first link segment is established between the gateway's first MTP2 interface and an equivalent interface in the first network domain's end node. A second link segment is established between the gateway's second MTP2 interface and a corresponding equivalent interface in the second network domain's end node. Thereafter, the relay linkage coupling the link segments is established for facilitating MTP2 traffic therebetween.

System and method for interconnecting different SS7 network domains

A system and method for transporting IN/AIN signaling (e.g., SS7 signaling) over an IP-based network using Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), wherein a peer-to-peer protocol adaptation (PPA) structure is provided at a signaling node. The PPA structure includes an interworking functionality between an MTP3 layer and the SCTP messaging, and operates to provide a symmetrical MTP2 adaptation interface therebetween. The PPA interface functionality facilitates the implementation of network management capabilities included in the MTP3 layer such that the advantageous features of SS7 signaling are retained in the SCTP transport. The MTP2 adaptation interface functionality is processed locally with respect to the signaling node, rather than backhauling the associated signaling to an external node via an IP connection. The PPA structure may be provided at any signaling node operable to establish a virtual link across an IP connection such as, for example, a signaling gateway, an IP-compliant SCP or STP, et cetera.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Robert Wayne Davis