Advanced intelligent network access by customer premise equipment

Abstract

Telecommunications calls exchanged between customer premise equipment (CPE) and a switched telephone network receive advanced intelligent network (AIN) treatment within the CPE and within the network. The overall processing operations are coordinated and integrated so that the CPE can draw upon the network for information and resources and the network can draw upon the CPE. An AIN architecture is employed in the CPE and in the network, and the signaling systems are interfaced to permit an exchange of signaling messages. Detection of a trigger event in the CPE, or by an AIN switch in the network, causes the call control unit detecting the trigger to formulate a request message soliciting information or a support action for the call processing to be continued. Because the signaling systems are interfaced, the request message, originating either within the CPE or within the network, can be directed to a service logic provider either within the CPE or within the network (e.g., an AIN integrated service control point, or ISCP). The request message may call for routing or other information, or it may express a need for support resources (e.g., a request that a voice announcement unit be made available). The required resource may be sought in the CPE or in the network. The service logic provider carries out a service logic program to produce the information required to continue processing, and that is forwarded to the requesting call control unit by way of the interconnected signaling systems, to continue the call processing.