System and method of managing supplementary features in the presence of a proxy switch in a mobile communications network

Abstract

A proxy switch, communication methods, and communication logic for use in a mobile network are described. A proxy switch is deployed between a base station subsystem and a mobile station center. It receives signaling messages and either retransmits them, blocks them, converts them, or siphons them to an alternative network. Besides providing an ability to offload offload mobile traffic it provides a platform for new communication services. The proxy switch includes signaling message handling logic that receives signaling messages from the MSC and BS in accordance with a mobile signaling protocol. State logic maintains state information of call sessions and mobile stations (MSs) used within the mobile communications network. Message interception logic detects whether a signaling message from an MSC is a new call originating message and if an MS addressed in such a new call originating message is involved in a call. The message interception logic also prevents the new call originating message from being forwarded to the BS servicing the addressed MS. Message conversion logic converts the new call originating message to a feature notification message, and message transmission logic issues the feature notification message to the BS servicing the addressed MS.