Apparatus, method and system for intelligent tandeming of incoming calls to application nodes in telecommunication systems

Abstract

An apparatus, method and system are provided for intelligent tandeming of an incoming call to an application node in telecommunication systems. The various embodiments utilize a new parameter, referred to as a tandem parameter, to designate whether incoming calls to a particular subscriber are to be tandemed to an application node or are to be delivered directly to the subscriber. The preferred system embodiment includes an adjunct network entity, a database, and a switching center. The adjunct network entity, such as a service circuit node or service control point, has one or more application nodes or platforms, supporting various telecommunication services such as prepaid services, calling party pays services, and one number services. The database, such as a home location register or visitor location register, stores information such as subscriber profiles, and includes storing the tandem parameter. The switching center, such as a mobile switching center, is configured to receive an incoming call leg directed to a called party directory number and to obtain a subscriber profile from the database, and when the subscriber profile does not include a tandem parameter, to route the incoming call leg to the called party directory number. When the subscriber profile includes the tandem parameter, the switching center obtains a routing parameter and performs digit analysis of the called party directory number. When the digit analysis has been performed successfully, the switching center tandems the incoming call leg to the application node, and when the digit analysis has not been performed successfully, provides a default mode for the incoming call leg. In the preferred embodiment, the default mode includes routing the incoming call leg to the called party directory number or providing an announcement to the calling party.