WO1998004092A2 - Method and system for assigning a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes - Google Patents
Method and system for assigning a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes Download PDFInfo
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- WO1998004092A2 WO1998004092A2 PCT/US1997/012702 US9712702W WO9804092A2 WO 1998004092 A2 WO1998004092 A2 WO 1998004092A2 US 9712702 W US9712702 W US 9712702W WO 9804092 A2 WO9804092 A2 WO 9804092A2
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/70—Administration or customization aspects; Counter-checking correct charges
- H04M15/745—Customizing according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. friends or family
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
- H04M15/49—Connection to several service providers
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0029—Provisions for intelligent networking
- H04Q3/005—Personal communication services, e.g. provisions for portability of subscriber numbers
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/64—Distributing or queueing
- H04Q3/66—Traffic distributors
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
- H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
- H04M2215/0108—Customization according to wishes of subscriber, e.g. customer preferences, friends and family, selecting services or billing options, Personal Communication Systems [PCS]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
- H04M2215/46—Connection to several service providers
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/4228—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in networks
- H04M3/42297—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers in networks with number portability
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to telecommunications systems, and more particularly, relates to a method and system for assigning a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes.
- a subscriber's long distance communications are typically assigned to the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier in a central office switch that serves as a gateway between the subscriber's line and the telephone network.
- a central office switch that serves as a gateway between the subscriber's line and the telephone network.
- the central office switch interprets the digits dialed by the calling party and routes the communication to a terminating station, such as a telephone associated with the dialed directory number.
- the central office switch thus serves as a gateway between the subscriber's line and the local exchange carrier's local exchange network.
- the central office switch also serves as a gateway between the subscriber's line and a plurality of long distance networks operated by a plurality of long distance carriers.
- the assignment of communications originating on a subscriber's line to the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier causes these communications to be routed through the long distance network operated by the preferred long distance carrier. More specifically, when the central office switch receives a long distance communication originating on the subscriber's line, the central office switch retrieves the subscriber's long distance carrier-of-record code from a database maintained at the central office switch. The central office switch responds to the subscriber's long distance carrier-of-record code by physically routing the communication through the long distance network operated by the long distance carrier-of-record.
- a subscriber typically selects a long distance carrier-of-record when initiating service, and may change its long distance carrier-of-record from time to time through long distance carrier change requests.
- the central office switch also creates an accounting record for the communication.
- This accounting record includes the originating station's directory number, the terminating station's directory number, and the long distance carrier code for the communication.
- the accounting records created by the central office switch are periodically downloaded to a billing system that generates monthly telephone bills, including local as well as long distance telephone charges.
- the local exchange carrier then collects the subscriber's payment and forwards the long distance portion of the payment to the subscriber's long distance carrier.
- the subscriber's long distance carrier is conventionally changed by altering the subscriber's long distance carrier code in the subscriber database maintained at the central office switch that services the subscriber's line. Access to the central office switch is generally restricted, however, because the central office switch contains important billing and communication routing information. In fact, the subscriber database of a typical central office switch can only be altered by running a special program on the central office switch. Running this program may require that an attendant be physically present at the central office switch. But many central office switches are not attended on a full-time basis. Changing a subscriber's long distance carrier code may therefore require that a service technician travel to the central office switch to run the program required to update the subscriber database.
- a typical local exchange carrier operates several central office switches and receives long distance carrier change requests at a central location, such as an interexchange carrier service center. These long distance change requests are usually logged, and mechanized work orders are written, at the an interexchange carrier service center.
- a service technician eventually picks up the mechanized work orders and provisions the various central office switches to implement the changes to the subscriber databases. Completing this process to change a subscriber's long distance carrier typically takes from two to five working days.
- This delay in implementing a change to a subscriber's long distance carrier causes the newly-assigned long distance carrier to lose revenue during the period of the delay.
- the subscriber also loses the benefit of the newly- assigned long distance carrier's service, which may include a promotional discount or other benefit, during the period of the delay.
- the combined effect of these delays on long distance carriers, and their subscribers is significant. There is, therefore, a need for more quickly assigning a long distance communication to a preferred long distance carrier for accounting and communication routing purposes.
- Local number portability is generally considered to be an important aspect of effective competition in local telephone service markets. Local number portability could be provided in a manner similar to that presently used to provide subscribers with selectable long distance carriers. That is, a local exchange carrier code for each subscriber could be maintained in a subscriber database at the appropriate central office switch. This local exchange carrier code could be included in accounting records created by the central office switch for local communications. These local communication accounting records could be periodically downloaded to the billing system, which could create monthly telephone bills.
- the operator of the local exchange network could then collect a subscriber's payment and forward the local portion of the payment to the subscriber's local carrier.
- This method of providing local number portability would suffer from the same disadvantage presently experienced in providing selectable long distance carriers. Namely, a significant delay would be incurred when changing subscribers' local exchange carriers, as service technicians would generally have to travel to the various central office switches to implement the changes. There is, therefore, a need for a method and system for quickly assigning a local communication to a resale service provider while allowing the subscriber to retain its directory number.
- the present invention meets the above-described needs by providing a method and system for changing a subscriber's long distance or local carrier in response to a carrier change request.
- a substantial delay is experienced in implementing a carrier change request.
- This delay in implementing a carrier change request causes the newly- assigned long distance carrier to lose revenue during the period of the delay.
- the subscriber also loses the benefit of the newly-assigned long distance carrier's service, which may include a promotional discount or other benefit, during the period of the delay.
- the present invention provides a method and system for quickly changing an subscriber's long distance or local carrier so as to avoid a substantial delay in implementing a carrier change request.
- the present invention provides, in an intelligent switched telecommunications network, a method for attributing a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting purposes.
- a communication is received on a subscriber's line.
- a carrier-of-record code associated with the subscriber's line is obtained.
- a preferred carrier code associated with the subscriber's line is also obtained.
- the carrier-of-record code is then compared with the preferred carrier code to obtain a comparison result.
- This comparison result indicates either that the preferred carrier is the same as a carrier-of- record associated with the carrier-of-record code, or that the preferred carrier is a carrier associated with the preferred carrier code.
- an accounting record is created to attribute the communication to the preferred carrier.
- the communication may be routed to a terminating station through a communications network associated with the preferred carrier.
- the above-described method may be implemented, except that an accounting record need not be created to attribute the communication to the preferred carrier.
- the communication is necessarily routed to a terminating station through a communications network associated with the preferred carrier.
- a carrier change request is received.
- the carrier change request indicates a change in a subscriber's choice of the preferred carrier with respect to telecommunication services on a subscriber's line.
- a preferred carrier code associated with the subscriber's line is entered into an interim carrier database.
- the preferred carrier code corresponds to the subscriber's choice of the preferred carrier.
- an indicator is activated with respect to the subscriber's line.
- the indicator indicates that a query of the interim carrier database is required in response to a communication received on the subscriber's line.
- a comparison result is subsequently determined to be a same code result when the carrier-of- record code is the same as the preferred carrier code. In response to this same code result, subsequently received communications are attributed to the preferred carrier without querying the interim carrier database.
- the present invention also provides, in an intelligent switched telecommunications network, a system for attributing a communication on a subscriber's line to a preferred carrier for accounting purposes.
- the system includes an interim carrier database including a preferred carrier code associated with the subscriber's line.
- the system also includes a network element, functionally connected to the interim carrier database, that is operative to receive a communication on the subscriber's line.
- the network element includes a carrier-of-record code associated with the subscriber's line, and an indicator also associated with the subscriber's line. The indicator indicates that, in response to receipt of the communication on the subscriber's line, a comparison must be made between the preferred carrier code and the carrier- of-record code for a comparison result.
- the network element also includes an attributor for attributing the communication to the preferred carrier for accounting purposes based on the comparison result.
- the system also includes a comparator functionally connected to the interim carrier database and/or to the network element. The comparator is operative to make a comparison between the preferred carrier code and the carrier-of-record code for the comparison result.
- the comparison result is either a same code result or a different code result.
- the comparison result is the same code result when the carrier-of- record code is the same as the preferred carrier code.
- the same code result indicates that the preferred carrier is a carrier-of-record associated with the carrier-of-record code.
- the comparison result is the different code result when the carrier-of-record code is different from the preferred carrier code.
- the different code result indicates that the preferred carrier is a carrier associated with the preferred carrier code.
- the comparator is also operative to provide the comparison result to the network element.
- the network element may also be operative to route the communication to a terminating station through a communications network associated with the preferred carrier based on the comparison result.
- It is another object of the invention to provide local number portability including a method and system for assigning a subscriber's local communications to a resale service provider for accounting purposes while allowing the subscriber to retain its directory number.
- FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an intelligent switched telecommunications network for use in connection with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an intelligent switched telecommunications network for use in connection with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a method for changing a subscriber's local exchange or long distance carrier.
- FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method for changing a subscriber's long distance carrier.
- FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method for processing a query message associated with changing a subscriber's long distance carrier.
- FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method for changing a subscriber's local exchange carrier.
- FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method for processing a query message associated with changing a subscriber's local exchange carrier.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the operating environment of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a long distance communication is assigned to a preferred long distance carrier for accounting and communication routing purposes.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the operating environment of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a local communication is assigned to a preferred local exchange carrier, such as a resale service provider, for accounting purposes.
- the second preferred embodiment provides a method and system for implementing local number portability.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a generally-described method for changing a subscriber's local exchange or long distance carrier. The methods illustrated by FIGS.
- FIGS. 4-5 are adapted for implementation within the environment illustrated by FIG. 1 to provide a preferred method for changing a subscriber's long distance carrier.
- FIGS. 6-7 are adapted for implementation within the environment illustrated by FIG. 2 to provide a preferred method for changing a subscriber's local exchange carrier.
- FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an intelligent switched telecommunications network for use in connection with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a public switched telecommunications network (PSTN) 10 including an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) 11 of a typical local exchange carrier.
- PSTN public switched telecommunications network
- AIN Advanced Intelligent Network
- the AIN 11 which is well known to those skilled in the art, is the operating environment of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- the AIN is described in the commonly-owned patent to Weisser, Jr., U.S. Patent NO. 5,438,568, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the AIN 11 includes a plurality of central offices switches with some of the central office switches equipped with service switching points (SSPs).
- SSPs service switching points
- a representative SSP is shown as an originating switch, SSP 12a, in FIG. 1.
- An SSP (specifically, a Class 5 central office switch) is the AIN component of a typical electronic central office switch used by a local exchange carrier.
- SSP and “switch” are used interchangeably herein and are understood to refer to a telecommunications switch for connecting voice channel circuits, including voice channel lines, commonly designated as 14.
- the SSP 12a is preferably equipped with AIN software release 0.1 or higher release.
- Each SSP in the AIN 11 "services," or serves as an originating switch for a number of subscriber lines.
- An originating switch is typically directly connected with the subscriber lines serviced by the switch.
- the originating switch that services a subscriber's line is usually the first network element of the AIN 11 to process communications originating on the subscriber's line.
- the originating switch receives a communication originating on the subscriber line and implements further processing, such as routing the communication for connection with a terminating station.
- the SSP 12a may receive a communication from an originating station 16a on the subscriber line 14a and route the communication for connection with a terminating station 16c in accordance with the packet-switched protocol of the PSTN 10.
- Trunks are the voice channel circuits that interconnect the central office switches to connect voice channel communications.
- the term "communication” is used herein to include all messages or communications that may be exchanged between two pieces of terminating equipment.
- the terminating equipment is represented by telephones that are commonly designated as 16. Although telephones are illustrated as the pieces of terminating equipment, those skilled in the art will understand that terminating equipment may include other communication devices, such as wireless telephones, facsimile machines, computers, modems, etc.
- Each piece of terminating equipment in the PSTN 10 is preferably assigned a directory number.
- directory number is used herein in a manner consistent with its generally understood meaning of a number that is dialed or input by an originating party at an originating station to reach a terminating station associated with the directory number.
- a directory number typically a seven or ten digit number, is commonly referred to as a "telephone number" and may be assigned to a specific telephone line, such as the telephone line 14c shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional land-line telecommunications system, in which each subscriber is associated with a unique subscriber line, such as the subscriber line 14a.
- the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of the conventional land-line telecommunications system illustrated by FIG. 1. It should be understood, however, that alternative embodiments of the present invention may operate in association with cellular or other wireless telecommunications systems.
- a communication is routed from an originating station 16a to a terminating station 16c.
- Routing the communication from the originating station 16a to the terminating station 16c involves the selection of a routing path for the communication and may also involve the implementation of one or more advanced network functions, such as call forwarding, calling party identification, prepaid or debit-card communication services, and the like.
- advanced network functions such as call forwarding, calling party identification, prepaid or debit-card communication services, and the like.
- AIN 11 provides for increased information processing capability through a system of intelligent network elements that are functionally connected with the SSPs through a network of data links that are commonly designated as 22 in FIG. 1.
- These intelligent network elements of the AIN 11 can communicate with each other, and with the SSPs of the network, via digital data messages transmitted over the network of digital data links 22.
- An SSP may be configured to interface with these intelligent network elements through the use of a "trigger.”
- a trigger serves as an indicator for the SSP to take certain action.
- the SSP is configured so that, when the SSP detects a predetermined set of conditions defining the trigger in association with a communication, the SSP creates an appropriate digital data message for transmission over the network of digital data links 22.
- the SSP may also suspend routing of the communication (i.e., hold the communication) until the SSP receives a reply to its message from an appropriate network element via the network of digital data links 22 instructing the SSP to take a certain action. If the SSP receives no instructions within a certain amount of time, the SSP "times-out" and executes a default task for the communication.
- the message created by an SSP in response to a trigger is known as a "query" message.
- a query message opens a “transaction” and the SSP generally holds the communication while the transaction remains open.
- the reply to the query message may be a "conversation” message or a "response” message.
- Conversation messages allow for bi-directional exchanges between network elements while the transaction remains open.
- a "response” message closes the transaction opened by the query message, and usually instructs the SSP to route the held communication for connection with a terminating station.
- a trigger is typically activated or deactivated at an SSP by another network element through an "update” message.
- Query messages, conversation messages, response messages, and update messages are standard types of messages defined by the AIN protocol.
- the originating switch 12a is preferably an SSP. It is noted, however, that the AIN 11 may also include non-SSP central office switches (not shown). It will be appreciated that a non-SSP switch may initially receive a communication on a subscriber line and pass the communication to another switch, such as the SSP 12a, for further processing. Similarly, in a cellular or wireless network, a mobile switching office or other receiver/transmitter may initially receive a communication from a cellular telephone or wireless unit and route the communication to another network element, such as the SSP 12a, for further processing. In this manner, advanced network functions available through the AIN 11 may be provided to wireless units and to subscriber lines that are directly connected to non-SSP switches. Each switch in the AIN 11 is connected to a local signal transfer point
- STP via a data link.
- This arrangement is represented in FIG. 1 by the originating switch 12a, which is connected to the STP 24 by a data link 22a.
- the STP 24 is a multi-port, high-speed packet switch that is programmed to respond to the routing information in the SS7 protocol, and route the packet to its destination.
- SCPs local service control points
- SCP 28 is a remotely programmable intelligent network element.
- the SCP 28 is preferably equipped with AIN software release 0.1 or higher release.
- SCPs are physically implemented by relatively powerful fault tolerant computers.
- Among the functions performed by SCPs is the maintenance of network databases that are used in providing subscribers with advanced network functions. Additional devices for implementing advanced network functions within the AIN 11 are provided by a regional STP 32, a regional SCP 34, and a service management system (SMS) 40.
- STP 32 a regional STP 32, a regional SCP 34, and a service management system (SMS) 40.
- SMS service management system
- the SMS 40 provides a centralized platform for remotely programming the various SCPs of the AIN 11 so that a coordinated information processing scheme may be implemented for the AIN 11.
- the SMS 40 is implemented by a large general purpose computer and interfaces to business offices of the local exchange carrier and interexchange carriers.
- the SMS 40 downloads information to the databases of SCPs 28 and 34 when subscribers set up or modify their ensemble of AIN services. Similarly, the SMS 40 downloads, on a non-realtime basis, billing information to a billing system 46 that is needed in order to appropriately invoice subscribers for the services provided.
- the AIN 11 thus provides subscribers with a selectable menu of advanced network functions. These advanced network functions are typically sold on a per-service basis, or in groups of services known as calling plans. Each subscriber may select a set of advanced network functions, or a calling plan, that suits the subscriber's needs. Moreover, each subscriber may generally select among a plurality of local advanced network functions as well as select among a plurality of long distance advanced network functions.
- the subscriber's local exchange carrier is generally responsible for maintaining accounting records for both local and long distance services, and producing unified billing statements for individual subscribers.
- the billing system 46 produces these billing statements. Information may be downloaded from the SMS 40 to the billing system 46, and vice versa, in association with the preparation of the billing statements.
- the operation of a billing system of a telecommunications service provider, such as the billing system 46 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described herein. It will be appreciated that the billing system 46 generally requires accounting records for each subscriber on a per-communication basis. These per-communication accounting records for a particular subscriber are typically created, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, by the originating switch that services the subscriber's line. For example, the SSP 12a creates per-communication accounting records for communications originating on the subscriber line 14a.
- Each of these accounting records preferably includes the subscriber's directory number, the terminating station directory number, and the duration of the connection between the originating station on the subscriber line and a terminating station.
- the per-communication accounting records created by the SSP 12a for the subscriber line 14a are periodically downloaded to the billing system 46 on a non-realtime basis.
- the billing system 46 computes the costs for the communications represented by the various accounting records and prepares billing statements to be mailed to the subscriber.
- Providing a subscriber with long distance telecommunication service presently requires that each long distance communication originating on the subscriber's line be assigned to a particular long distance carrier. Referring to FIG. 1, each long distance carrier may operate a physically distinct long distance network, as represented by the long distance networks 18a through 18n.
- An originating switch such as the SSP 12a, may selectively route a communication received on a subscriber line through any of long distance networks 18a through 18n.
- the SSP 12a may be programmed to route long distance communications originating on the subscriber line 14a through the long distance network operated by a long distance carrier selected by the subscriber.
- each long distance carrier may not be physically distinct, as implied by FIG. 1.
- the networks operated by the various long distance carriers typically share common facilities and are interconnected at various network elements throughout the PSTN 10.
- more than one entity may have access rights to a particular network element in the PSTN 10.
- the preferred operating environment of the present invention is not limited to the relatively simple configuration shown in FIG. 1. Rather, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative portion of the PSTN 10 sufficient to describe the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- Many other network elements and interconnections, including SSP, non-SSP, and MTSO switches for servicing other the pieces of terminating equipment, are not shown in FIG. 1, but will be understood to be appropriate for use with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the operating environment of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a long distance communication is assigned to a preferred long distance carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes.
- a long distance carrier-of-record code for each subscriber line serviced by the SSP 12a is included in a subscriber database 44 maintained at the SSP 12a.
- the subscriber database may be maintained at a different SSP than the originating SSP, may be maintained at a different network element, or at an intelligent peripheral, and be consulted by the originating SSP.
- Reference to the long distance carrier-of-record code for a subscriber line provides that a communication originating on the subscriber's line, such as the subscriber line 14a, be assigned for accounting and/or for communication routing purposes to the long distance carrier associated with the code.
- Assigning a communication to a carrier preferably includes creating an accounting record attributing the communication to the carrier and may, but need not, include physically routing the communication through a network or network element associated with the carrier.
- the subscriber database 44 maintained at the SSP 12a includes a long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber line 14a.
- the subscriber database includes "Desai" as the long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber's line.
- the SSP 12a When the SSP 12a receives a long distance communication originating on the subscriber line 14a, the SSP 12a retrieves the long distance carrier-of- record code (Desai) for the subscriber line 14a from the subscriber database 44, and routes the communication to the terminating station 16c through a particular one (Desai Communications) of the long distance networks 18a through 18n identified by the long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a.
- the SSP 12a also attributes the communication to the appropriate long distance carrier (Desai) by including the long distance carrier-of-record code in an accounting record created for the communication.
- the billing system 46 uses this accounting record to produce an invoice including a charge for the communication so that the appropriate amount of money may be collected from the subscriber and forwarded to the long distance carrier, as described previously.
- the long distance carrier for the subscriber line 14a may be changed by altering the long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber line 14a in the subscriber database 44 at the SSP 12a.
- the subscriber may change its subscription for long distance service from Desai Communications to Chan Telecommunications.
- the long distance carrier-of-record code must be changed from "Desai” to "Chan” so as to implement the change for routing and/or accounting attribution of the subscriber's long distance communications.
- the change may not be implemented quickly because access to a central office switch, such as the SSP 12a (or other element or intelligent peripheral maintaining the subscriber database), is generally restricted.
- the present invention addresses this problem by using network elements to quickly implement long distance carrier change requests.
- the description of the preferred embodiment includes reference to an SSP, an SCP, and an SMS as the network elements used to implement the present invention.
- Those skilled in the art will understand that other network elements such as a services node or intelligent peripherals such as peripherals that include databases may be used in place of or in combination with the elements referenced in connection with the preferred embodiment so long as they include the appropriate functionality and connections.
- FIG. 1 A preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated by FIG. 1 provides a system in which the SCP 28 may be used to quickly change a subscriber's long distance carrier.
- Long distance carrier change requests for the AIN 11 are typically received at a central location, preferably the service management center housing the SMS 40.
- the SMS 40 is operable for remotely programming all of the SCPs of the AIN 11, including the SCP 28.
- the SMS 40 advantageously provides a central location for implementing long distance carrier change requests using the various SCPs.
- the SSP 12a already includes the subscriber databases 44 for assigning long distance communications originating on a subscriber's line to a long distance carrier selected by a subscriber.
- the SSP 12a cannot be remotely programmed from the SMS 40.
- One approach for quickly implementing long distance carrier change requests would be to relocate the entire subscriber database 44 to the SCP 28 or another network element where it could be remotely programmed from. This approach, however, would consume and/or idle a large amount of information processing capability. Moreover, locating the entire subscriber database 44 in the SCP 28 or another network element would require a data- link communication between the SSP 12a and the SCP 28 or another network element for each long distance communication routed by the SSP 12a. This approach would therefore greatly increase the number of data-link communication between the SSP 12a and the SCP 28 or another network element.
- a subscriber's preferred long distance carrier code is initially entered into an interim long distance carrier database in a network element such as the SCP 28.
- the SCP 28 provides the SSP 12a with the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier code only during an interim period. This interim period begins after the change request from the subscriber is received and the preferred long distance carrier code is entered into the interim long distance carrier database. This interim period ends when the long distance carrier change request has been programmed into the subscriber database 44 at the SSP 12a.
- the interim long distance carrier database 42 is no longer referenced in the course of routing communications originating on the subscriber's line 14a.
- the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier code then may be deleted from the interim long distance carrier database 42 at the SCP 28.
- "Chan" as the preferred long distance carrier code is entered into the interim long distance carrier database in association with the subscriber's line(s). This entry marks the beginning of the interim period during which the interim long distance carrier database is consulted with respect to long distance communications on the subscriber's line(s).
- the code "Chan” is thereafter entered into the subscriber database in place of the previous "Desai” code.
- This entry of the "Chan” code into the subscriber database marks the end of the interim period, and the interim long distance carrier database is no longer consulted with respect to long distance communications on the subscriber's line(s).
- Using a network element such as the SCP 28 to provide the SSP 12a with prefened long distance carrier codes advantageously allows long distance carrier code change requests to be implemented quickly.
- the change requests are implemented quickly because a network element such as the SCP 28 is remotely programmable, whereas the SSP 12a is not remotely programmable.
- only a small fraction of the long distance communications routed by the SSP 12a involve long distance carrier code change requests that have been received by the local exchange carrier, but not yet programmed into the subscriber database 44 at the SSP 12a.
- Using a network element such as the SCP 28 to provide the SSP 12a with preferred long distance carrier codes only on an interim basis therefore minimizes the amount of information processing required to implement long distance carrier code change requests.
- Using a network element such as the SCP 28 to provide the SSP 12a with preferred long distance carrier codes only on an interim basis also minimizes the amount of data-link traffic between the network element and the SSP 12a that is required to implement long distance carrier code change requests.
- a long distance carrier code change request for the subscriber line 14a is preferably handled as follows:
- the long distance carrier code change request indicating the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier is received at the SMS 40, usually from the preferred long distance carrier.
- a request to change from Desai Communications to Chan Telecommunications is received.
- Chan Telecommunications is now considered to be the preferred long distance carrier.
- An attendant at the SMS 40 enters the preferred long distance carrier code corresponding to the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier into an interim long distance carrier database 42 at the SCP 28.
- "Chan" is entered into the interim long distance carrier database.
- the SCP 28 transmits an update message to the SSP 12a activating a trigger for the subscriber line 14a.
- This trigger serves as an indicator that the SSP 12a consult with the interim long distance carrier database with respect to long distance communications received on the subscriber's line(s).
- the SSP 12a holds the communication and retrieves the long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber line 14a from the subscriber database 44.
- the SSP retrieves "Desai” as the long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber's line. This code is "Desai" because no change in the subscriber database has taken place as yet with respect to the subscriber's long distance carrier-of-record code.
- the SSP 12a includes the long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber line 14a in a query message and transmits the query message to the SCP 28.
- the SCP 28 responds to this query message by retrieving the preferred long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a from the interim long distance carrier database 42.
- the SCP retrieves "Chan” as the preferred long distance carrier code.
- the SCP compares the long distance carrier-of-record code to the preferred long distance carrier code.
- the subscriber's preferred long distance carrier code will have been recently entered into the interim long distance carrier database 42 because the subscriber has made a change request.
- the SCP compares "Desai" to "Chan.”
- the SCP 28 determines that the long distance carrier-of-record code is different from the preferred long distance carrier code.
- the SCP 28 includes the prefened long distance carrier code in a response message and transmits the response message to the SSP 12a.
- the SSP 12a assigns the communication to the prefened long distance carrier by routing the communication through the long distance network operated by the prefened long distance carrier. Referring to the example, the SSP 12a routes the communication through Chan Telecommunications.
- the SSP 12a also preferably attributes the communication to the preferred long distance carrier by including the preferred long distance carrier code in an accounting record for the communication.
- the process described above occurs for each long distance communication subsequently received on the subscriber line 14a during the previously referenced interim period. Preferably, this process repeats for each such communication until the trigger for the subscriber line 14a is deactivated.
- the SSP 12a subsequently receives the first long distance communication originating on the subscriber line 14a after the preferred long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a has been entered into the subscriber database 44 at the SSP 12a.
- the indicator for the SSP to consult the interim long distance carrier database is still in place in that the trigger for the subscriber line 14a has not yet been deactivated. Thus, the trigger is still active when this communication is received.
- the SSP 12a therefore holds the communication and retrieves the long distance carrier-of- record code for the subscriber line 14a from the subscriber database 44.
- the long distance carrier-of- record code is now the carrier code conesponding to the most recent change request, i.e., the "Chan" code.
- the SSP 12a includes the long distance carrier- of-record code in a query message and transmits the query message to the SCP 28.
- the SCP 28 responds to this query message by retrieving the preferred long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a from the interim long distance carrier database 42.
- the SCP retrieves "Chan” as the prefened long distance carrier code.
- the SCP 28 compares the long distance carrier-of-record code for the subscriber line 14a to the preferred long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a.
- the SCP 28, compares "Chan” as the long distance carrier-of-record code to "Chan" as the prefened long distance carrier code.
- the SCP 28 determines that the long distance carrier-of-record code is the same as the prefened long distance carrier code. In other words, "Chan" is the same as "Chan.”
- the SCP 28 responds to this determination by sending a response message to SSP 12a to instruct the SSP 12a to assign the communication to the prefened long distance carrier, as described previously.
- the SCP 28 also responds to the determination that the long distance carrier-of-record code is the same as the prefened long distance carrier code by removing the indicator so that the SSP does not consult the interim long distance carrier database with respect to long distance communications received on the subscriber's line(s).
- the SCP removes the indicator by transmitting a second update message to the SSP 12a to deactivate the trigger for the subscriber line 14a. Deactivation of the trigger for the subscriber line 14a causes the SSP 12a to route a subsequent communication originating on the subscriber line 14a without holding the communication, unless it is held for a reason unrelated to the present invention.
- the second update message deactivating the trigger for the subscriber line 14a thus indicates that a bidirectional transaction between the SCP 28 and the SSP 12a is not required in association with the present invention before subsequent communications originating on the subscriber line 14a are routed by the SSP 12a.
- the SCP 28 preferably transmits this update message after the response message to minimize the delay in routing the communication and thus minimize the chance that the SSP will time-out while the SCP 28 responds to the query message.
- the prefened long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a may also be deleted from the interim long distance carrier database 42 at the SCP 28.
- update, query, and response messages which are standard types of messages in the AIN protocol.
- Each SSP and SCP in the AIN 11 responds to these messages in a predetermined way, regardless of the manufacturer or model of the device.
- Using these standard messages of the AIN protocol to implement the preferred embodiments of the present invention advantageously allows standardization of the procedures for quickly implementing long distance carrier change requests involving SSPs and SCPs of different makes and models.
- a communication such as a telephone call, originating on the subscriber line 14a preferably includes dialed digits including routing instructions that are input by the calling party operating at the originating station 16a on the subscriber line 14a. These routing instructions typically include the directory number for the terminating station 16c.
- the dialed digits may further include a predefined code including a valid long distance carrier code that the calling party wishes to use for the present communication, as is well known to those skilled in the art. In this case, the dialed long distance carrier code is used as the preferred long distance carrier code, thus assigning the communication to the long distance carrier identified by the dialed long distance carrier code.
- “Desai” is the carrier-of- record code for the subscriber line 14a in the subscriber database 44 and that "Chan” is the prefened carrier code for the subscriber line 14a in the interim long distance carrier database 42.
- the additional feature of the first prefened embodiment allows a calling party originating a communication on the subscriber line 14a to select a preferred long distance carrier, which may be a carrier other than Desai Communications or Chan Telecommunications, for that particular communication.
- a preferred long distance carrier which may be a carrier other than Desai Communications or Chan Telecommunications, for that particular communication.
- the calling party may include a predefined carrier code, such as "ACE,” associated with Ace Telco in the dialed digits input by the calling party to originate the communication.
- a triggering code such as "*XX” may also be required to signify that the dialed digits include a predefined carrier code for the communication.
- the calling party may enable the additional feature by dialing "*XX-ACE-ZZZ-ZZZ-ZZZZ” where "ZZZ-ZZZZZ” is the directory number associated with the desired terminating equipment.
- "ACE” is used as the prefened carrier code for the communication, which causes the communication to be routed through the long distance network operated by Ace Telco.
- the SSP 12a may include the carrier code "ACE" in an accounting record to attribute the communication to Ace Telco for accounting purposes.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the operating environment of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a local communication is assigned to a preferred local exchange carrier, such as a resale service provider, for accounting purposes.
- a network element such as the SCP 28 is used to quickly change a subscriber's local exchange canier while allowing the subscriber to maintain the same directory number. That is, the subscriber's local exchange carrier may be changed without also changing the subscriber's directory number.
- prefened embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2 is adapted to implement local number portability.
- the preferred method for changing a subscriber's long distance carrier described above with reference to FIG. 1 can be used to change a subscriber's local exchange carrier with only a few modifications.
- a local carrier-of- record code for the subscriber line 14a is included in the subscriber database 44 maintained at the SSP 12a or other appropriate element.
- an interim local carrier database 43 which may be remotely programmed, is maintained at the SCP 28 or other appropriate element. It will be understood that the interim local carrier database 43 and the interim long distance carrier database 42 may be combined into a single interim carrier database.
- the SSP 12a need not select a particular network or network element associated with the preferred local carrier through which to route a communication originating on the subscriber line 14a.
- all of the local exchange carriers may utilize the same local exchange network 17 , and the communication may be assigned to the preferred local exchange carrier through an accounting record created by the SSP 12a.
- the local exchange network 17 may remain a proprietary network that is physically accessed only by the operator of the local exchange network. Although physical access to the local exchange network may remain proprietary, accounting records maintained by the operator of the local exchange network may allow local communications to be assigned to various local exchange carriers, such as resale service providers.
- a central office switch may select a particular communication path through the local exchange network 17 based on a subscriber's prefened local carrier code.
- the SSP 12a may route communications originating on the subscriber line 14a through the local exchange network 17 to a particular intelligent platform operated by, or programmed to implement advanced network functions associated with, the prefened local carrier.
- the preferred local carrier may provide subscribers with advanced network functions such as communication forwarding, voice mail, debit account services, and the like.
- procedures described above for the second preferred embodiment may be implemented in conjunction with procedures that allow a calling party to provide a prefened long distance carrier code on a per- communication basis. These procedures for allowing a calling party to provide a preferred long distance carrier code on a per-communication basis are essentially the same as those described previously with respect to the additional features of the first preferred embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method for changing a subscriber's local exchange or long distance carrier.
- a more specific description of a preferred method for changing a subscriber's long distance canier within the AIN environment as illustrated on FIG. 1 is described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 below.
- a more specific description of a prefened method for changing a subscriber's local exchange carrier within the AIN environment as illustrated on FIG. 2 is described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 below.
- FIG. 3 it should be understood that a carrier-of-record code indicating a subscriber's carrier-of-record is included in a subscriber database prior to the process illustrated by FIG. 3.
- a carrier-of-record code is ordinarily used to assign communications associated with the subscriber to the subscriber's carrier-of-record.
- a subscriber may choose a different carrier for each respective line servicing the subscriber's originating equipment.
- a subscriber may choose a different canier-of-record for each type of communications routed over different networks. For example, a subscriber may choose a local carrier-of-record for local communications, a long distance carrier-of-record for long distance communications, a data network carrier-of-record for data communications, etc.
- more than one carrier code may refer to the same carrier. Reference heretofore has been made only to local and long distance telecommunications services. But the present invention may also be used in routing or attributing for accounting purposes a communication on a data, wireless, video, or other network.
- FIG. 3 is entered at step 300, and in step 302 a check is made to determine whether a carrier change request has been received for a subscriber. If a carrier change request is not received in step 302, the "NO" branch is followed from step 302 to step 308, in which a check is made to determine whether a communication associated with the subscriber has been received. Steps 308 et seq. are described below. If a carrier change request is received in step 302, the "YES" branch is followed from step 302 to step 304. In step 304, the preferred carrier code for the subscriber received in the carrier change request is entered into an interim carrier database.
- a trigger is activated for the subscriber's line.
- the trigger for the subscriber's line remains active until the trigger is deactivated.
- the active trigger causes the preferred carrier code to be retrieved from the interim carrier database whenever a communication is received on the subscriber's line.
- Step 306 and the "NO" branch from step 302 are followed by step 308, in which a check is made to determine whether a communication has been received on the subscriber's line.
- the carrier-of-record code is retrieved from the subscriber database in step 310.
- Step 310 is followed by step 312, in which it is determined whether a trigger is active for the subscriber's line. If there is no active trigger for the subscriber's line, the "NO" branch is followed from step 312 to step 320, in which the communication is assigned to the preferred carrier.
- the preferred carrier is the carrier associated with the carrier-of-record code.
- step 312 If a trigger is active for the subscriber's line, the "YES" branch is followed from step 312 to step 314, in which the preferred carrier code is retrieved from the interim carrier database.
- step 314 is followed by step 316, in which it is determined whether the carrier-of-record code is the same as the preferred carrier code. If the carrier-of-record is the same as the prefened carrier, the "YES" branch is followed from step 316 to step 318, in which the trigger for the subscriber is deactivated.
- step 318 is followed by step 320, in which the communication is assigned to the prefened canier. In this case, the prefened canier is the carrier associated with the carrier-of-record code.
- step 320 is followed preferably by step 322, in which it is determined whether the subscriber has discontinued service. If the subscriber has discontinued service, the "YES" branch is followed from step 322 to the "END" step 324, and the process illustrated by the logic flow diagram of FIG. 3 is concluded. If the subscriber has not discontinued service, the "NO" branch loops to step 302, in which it is determined whether a carrier change request has been received for the subscriber. The logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 3 thus loops through the steps 302 through 322 so long as the subscriber continues to receive service.
- FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a prefened method for changing a subscriber's long distance carrier.
- the following description of FIGS. 4 and 5 will refer to the prefened environment illustrated in FIG. 1 in describing a prefened method for implementing a long distance carrier change request for the subscriber line 14a.
- a long distance communication originating at the originating station 16a on the subscriber line 14a is routed to the terminating station 16c.
- SSP 12a is the originating switch for the subscriber line 14a and the SCP 28 is programmed to implement long distance carrier change requests for the SSP 12a.
- FIG. 4 is entered at step 400, and in step 402 it is determined whether a long distance carrier change request has been received for the subscriber line 14a in step 402.
- This long distance carrier change request is preferably received at the SMS 40. If a long distance carrier change request has not been received for the subscriber line 14a, the "NO" branch is followed from step 402 to step 408, in which a check is made to determine whether a communication is received on the subscriber line 14a at the SSP 12a. Steps 408 et seq. are described below.
- step 404 the prefened long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a received in the long distance carrier change request is entered into the interim long distance carrier database 42 at the SCP 28.
- step 406 an update message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a. This update message activates a trigger for the subscriber line 14a at the SSP 12a. The trigger for the subscriber line 14a remains active at the SSP 12a until a subsequent update message is received at the SSP 12a that deactivates the trigger.
- the active trigger causes the SSP 12a to hold a communication received on the subscriber line 14a and transmit a query message to the SCP 28.
- the SSP 12a holds the communication until the SSP 12a receives a response message from the SCP 28 instructing the SSP 12a to route the communication to the terminating station 16c.
- step 408 a check is made to determine whether a communication has been received at the SSP 12a on the subscriber line 14a. If no communication has been received, the "NO" branch loops to step 402 to monitor whether a long distance carrier change request has been received. If a communication has been received at the SSP 12a on the subscriber line 14a, the "YES" branch is followed from step 408 to step 410, in which the SSP 12a retrieves the long distance carrier-of-record code from the subscriber database 44. Step 410 is followed by step 411, in which it is determined whether a trigger is active for the subscriber line 14a.
- step 411 the communication is routed to the terminating station 16c.
- the communication is assigned to the preferred carrier, which is the carrier associated with the carrier-of-record code in the subscriber database.
- step 411 if a trigger for the subscriber line 14a is active, the "YES" branch is followed from step 411 to step 412, in which the communication is held at the originating switch SSP 12a.
- a query message including the dialed digits and the long distance canier-of-record code is transmitted from the SSP 12a to the SCP 28 in step 414.
- Step 414 is followed by routine 416, in which the query message is processed at the SCP 28. Routine 416 is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5 below.
- Routine 416 is followed by step 418, in which a response message including a preferred long distance carrier code is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- Step 418 is followed by step 420, in which the communication is routed to the terminating station 16c through a particular one of the long distance networks 18a through 18n that is identified by the prefened long distance carrier code received from the SCP 28.
- Step 420 is followed by optional step 422, in which an accounting record is created by the SSP 12a attributing the communication to the prefened long distance canier. This accounting record is later downloaded to the billing system 46, which uses the accounting record to produce an appropriate invoice for the communication.
- Step 422 is followed by step 424, in which it is determined whether the subscriber has discontinued service. If the subscriber has discontinued service, the "YES" branch is followed to the "END” step 426 and the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 4 is completed. If the subscriber has not discontinued service, the "NO" branch loops from step 424 to step 402. The logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 4 thus loops through the steps 402 through 424 so long as the subscriber continues to receive service.
- FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method for processing a query message associated with changing a subscriber's long distance carrier.
- the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 5 corresponds to routine 416 shown on FIG. 4.
- the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 5 thus begins following step 414 shown on FIG. 4.
- FIG. 5 is entered at step 500, and in step 502 the SCP 28 analyzes the query message, including the dialed digits and the long distance carrier-of- record code.
- the SCP 28 determines whether the communication associated with the query message is a long distance communication. If the communication is not a long distance communication, the "NO" branch is followed from step 504 to step 518, in which a response message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- the trigger for the subscriber line 14a may be used in association with network functions other than quickly changing a subscriber's long distance carrier. In this case, additional steps associated with these other network functions (not shown) may be implemented.
- the communication associated with the query message may be a local communication and the method described below with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 may be followed.
- step 504 if the communication associated with the query message is a long distance communication, the "YES" branch is followed from step 504 to step 506, in which it is determined whether the dialed digits included in the query message include an optional valid long distance carrier code. If the answer to the inquiry of step 506 is yes, the "YES" branch is followed to step 508, in which the optional dialed long distance carrier code is included in a response message as the preferred long distance carrier code for the communication. Step 508 is followed by step 518, in which the response message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- step 510 in which the SCP 28 retrieves the preferred long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a from the interim long distance carrier database 42.
- step 512 in which it is determined whether the long distance carrier-of-record is the same as the preferred long distance carrier. That is, it is determined whether the long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a included in the subscriber database 44 at the SSP 12a is the same as the long distance carrier code for the subscriber line 14a included in the interim long distance carrier database 42 at the SCP 28.
- step 512 If the answer to the inquiry of step 512 is yes, the "YES" branch is followed from step 512 to step 514, in which an update message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a to deactivate the trigger at the SSP 12a. Transmission of this update message is preferably delayed until after transmission of the response message (step 518) to minimize the chance that the SSP 12a will time-out while the SCP 28 processes the query message.
- step 514 and the "NO" branch from step 512 are followed by step 516.
- step 516 the prefened local canier code is included in a response message.
- this response message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- step 520 the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 4 continues at step 418.
- FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a prefened method for changing a subscriber's local exchange carrier.
- the following description of FIGS. 6 and 7 will refer to FIG. 2 in describing a preferred method for implementing a long distance carrier change request for the subscriber line 14a.
- a local communication originating at the originating station 16a on the subscriber line 14a is routed to the terminating station 16c through the local exchange network 17.
- the SSP 12a is the originating switch for the subscriber line 14a and the SCP 28 is programmed to implement local carrier change requests for the SSP 12a.
- FIG. 6 is entered at step 600, and in step 602 it is determined whether a local canier change request has been received for the subscriber line 14a in step 602.
- This local carrier change request is preferably received at the SMS 40. If a local carrier change request has not been received for the subscriber line 14a, the "NO" branch is followed from step 602 to step 608, in which a check is made to determine whether a communication has been received on the subscriber line 14a at the SSP 12a. Steps 608 et seq. are described below.
- step 604 the prefened local canier code for the subscriber line 14a received in the local carrier change request is entered into the interim local carrier database 43 at the SCP 28.
- step 606 an update message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a. This update message activates a trigger for the subscriber line 14a at the SSP 12a. The trigger for the subscriber line 14a remains active at the SSP 12a until a subsequent update message is received at the SSP 12a that deactivates the trigger. The active trigger causes the SSP 12a to hold a communication received on the subscriber line 14a and transmit a query message to the SCP 28.
- the SSP 12a holds the communication until the SSP 12a receives a response message from the SCP 28 instructing the SSP 12a to route the communication to the terminating station 16c.
- step 608 a check is made to determine whether a communication has been received at the SSP 12a on the subscriber line 14a. If no communication has been received, the "NO" branch loops to step 602 to monitor whether a local carrier change request has been received. If a communication has been received at the SSP 12a on the subscriber line 14a, the "YES" branch is followed from step 608 to step 610, in which the SSP 12a retrieves the local carrier-of-record code from the subscriber database 44.
- Step 610 is followed by step 611 , in which it is determined whether a trigger is active for the subscriber line 14a. If there is not an active trigger for the subscriber line 14a, the "NO" branch is followed from step 611 to step 620, in which the communication is routed through the local exchange network to the terminating station 16c.
- step 611 if a trigger for the subscriber line 14a is active, the "YES" branch is followed from step 611 to step 612, in which the communication is held at the originating switch SSP 12a.
- a query message including the dialed digits and the local carrier-of-record code is transmitted from the SSP 12a to the SCP 28 in step 614.
- Step 614 is followed by routine 616, in which the query message is processed at the SCP 28. Routine 616 is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 7 below.
- Routine 616 is followed by step 618, in which a response message including a prefened local canier code is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- Step 618 is followed by step 620, in which the communication is routed to the terminating station 16c through the local exchange network 17.
- the SSP 12a may route communications originating on the subscriber line 14a through the local exchange network 17 to a particular intelligent platform operated by, or programmed to implement advanced network functions associated with, the subscriber's prefened local canier.
- Step 620 is followed by step 622, in which an accounting record is created by the SSP 12a attributing the communication to the preferred local carrier.
- step 622 is not an optional step in the preferred method and system of the local carrier implementation of the present invention. It is not optional because all communications will be routed through the local exchange network, but separate attribution or assignment of each communication is made for accounting purposes. Nonetheless, where alternative routing paths are possible, the accounting step (step 622) may be optional. This accounting record is later downloaded to the billing system 46, which uses the accounting record to produce an appropriate invoice for the communication.
- Step 622 is followed by step 624, in which it is determined whether the subscriber has discontinued service. If the subscriber has discontinued service, the "YES" branch is followed to the "END” step 626 and the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 6 is completed. If the subscriber has not discontinued service, the "NO" branch loops from step 624 to step 602. It will therefore be appreciated that the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 6 loops through the steps 602 through 624 so long as the subscriber continues to receive service.
- FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram that illustrates a prefened method for processing a query message associated with changing a subscriber's local carrier.
- the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 7 conesponds to routine 616 shown on FIG. 6.
- the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 7 thus begins following step 614 shown on FIG. 6.
- FIG. 7 is entered at step 700, and in step 702 the SCP 28 analyzes the query message including the dialed digits and the local carrier-of-record code.
- the SCP 28 determines whether the communication associated with the query message is a local communication.
- step 704 the "NO" branch is followed from step 704 to step 718, in which a response message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- the trigger for the subscriber line 14a may be used in association with network functions other than quickly changing a subscriber's local carrier. In this case, additional steps associated with these other network functions (not shown) may be implemented.
- the communication associated with the query message may be a long distance communication and the method described above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 may be followed.
- step 704 if the communication associated with the query message is a local communication, the "YES" branch is followed from step 704 to step 706, in which it is determined whether the dialed digits included in the query message include a valid local carrier code. If the answer to the inquiry of step 706 is yes, the "YES" branch is followed to step 708, in which the dialed local carrier code is included in a response message as the prefened local carrier code for the communication. Step 708 is followed by step 718, in which the response message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- step 706 determines whether the local carrier-of-record is the same as the prefened local carrier. That is, it is determined whether the local carrier code for the subscriber line 14a included in the subscriber database 44 at the SSP 12a is the same as the local carrier code for the subscriber line 14a included in the interim local carrier database 43 at the SCP 28.
- step 712 If the answer to the inquiry of step 712 is yes, the "YES" branch is followed from step 712 to step 714, in which an update message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a to deactivate the trigger at the SSP 12a. Transmission of this update message is preferably delayed until after transmission of the response message (step 718) to minimize the chance that the SSP 12a will time-out while the SCP 28 processes the query message.
- step 714 and the "NO" branch from step 712 are followed by step 716.
- step 716 the prefened local carrier code is included in a response message.
- this response message is transmitted from the SCP 28 to the SSP 12a.
- step 720 the logic flow diagram illustrated by FIG. 6 continues at step 618.
- the present invention provides a method and system for quickly changing a subscriber's long distance or local carrier while allowing the subscriber to maintain the same directory number. It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to specific embodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
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AU39608/97A AU3960897A (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1997-07-16 | Method and system for assigning a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes |
AT97936981T ATE250315T1 (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1997-07-16 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALLOCATING A MESSAGE TO A PREFERRED CARRIER FOR BILLING AND/OR MESSAGE ROUTING PURPOSES |
EP97936981A EP0913064B1 (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1997-07-16 | Method and system for assigning a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes |
DE69724968T DE69724968D1 (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1997-07-16 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSIGNING A MESSAGE TO A PREFERRED CARRIER FOR BILLING AND / OR MESSAGE SEARCH PURPOSES |
JP10507151A JP2000516777A (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1997-07-16 | Method and system for allocating communication to desired carriers for billing and / or communication routing purposes |
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US08/684,450 US5748717A (en) | 1996-07-19 | 1996-07-19 | Method and system for assigning a communication to a preferred carrier for accounting and/or communication routing purposes |
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1997
- 1997-07-16 AT AT97936981T patent/ATE250315T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-07-16 DE DE69724968T patent/DE69724968D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-07-16 JP JP10507151A patent/JP2000516777A/en active Pending
- 1997-07-16 WO PCT/US1997/012702 patent/WO1998004092A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 1997-07-16 EP EP97936981A patent/EP0913064B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-07-16 AU AU39608/97A patent/AU3960897A/en not_active Abandoned
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US9806988B2 (en) | 1996-10-31 | 2017-10-31 | Patentmarks Communications, Llc | Multi-protocol telecommunications routing optimization |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US5748717A (en) | 1998-05-05 |
JP2000516777A (en) | 2000-12-12 |
EP0913064B1 (en) | 2003-09-17 |
WO1998004092A3 (en) | 1998-04-16 |
AU3960897A (en) | 1998-02-10 |
EP0913064A2 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
DE69724968D1 (en) | 2003-10-23 |
ATE250315T1 (en) | 2003-10-15 |
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