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United States Patent 6,002,689
Christie, deceased ,   et al. December 14, 1999
System and method for interfacing a local communication device


Abstract

A system to interworking a call between a plurality of networks having different formats. The system has a GR-303 system, an integrated services digital network system, a service platform, and an asynchronous transfer mode system. The system has a signaling processor that is adapted to receive the call signaling and to process the call signaling to select a connection to one of the GR-303 system, the integrated services digital network system, the service platform, or the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processor thereby selects the corresponding system on the connection. The signaling processor transports a control message identifying the selected connection. An interworking unit receives the user communications and the control message. The interworking unit converts the user communications from the format in which it was received to the format that is compatible with the selected system. The user communications are then transported on the selected connection.

Inventors: Christie, deceased; Joseph Michael (late of San Bruno, CA), Christie, executor; by Joseph S. (Mt. Pleasant, PA), Christie, executor; by Jean M. (Mt. Pleasant, PA), Gardner; Michael Joseph (Overland Park, KS), Wiley; William Lyle (Olathe, KS), Duree; Albert Daniel (Independence, MO), Nelson; Tracy Lee (Shawnee Mission, KS)
Assignee: Sprint Communications Co. L.P. (
Appl. No.: 08/754,354
Filed: November 22, 1996

Current U.S. Class: 370/401 ; 370/410; 370/467
Current International Class: H04Q 11/04 (20060101); H04L 12/56 (20060101); H04L 012/56 ()
Field of Search: 370/395,396,398,400,401,402,403,404,405,410,426,465,466,467,522,524 379/207,219,230,234

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Primary Examiner: Pham; Chi H.
Assistant Examiner: Yao; Kwang B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ball; Harley R.
Claims


What is claimed is:

1. A system for providing an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode network and a local network, the call having user communications and call signaling, the system comprising:

a first communication device adapted to communicate the call in an asynchronous transfer mode format;

a second communication device adapted to communicate the call in a time division multiplex format;

an application adapted to process the call; and

an interface system comprising:

a signaling processor adapted to receive the call signaling from the first communication device, to process the call signaling to select a first connection to the application, and to transport a first control message designating the selected first connection; and

an interworking unit adapted to receive the user communications from the first communication device, to receive the first control message from the signaling processor, to interwork the user communications between the asynchronous transfer mode format and a format usable by the application, and to transport the user communications over the selected first connection designated in the first control message;

wherein the application processes the call and is further adapted to transport a second control message notifying the signaling processor that processing is complete;

wherein the signaling processor further is adapted to receive the second control message, to process the second control message to select a second connection from the interworking unit to the second communication device, and to transport a third control message designating the selected second connection; and

wherein the interworking unit further is adapted to receive the processed user communications and the third control message and to interwork the user communications to the selected second connection to the second communication device.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises a GR-303 converter adapted to convert call signaling between a signaling system #7 format and a GR-303 format.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises an integrated services digital network converter adapted to convert call signaling between a signaling system #7 format and an integrated services digital network format.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises an integrated services digital network converter adapted to convert call signaling between a GR-303 form at and an integrated services digital network format.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises an optical interface adapted to convert the call between an optical format and an electrical format.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises an electrical interface adapted to convert the call between an electrical format and an optical format.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises a service platform adapted to process the user communications with an interactive application.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the application comprises a tandem interface adapted to accept the call and to switch the call to a destination determined by the call signaling.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system is adapted to interwork call signaling between a signaling system #7 format and a GR-303 format.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system is adapted to interwork call signaling between a signaling system #7 format and an integrated services digital network format.

11. The system of claim wherein the interface system is adapted to interwork call signaling between a GR-303 format and an integrated services digital network format.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system comprises an optical interface adapted to convert the call between an optical format and an electrical format.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system comprises an electrical interface adapted to convert the call between an electrical format and an optical format.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system is adapted to interwork user communications between a GR-303 format and the asynchronous transfer mode format.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system is adapted to interwork user communications between an integrated services digital network format and the asynchronous transfer mode format.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the interface system is adapted to interwork user communications between a GR-303 format and an integrated services digital network format.

17. A system for interworking a call between a plurality of networks, the call having call signaling and user communications, the system comprising:

a GR-303 system adapted to handle the call;

an integrated services digital network system adapted to handle the call;

an asynchronous transfer mode system adapted to handle the call;

a service platform having an application adapted to process the call;

a signaling processor adapted to process the call signaling to select at least one of a connection for the call to the GR-303 system, the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform, and to provide a control message that identifies the selected connection;

a converter adapted to receive the call signaling from at least one of the GR-303 system and the integrated services digital network system, to interwork the call signaling in at least one of a GR-303 format, an integrated services digital network format, and a signaling system #7 format, and to exchange call signaling with the signaling processor in a format usable by the signaling processor; and

an interworking unit adapted to receive the user communications, to exchange the call signaling between at least one of the GR-303 system and the integrated services digital network system and the converter, to receive the control message from the signaling processor, and to interwork the user communications over the selected connection identified in the control message;

wherein the signaling processor is adapted to receive call signaling from the asynchronous transfer mode system and the service platform.

18. The system of claim 17 further comprising a cross connect adapted to receive the user communications from the interworking unit and to route the user communications on the selected connection.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the selected connection comprises a selected virtual path identifier/virtual channel identifier.

20. The system of claim 17 wherein the signaling processor is adapted to process the call signaling in a signaling system #7 format.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the signaling processor is adapted to exchange the call signaling with the asynchronous transfer mode system in the signaling system #7 format.

22. The system of claim 17 wherein the service platform comprises a media processor adapted to receive the user communications and to process the user communications with the service application.

23. The system of claim 17 wherein the service platform comprises a host computer adapted to control the processing of the user communications in the service platform with the service application.

24. The system of claim 17 further comprising a service database adapted to store service data wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the service data from the service database to assist in call processing.

25. The system of claim 17 further comprising a service database having processing option information denoting services available for the call wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the processing option information from the service database to assist in call processing.

26. The system of claim 17 further comprising a service database having service data available to the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted to retrieve the service data from the service database to assist in call processing.

27. The system of claim 17 further comprising a service database having processing option information denoting services available for the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted to retrieve the processing option information from the service database to assist in call processing.

28. A system for interworking a call between a plurality of networks, the call having call signaling and user communications, the system comprising:

a GR-303 system adapted to handle the call;

an integrated services digital network system adapted to handle the call;

an asynchronous transfer mode system adapted to handle the call;

a signaling processor adapted to receive the call signaling, to process the call signaling to select at least one of a connection for the call to the GR-303 system, the integrated services digital network system, and the asynchronous transfer mode system, and to provide a control message that identifies the selected connection; and

an interworking unit adapted to receive the user communications, to receive the control message from the signaling processor, and to interwork the user communications over the selected connection identified in the control message.

29. The system of claim 28 further comprising a cross connect adapted to receive the user communications from the interworking unit and to route the user communications on the selected connection.

30. The system of claim 28 wherein the selected connection comprises a selected virtual path identifier/virtual channel identifier.

31. The system of claim 28 further comprising a converter adapted to exchange the call signaling between the GR-303 system in a GR-303 format and the signaling processor in a format processable by the signaling processor.

32. The system of claim 31 wherein the converter is adapted to interwork the call signaling between the GR-303 format and a signaling system #7 format.

33. The system of claim 28 wherein the interworking unit is adapted to exchange the call signaling between at least one of the GR-303 system and the integrated services digital network system and the converter.

34. The system of claim 28 further comprising a converter adapted to exchange the call signaling between the integrated services digital network system in an integrated services digital network format and the signaling processor in a format processable by the signaling processor.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the converter is adapted to interwork the call signaling between the integrated services digital network format and a signaling system #7 format.

36. The system of claim 28 wherein the signaling processor is adapted to process the call signaling in a signaling system #7 format.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein the signaling processor is adapted to exchange the call signaling with the asynchronous transfer mode system in the signaling system #7 format.

38. The system of claim 28 further comprises a service platform adapted to receive the user communications and to process the user communications with a service application.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein the service platform comprises a media processor adapted to receive the user communications and to process the user communications with the service application.

40. The system of claim 38 wherein the service platform comprises a host computer adapted to control the processing of the user communications in the service platform with the service application.

41. The system of claim 38 further comprising a service database adapted to store service data wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the service data from the service database to assist in call processing.

42. The system of claim 38 further comprising a service database having processing option information denoting services available for the call wherein the host computer is adapted to retrieve the processing option information from the service database to assist in call processing.

43. The system of claim 28 further comprising a service database having service data available to the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted to retrieve the service data from the service database to assist in call processing.

44. The system of claim 28 further comprising a service database having processing option information denoting services available for the call wherein the signaling processor is adapted to retrieve the processing option information from the service database to assist in call processing.

45. A system for providing a tandem connection for a call, the call having call signaling and user communications, the system comprising:

a first communication device adapted to transport the call as traffic in a GR-303 format;

a second communication device adapted to receive the call;

a first interworking unit adapted to receive the traffic for the call from the first communication device over a first connection, to convert the traffic from the GR-303 format to asynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected second connection identified in a first control message, and to transport the asynchronous transfer mode cells;

a cross connect adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the first interworking unit and to route the asynchronous transfer mode cells based on the selected second connection identified in the asynchronous transfer mode cells;

a second interworking unit adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected virtual connection, to convert the asynchronous transfer mode cells into a into traffic having a format receivable by the second communication device, and to transport the traffic over a selected third connection to the second communication device identified in a second control message;

a third communication device adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected second connection; and

a signaling processor linked to the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, first interworking unit, and the second interworking unit wherein:

the signaling processor is adapted to receive and process the call signaling from the first communication device to select the second connection and, if the selected second connection connects cross connect and the second interworking unit, to select the third connection, to provide the first control message for the call to the first interworking unit, and to provide the second control message for the call to one of the second interworking unit and the third communication device, and

the first control message identifies the first connection and the selected second connection,

the second control message identifies the selected second connection and the third connection, and

the first connection, the selected second connection, and the selected third connection form a tandem connection.

46. The system of claim 45 wherein the third communication device comprises a gateway.

47. The system of claim 45 wherein the third communication device comprises a asynchronous transfer mode communication device.

48. The system of claim 45 wherein the second communication device is adapted to receive the call in the GR-303 format.

49. The system of claim 45 wherein the second communication device is adapted to receive the call in an integrated services digital network format.

50. The system of claim 45 wherein the second communication device comprises a synchronous optical network device.

51. The system of claim 45 wherein the second communication device comprises a synchronous digital hierarchy device.

52. A system for providing a tandem connection for a call, the call having call signaling and user communications, the system comprising:

a first communication device adapted to transport the call as traffic in a integrated services digital network format;

a second communication device adapted to receive the call;

a first interworking unit adapted to receive the traffic for the call from the first communication device over a first connection, to convert the traffic from the integrated services digital network format to asynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected second connection identified in a first control message, and to transport the asynchronous transfer mode cells;

a cross connect adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the first interworking unit and to route the asynchronous transfer mode cells based on the selected second connection identified in the asynchronous transfer mode cells;

a second interworking unit adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected virtual connection, to convert the asynchronous transfer mode cells into a into traffic having a format receivable by the second communication device, and to transport the traffic over a selected third connection to the second communication device identified in a second control message;

a third communication device adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected second connection; and

a signaling processor linked to the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, first interworking unit, and the second interworking unit wherein:

the signaling processor is adapted to receive and process the call signaling from the first communication device to select the second connection and, if the selected second connection connects cross connect and the second interworking unit, to select the third connection, to provide the first control message for the call to the first interworking unit, and to provide the second control message for the call to one of the second interworking unit and the third communication device, and

the first control message identifies the first connection and the selected second connection,

the second control message identifies the selected second connection and the third connection, and

the first connection, the selected second connection, and the selected third connection form a tandem connection.

53. The system of claim 52 wherein the third communication device comprises a gateway.

54. The system of claim 52 wherein the third communication device comprises a asynchronous transfer mode communication device.

55. The system of claim 52 wherein the second communication device is adapted to receive the call in the GR-303 format.

56. The system of claim 52 wherein the second communication device is adapted to receive the call in an integrated services digital network format.

57. The system of claim 52 wherein the second communication device comprises a synchronous optical network device.

58. The system of claim 52 wherein the second communication device comprises a synchronous digital hierarchy device.

59. A method for handling a call, the method comprising:

receiving signaling in a first signaling format into an interface unit;

transferring the signaling in the first signaling format from the interface unit to a signaling converter;

in the signaling converter, converting the signaling from the first signaling format to a second signaling format;

transferring the signaling in the second signaling format from the signaling converter to a signaling processor;

in the signaling processor, processing the signaling to generate a first control message identifying the first connection;

transferring the first control message from the signaling processor to the interface unit;

receiving user communications in a first communications format into the interface unit;

transferring the user communications over the first connection from the interface unit to a service platform in response to the first control message;

in the service platform, providing a service and generating a second control message in response to the user communications;

transferring the second control instruction from the service platform to the signaling processor;

in the signaling processor, processing the second control message to generate a third control message identifying a second connection; and

transferring the third control message from the signaling processor to the interface unit; and

transferring the user communications in a second communications format from the interface unit over the second connection in response to the third control message.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein the first signaling format and the first communications format comprise a GR-303 format.

61. The method of claim 59 wherein the first signaling format and the first communications format comprise an Integrated Services Digital Network format.

62. The method of claim 59 wherein the second signaling format comprises Signaling System #7.

63. The method of claim 59 wherein the second communications format comprises an asynchronous transfer mode format.

64. The method of claim 59 further comprising collecting digits from the user communications in the interface unit.

65. The method of claim 64 further comprising:

transferring the digits from the interface unit to the signaling converter;

converting the digits into the second signaling format;

transferring the digits in the second signaling format to the signaling processor; and

processing the digits in the signaling processor.

66. The method of claim 59 further comprising:

processing the second control message in the signaling processor to generate new signaling in the second signaling format; and

transmitting the new signaling from the signaling processor.

67. The method of claim 59 further comprising:

processing the signaling to generate a fourth control message identifying the service; and transferring the fourth control message from the signaling processor to the service platform.

68. The method of claim 67 wherein the service is a calling card service.

69. The method of claim 67 wherein the service is a call routing service.

70. The method of claim 67 wherein the service is a interactive voice service.

71. The method of claim 59 further comprising:

processing the signaling in the signaling processor to select echo cancellation for the call; and

providing echo cancellation in the interface unit in response to the echo cancellation selection.

72. A call processing system comprising:

an interface unit configured to receive and transfer signaling for a call in a first signaling format, receive a first control message for the call identifying a first connection, receive user communications for the call in a first communications format, transfer the user communications over the first connection in response to the first control message, receive a third control message for the call identifying a second connection, and transfer the user communications in a second communications format over the second connection in response to the third control message;

a signaling converter configured to receive the signaling from interface unit in the first signaling format, convert the signaling from the first signaling format to a second signaling format, and transfer the signaling in the second signaling format;

a signaling processor configured to receive the signaling from the signaling converter in the second signaling format, process the signaling to generate and transfer the first control message identifying the first connection, receive and process a second control message to generate and transfer the third control message identifying the second connection; and

a service platform configured to receive the user communications over the first connection, provide a service and transfer the second control instruction in response to the user communications.

73. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the first signaling format and the first communications format comprise a GR-303 format.

74. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the first signaling format and the first communications format comprise an Integrated Services Digital Network format.

75. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the second signaling format comprises Signaling System #7.

76. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the second communications format comprises an asynchronous transfer mode format.

77. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the interface unit is further configured to collect digits from the user communications.

78. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein:

the interface unit is further configured to transfer the digits to the signaling converter;

the signaling converter is further configured to convert the digits into the second signaling format and transfer the digits in the second signaling format to the signaling processor; and the signaling processor is further configured to process the digits.

79. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the signaling processor is further configured to process the second control message to generate new signaling in the second signaling format and transmit the new signaling.

80. The call processing system of claim 72 wherein the signaling processor is further configured to process the signaling to generate a fourth control message identifying the service and transfer the fourth control message to the service platform.

81. The call processing system of claim 80 wherein the service is a calling card service.

82. The call processing system of claim 80 wherein the service is a call routing service.

83. The call processing system of claim 80 wherein the service is a interactive voice service.

84. The call processing system of claim 72 further comprising:

the signaling processor is further configured to processing the signaling to select echo cancellation for the call; and

the interface unit is further configured to provide echo cancellation in response to the echo cancellation selection.
Description


RELATED APPLICATIONS

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FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of telecommunication communications transport and processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system for providing an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode network and a local network. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a first communication device adapted to communicate the call in an asynchronous transfer mode format and a second communication device adapted to communicate the call in a time division multiplex format. The system further comprises an application adapted to process the call and an interface system. The interface system comprises a signaling processor and an interworking unit. The signaling processor is adapted to receive the call signaling from the first communication device. The signaling processor processes the call signaling to select a first connection to the application and transports a first control message designating the selected first connection. The interworking unit is adapted to receive the user communications from the first communication device and to receive the first control message from the signaling processor. The interworking unit interworks the user communications between the asynchronous transfer mode format and a format usable by the application and transports the user communications over the selected first connection designated in the first control message.

The application processes the call and transports a second control message notifying the signaling processor that processing is complete. The signaling processor then receives the second control message and processes the second control message to select a second connection from the interworking unit to the second communication device. The signaling processor transports a third control message designating the selected second connection. The interworking unit receives the processed user communications and the third control message and interworks the user communications to the selected second connection to the second communication device.

Still further, the present invention is a system for providing an interface for a call between a broadband system and a GR-303 system. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a signaling processor adapted to process the call signaling to select a broadband connection for the call and to provide a control message that identifies the selected broadband connection. The system has a converter adapted to receive the call signaling from the GR-303 system in a GR-303 format and to provide the call signaling to the signaling processor in a format processable by the signaling processor. The system further comprises an interworking unit adapted to receive user communications in a GR-303 format from the GR-303 system and to receive the control message from the signaling processor. The interworking unit converts the user communications between the GR-303 format and a broadband format and transmits the user communications in the broadband format to the broadband system on the selected broadband connection identified in the control message. The system also comprises a service platform in the broadband system adapted to receive the user communications and to process the user communications with a service application.

Further yet, the present invention comprises a system for providing an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system that is operable to handle the call and a GR-303 system that is operable to handle the call. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call with an interactive application. The system includes a signaling processor that is adapted to process call signaling from the GR-303 system and from the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processor selects at least one of a connection to the asynchronous transfer mode system, the GR-303 system, and the service platform for the call. The signaling processor also provides a control message that identifies the selected connection. In addition, the system comprises an interworking unit that is adapted to receive the control message from the signaling processor and to receive the user communications. The interworking unit interworks the user communications between the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on the selected connection identified in the control message.

The present invention is directed to a system for interworking for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system and a GR-303 system. The call has call signaling and user communications. The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call with an interactive application. The system further comprises a converter adapted to exchange the call signaling with the GR-303 system and to interwork call signaling between a GR-303 format and a signaling system #7 format. The system includes a signaling processor and an interworking unit. The signaling processor is adapted to receive call signaling in a signaling system #7 format from the asynchronous transfer mode system and from the converter. The signaling processor processes the call signaling in the signaling system #7 format to select at least one of a connection to the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform for the call. The signaling processor provides a control message that identifies the selected connection. The interworking unit adapted to receive the control message from the signaling processor and to interwork the user communications between the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform using the selected connection identified in the control message.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for providing an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system and a GR-303 system. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call with an interactive application, a signaling processor, and an interworking unit. The signaling processor is adapted to exchange call signaling with the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processor processes call signaling from GR-303 system and from the asynchronous transfer mode system to select at least one of a connection for the call to the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform. The signaling processor provides a control message that identifies the selected connection. The interworking unit is adapted to exchange the call signaling between the GR-303 system and the signaling processor. The interworking unit receives the control message from the signaling processor and interworks user communications between the GR-303 system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on the selected connection identified in the control message.

In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for providing an interface for a call between a broadband system and a integrated services digital network system. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a signaling processor adapted to process the call signaling to select a broadband connection for the call and to provide a control message that identifies the selected broadband connection. The system has a converter adapted to receive the call signaling from the integrated services digital network system in a integrated services digital network format and to provide the call signaling to the signaling processor in a format processable by the signaling processor. The system further comprises an interworking unit adapted to receive user communications in a integrated services digital network format from the integrated services digital network system and to receive the control message from the signaling processor. The interworking unit converts the user communications between the integrated services digital network format and a broadband format and transmits the user communications in the broadband format to the broadband system on the selected broadband connection identified in the control message. The system also comprises a service platform in the broadband system adapted to receive the user communications and to process the user communications with a service application.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for providing an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system that is operable to handle the call and a integrated services digital network system that is operable to handle the call. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call with an interactive application. The system includes a signaling processor that is adapted to process call signaling from the integrated services digital network system and from the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processor selects at least one of a connection to the asynchronous transfer mode system, the integrated services digital network system, and the service platform for the call. The signaling processor also provides a control message that identifies the selected connection. In addition, the system comprises an interworking unit that is adapted to receive the control message from the signaling processor and to receive the user communications. The interworking unit interworks the user communications between the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on the selected connection identified in the control message.

Further still, the present invention is directed to a system for interworking for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system and a integrated services digital network system. The call has call signaling and user communications. The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call with an interactive application. The system further comprises a converter adapted to exchange the call signaling with the integrated services digital network system and to interwork call signaling between a integrated services digital network format and a signaling system #7 format. The system includes a signaling processor and an interworking unit. The signaling processor is adapted to receive call signaling in a signaling system #7 format from the asynchronous transfer mode system and from the converter. The signaling processor processes the call signaling in the signaling system #7 format to select at least one of a connection to the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform for the call. The signaling processor provides a control message that identifies the selected connection. The interworking unit adapted to receive the control message from the signaling processor and to interwork the user communications between the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform using the selected connection identified in the control message.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for providing an interface for a call between an asynchronous transfer mode system and a integrated services digital network system. The call has user communications and call signaling. The system comprises a service platform adapted to process the call with an interactive application, a signaling processor, and an interworking unit. The signaling processor is adapted to exchange call signaling with the asynchronous transfer mode system. The signaling processor processes call signaling from integrated services digital network system and from the asynchronous transfer mode system to select at least one of a connection for the call to the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform. The signaling processor provides a control message that identifies the selected connection. The interworking unit is adapted to exchange the call signaling between the integrated services digital network system and the signaling processor. The interworking unit receives the control message from the signaling processor and interworks user communications between the integrated services digital network system, the asynchronous transfer mode system, and the service platform on the selected connection identified in the control message.

In another aspect, the present invention comprises a system for providing a tandem connection for a call. The call has call signaling and user communications. The system comprises a first communication device adapted to transport the call as traffic in a GR-303 format and a second communication device adapted to receive the call. The system has a first interworking unit adapted to receive the traffic for the call from the first communication device over a first connection. The first interworking unit converts the traffic from the GR-303 format to asynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected second connection identified in a first control message, and transports the asynchronous transfer mode cells. Also included is a cross connect that is adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the first interworking unit and to route the asynchronous transfer mode cells based on the selected second connection identified in the asynchronous transfer mode cells.

A second interworking unit is included in the system and is adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected virtual connection. The second interworking unit converts the asynchronous transfer mode cells into a into traffic having a format receivable by the second communication device and transports the traffic over a selected third connection to the second communication device identified in a second control message.

The system further comprises a third communication device and a signaling processor. The third communication device is adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected second connection. The signaling processor is linked to the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, first interworking unit, and the second interworking unit.

The signaling processor is adapted to receive and process the call signaling from the first communication device to select the second connection and, if the selected second connection connects cross connect and the second interworking unit, to select the third connection. The signaling processor provides the first control message for the call to the first interworking unit and provides the second control message for the call to one of the second interworking unit and the third communication device.

The first control message identifies the first connection and the selected second connection. The second control message identifies the selected second connection and the third connection. The first connection, the selected second connection, and the selected third connection form a tandem connection.

In still another aspect, the present invention comprises a system for providing a tandem connection for a call. The call has call signaling and user communications. The system comprises a first communication device adapted to transport the call as traffic in a integrated services digital network format and a second communication device adapted to receive the call. The system has a first interworking unit adapted to receive the traffic for the call from the first communication device over a first connection. The first interworking unit converts the traffic from the integrated services digital network format to asynchronous transfer mode cells that identify a selected second connection identified in a first control message, and transports the asynchronous transfer mode cells. Also included is a cross connect that is adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the first interworking unit and to route the asynchronous transfer mode cells based on the selected second connection identified in the asynchronous transfer mode cells.

A second interworking unit is included in the system and is adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected virtual connection. The second interworking unit converts the asynchronous transfer mode cells into a into traffic having a format receivable by the second communication device and transports the traffic over a selected third connection to the second communication device identified in a second control message.

The system further comprises a third communication device and a signaling processor. The third communication device is adapted to receive the asynchronous transfer mode cells from the cross connect over the selected second connection. The signaling processor is linked to the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, first interworking unit, and the second interworking unit.

The signaling processor is adapted to receive and process the call signaling from the first communication device to select the second connection and, if the selected second connection connects cross connect and the second interworking unit, to select the third connection. The signaling processor provides the first control message for the call to the first interworking unit and provides the second control message for the call to one of the second interworking unit and the third communication device.

The first control message identifies the first connection and the selected second connection. The second control message identifies the selected second connection and the third connection. The first connection, the selected second connection, and the selected third connection form a tandem connection.

The present invention also comprises an interworking unit for facilitating a call. The interworking unit comprises a control interface adapted to receive a control message for the call that identifies one of an integrated services digital network connection, a GR-303 connection, and a digital service level connection and an asynchronous transfer mode virtual connection selected for the call by a signaling processor. The interworking unit further comprises an asynchronous transfer mode adaptation layer element adapted to interwork the one of the integrated services digital network connection, the GR-303 connection, and the digital service level connection and the selected asynchronous transfer mode connection identified in the control message for the call. The interworking unit further comprises a cross-connect element adapted to receive the one of the integrated services digital network connection, the GR-303 connection, and the digital service level connection and to cross-connect the one of the integrated services digital network connection, the GR-303 connection, and the digital service level connection to the asynchronous transfer mode adaptation layer element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interface system interfacing with a local network and with an asynchronous transfer mode network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the components of the interface system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an interface system for communicating with applications between local communication devices and high speed asynchronous transfer mode devices in a local services architecture.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a service platform system with an extended asynchronous transfer mode system.

FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer mode interworking multiplexer for use with a synchronous optical network system.

FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of an asynchronous transfer mode interworking multiplexer for use with a synchronous digital hierarchy system.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a signaling processor constructed in accordance with the present system.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a data structure having tables that are used in the signaling processor of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of additional tables that are used in the signaling processor of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a table diagram of a trunk circuit table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a table diagram of a trunk group table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a table diagram of an exception circuit table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a table diagram of an automated number index table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a table diagram of a called number table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a table diagram of a routing table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 16 is a table diagram of a treatment table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 is a table diagram of a message table used in the signaling processor of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Telecommunication systems have a number of communication devices in local exchange and interexchange environments that interact to provide call services to customers. For some calls, traditional services are sufficient to process, route, or connect the call to a designated connection. However, some calls require intelligent network (IN) services and resources to process, route, or connect the call to the correct connection.

Each call has call signaling and user communications. The user communications contain the caller's information, such as a voice communication or data communication, and they are communicated over a connection. Call signaling contains information that facilitates call processing, and it is communicated over a link. Call signaling, for example, contains information describing the called number and the calling number. Examples of call signaling are standardized signaling, such as signaling system #7 (SS7), C7, integrated services digital network (ISDN), and digital private network signaling system (DPNSS), which are based on ITU recommendation Q.933.

A call can be transmitted from a communication device. A communication device can be, for example, customer premises equipment (CPE), a service platform, a switch, or any other device capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call. Customer premises equipment can be, for example, a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, or a private branch exchange. A service platform can be, for example, a service platform or any other enhanced platform that is capable of processing calls.

Communications devices in both traditional and intelligent systems can use a variety of protocols and methods to achieve a connection for a call or to complete call processing. For example, CPE can be connected to a switch using a time division multiplex (TDM) format, such as super frame (SF) or extended superframe (ESF). The ESF connection allows multiple devices at the customer site to access the local switch and obtain telecommunication services.

Also, communication devices, such as telephones, are likely connected to a remote digital terminal, and the connection typically carries analog signals over twisted pair wires. The remote digital terminals provide a digital interface between the telephones and a local switch by converting the analog signals from the telephones into a multiplexed digital signal to be transferred to the local switch. A common standard for the connection between the remote digital terminal and the local switch is provided in Bellcore Reference GR-TSY-000303 (GR-303).

In addition, communications devices use broadband protocols, such as broadband-integrated services digital network (B-ISDN). Broadband systems provide greater bandwidth than narrowband systems for calls, in addition to providing digital processing of the calls, error checking, and correction. B-ISDN provides a communication device with a digital connection to a local switch or other device. The B-ISDN loop provides more bandwidth and control than a convention local loop. Digital Ipersonal network signaling system (DPNSS), the European equivalent of B-ISDN, and other broadband protocols, can also be used.

Moreover, other communication devices use circuit-based connections for calls. For example, digital signal (DS) level communications, such as digital signal level 3 (DS3), digital signal level one (DS1), and digital signal level zero (DS0) are conventional circuit-based connections. European level four (E4), European level three (E3), European level one (E1), European level zero (E0), and other European equivalent circuit-based connections, also are used.

High speed electrical/optical transmission protocols also are used by communications devices for switching and signaling. The synchronous optical network (SONET) protocol, which is used primarily in North America, and the synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) protocol, which is used primarily in Europe, are examples of high speed electrical/optical protocols. The SONET and SDH protocols describe the physical media and transmission protocols through which the communications take place. SONET includes optical transmission of optical carrier (OC) signals and electrical transmission of synchronous transport signals (STSs). SONET signals transmit at a base rate of 51.84 Mega-bits per second (Mbps) for optical carrier level one (OC-1) and synchronous transport signal level one (STS-1). Also transmitted are multiples thereof, such as an STS level three (STS-3) and an OC level three (OC-3) at rates of 155.52 Mbps and an STS level twelve (STS-12) and an OC level 12 (OC-12) at rates of 622.08 Mbps, and fractions thereof, such as a virtual tributary group (VTG) at a rate of 6.912 Mbps.

SDH includes transmission of optical synchronous transport module (STM O) signals and electrical synchronous transport module (STM E) signals. SDH signals transmit at a base rate of 155.52 Mbps for synchronous transport module level one electrical and optical (STM-1 E/O). Also transmitted are multiples thereof, such as an STM level four electrical/optical (STM-4 E/O) at rates of 622.08 Mbps, and fractions thereof, such as a tributary unit group (TUG) at a rate of 6.912 Mbps.

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is one technology that is being used in conjunction with SONET and SDH to provide broadband call switching and call transport for telecommunication services. ATM is a protocol that describes communication of user communications in ATM cells. Because the protocol uses cells, calls can be transported on demand for connection-oriented traffic, connectionless-oriented traffic, constant-bit traffic, variable-bit traffic including bursty traffic, and between equipment that either requires timing or does not require timing.

ATM systems handle calls over switched virtual paths (SVPs) and switched virtual circuits (SVCs). The virtual nature of ATM allows multiple communication devices to use a physical communication line at different times. This type of virtual connection more efficiently uses bandwidth, and thereby provides more cost efficient transport for customer calls, than permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) or other dedicated circuits.

The ATM system is able to connect a caller from an origination point to a destination point by selecting a connection from the origination point to the destination point. The connection contains a virtual path (VP) and a virtual channel (VC). A VC is a logical unidirectional connection between two end points for the transfer of ATM cells. A VP is a logical combination of VCs. The ATM system designates the selected connection by specifying a virtual path identifier (VPI) that identifies the selected VP and a virtual channel identifier (VCI) that identifies the selected VC within the selected VP. Because ATM connections are unidirectional, bidirectional communications in an ATM system usually require companion VPIs/VCIs.

Intelligent network resources that provide call routing, call connecting services, and call processing for various protocols, such as those described above, can be located in various exchanges. Because resources are allocated at different exchanges, rarely used or expensive resources may be unavailable to many calls, while inexpensive or often used resources may be overused. It will be appreciated that the communication devices of the local exchange networks can be used more effectively and efficiently, and call routing and call processing can be completed more effectively and efficiently, if a system was developed that can interact with the various protocols in a telecommunication network and concentrate resources.

Therefore, there is a need for a system that concentrates access to system resources for traditional and intelligent services from multiple local exchanges so that calls can be connected through communication devices that have different resource needs or different protocol requirements. There is a need for a system that can pull the elements of a local exchange together so that expensive resources are as equally accessible as inexpensive resources for a call. The present system fills this need.

THE EMBODIMENTS OF FIGS. 1-4

The system of the present invention pulls resources of a local exchange environment together so that the resources are readily accessible for all call connections. The system concentrates the communication devices and resources by moving calls across ATM connections. In this manner, expensive services and resources are as accessible to calls as inexpensive services and resources.

In addition, the system ties into resources having telephony applications as well as non-telephony applications. The system accomplishes, for example, voice and data integration and call processing in telephony applications, in addition to such services as internet services for non-telephony applications.

FIG. 1 illustrates a local services architecture (LSA) system in accordance with the present invention. The LSA system 102 has a local network 104, an ATM network 106, an application 108, and an interface system 110. The interface system 110 is linked to the local network 104 by a link 112, to the ATM network 106 by a link 114, and to the application 108 by a link 116. The interface system 110 is connected to the local network 104 by a connection 118, to the ATM network 106 by a connection 120, and to the application 108 by a connection 122.

Links are used to transport call signaling and control messages. The term "link" as used herein means a transmission media used to carry call signaling and control messages. For example, a link would carry call signaling or a device control message containing device instructions and data. A link can carry, for example, out-of-band signaling such as SS7, C7, ISDN, B-ISDN, GR-303, local area network (LAN), or data bus call signaling. A link can be, for example, an AAL5 data link, UDP/IP, ethernet, or DS0 over T1. In addition, a link, as shown in the figures, can represent a single physical link or multiple links, such as one link or a combination of links of ISDN, SS7, TCP/IP, or some other data link. The term "control message" as used herein means a control or signaling message, a control or signaling instruction, a control or signaling signal, or signaling instructions, whether proprietary or standardized, that convey information from one point to another.

Connections are used to transport user communications and other device information between the elements and devices of the LSA system 102. The term "connection" as used herein means the transmission media used to carry user communications between communication devices or between the elements of the LSA system 102. For example, a connection could carry a user's voice, computer data, or other communication device data. A connection can be associated with either in-band communications or out-of-band communications.

The local network 104 has one or more communication devices (not shown) that originate, terminate, or handle a call. The call can have various protocols, such as the protocols discussed above.

The ATM network 106 is a high-speed transfer network. The ATM network 106 can transport calls over a connection to other local networks, to interexchange networks, or to other ATM networks. In addition, the ATM network 106 is adapted to transport calls to ATM communication devices (not shown) that originate, terminate, or handle a call.

The application 108 processes calls or converts transmission protocols so that calls can be transferred to another local network, to another ATM network, or to an interexchange network. In some instances, a local network is connected directly to the application 108. In such a case, the application 108 interworks the call from one protocol to another and transports the call to the local network. In other cases, the application 108 is a service platform or service application that processes the call. Such processing occurs, for example, for class service processing such as call forwarding, caller identification, or voice recognition processing.

The interface system 110 interworks calls between the ATM network 106, the local network 104, and the application 108. The interface system 110 interworks calls, including call signaling and user communications, dynamically on a call-by-call basis in TDM-ATM networks, ATM-ATM networks, and TDM-TDM networks.

Interworking is a process of converting one protocol to another. For example, ISDN signaling can be interworked with SS7 signaling by converting ISDN signaling to analogous SS7 signaling and by converting SS7 signaling to analogous ISDN signaling. Interworking is also completed on user communications. For example, user communications can be interworked between ATM cells having an identified VPI/VCI and DSO connections in the TDM format.

The interface system 110 can interwork call signaling between the SS7 format and the GR-303 format, between the SS7 format and the ISDN format, and between the GR-303 format and the ISDN format. In addition, the interface system 110 can user communications between the GR-303 format and the ATM format, between the ISDN format and the ATM format, and between the GR-303 format and the ISDN format. Moreover, the interface system 110 can convert the call between an optical format and an electrical format.

The interface system 110 controls call routing, call processing, and call transport. The interface system 110 determines the processing or transport needs of a call, and it provides routing instructions or processing instructions to the communication devices in the ATM network 106, the local network 104, and the application 108.

The interface system 110 operates to accept call signaling and user communications from either the ATM network 106 or the local network 104. The interface system 110 processes the call signaling to determine the routing and processing requirements of the call. Based upon the processed call signaling, the interface system 110 selects a connection to the required network 106 or 104 for connection of the call or to the required application 108 for processing. The interface system 110 then interworks the user communications to the selected connection.

The interface system 110 can be configured to be a tandem interface to implement a tandem function. A tandem configuration allows the interface system 110 to concentrate telecommunication traffic between networks, switches, and communication devices. The tandem configuration allows any one network to connect a call to any other network without having a direct connection between each network and communication device. Thus, each network and communication device are connected to each other through the interface system 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an expanded view of the interface system 110. The interface system 110 includes a signaling processor 202 and an interworking unit 204 linked by a link 206. The interface system 110 communicates with a local communication device 208 in the local network 104 through its respective link 112 and connection 118, and to an ATM communication device 210 in the ATM network 106 through its respective link 114 and connection 120. (See FIG. 1.)

The signaling processor 202 is a signaling platform that can receive and process signaling. Based on the processed signaling, the signaling processor 202 selects processing options for the user communications and generates and transmits control messages that identify the communication device, processing option, service, or resource that is to be used. The signaling processor 202 also selects virtual connections and circuit-based connections for call routing and generates and transports control messages that identify the selected connection. The signaling processor 202 can process various forms of signaling, including ISDN, SS7, and C7. A preferred signaling processor is discussed below.

The interworking unit 204 interworks traffic between various protocols. Preferably, the interworking unit 204 interworks between ATM traffic and non-ATM traffic. The interworking unit 204 operates in accordance with control messages received from the signaling processor 202 over the link 206. These control messages are typically provided on a call-by-call basis and identify an assignment between a DS0 and a VPI/VCI for which user communications are interworked. In some cases, the interworking unit 204 is configured to implement digital signal processing as instructed in the control messages from the signaling processor 202. Examples of digital signal processing include echo cancellation, continuity testing, and call trigger detection.

The local communication device 208 is any communication device that operates in the local network 104 (FIG. 1). The local communication device 208 can be, for example, CPE, a service platform, a switch, or any other device capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call. Customer premises equipment can be, for example, a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, or a private branch exchange. A service platform can be, for example, a service platform or any other enhanced platform that is capable of processing calls.

The ATM communication device 210 is any communication device that operates in the ATM network 106 (FIG. 1). The ATM communication device 210 can be, for example, CPE, a service platform, a switch, or any other device capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call having ATM cells.

The system of FIG. 2 operates as follows. The local communication device 208 can initiate a call in, for example, a TDM format over a DS0. The call signaling is transmitted to the signaling processor 202 over the link 112 therebetween, and the user communications are transmitted to the interworking unit 204 over the connection 118 therebetween.

The signaling processor 202 processes the call signaling and determines the routing and processing requirements for the call. In the present example, first, the signaling processor 202 determines that the call requires processing in the application 108. Such a case can occur, for example, if voice recognition services are required or if some other service from a service platform is required. Alternately, the application 108 can act as a protocol converter.

The signaling processor 202 sends a control message to the interworking unit 204 identifying the selected connection 122 to the application. At the same time, the signaling processor 202 transmits a control message to the application 108 over the link 116 identifying the selected processing option with which the application 108 will process the user communications.

The interworking unit 204 receives the user communications over the connection 118. In addition, the interworking unit 204 receives the control message from the signaling processor 202 over the link 206. The interworking unit 204 makes the selected connection 122 so that the user communications are transported to the application 108. The interworking unit 204 completes any format conversion that is required. In the present example, the application 108 receives the user communications in the TDM format, so no conversion is required.

After the application 108 completes the call processing, it transfers a control message to the signaling processor 202. The control message from the application 108 notifies the signaling processor that service is complete and contains any information that the signaling processor 204 requires to complete call routing or to control further call processing.

The signaling processor 202 determines that the call is to be connected to the ATM communication device 210. The signaling processor 202 sends a control message to the interworking unit 204 identifying the selected connection 120 to the ATM communication device 210. In addition, the signaling processor 202 notifies the ATM communication device 210 over the link 114 that user communications are being transported to the ATM communication device.

The interworking unit 204 receives the control message from the signaling processor identifying the selected connection 120. The interworking unit 204 then converts the user communications that are being received on the DS0 connection 118 to ATM cells that identify the selected connection 120 to the ATM communication device 210. The ATM cells are then transported to the ATM communication device 210 over the selected connection 120.

It will be appreciated that the description of the operation of the system of FIG. 2 incorporates a service platform as the application 108 and TDM communications over a DS0 from the local communication device 208. However, it will be appreciated that the local communication device 208 can transmit user communications in an ESF or SF format, other TDM formats over DS level transmission lines or over SONET or SDH, an ISDN format, or a GR-303 format, to name some examples. Moreover, the application 108 can be a converter that can interwork between signaling formats, a converter that can interwork between user communication formats, or any service application.

In addition, for some calls, the application 106 will not be required. The interface system 110 then will make the connection initially to the ATM communication device 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates many components of the LSA system 102 as they interact. The LSA system 102 has a first and second network cloud that represents one or more communication devices 302 and 304. The LSA system 102 has a signaling processor 202 and an interworking unit 204 that are similar to the signaling processor and interworking unit described above. The system has a second interworking unit 306 and a third interworking unit 308 that are equivalent to the interworking unit 204.

A first service platform 310 and a second service platform 312 provide application services for calls in the LSA system 102. A converter 314 converts between signaling formats. An ATM cross connect 316 routes calls on provisioned connections. A gateway 318 is included to change ATM cell headers to identify selected connections to the ATM network 320.

The signaling processor 202 is linked to the interworking unit 204 by a link 206A. The link can be an SS7 link, a DS0, UDP/IP, TCP/IP over ethernet, or a bus arrangement using a conventional bus protocol.

The signaling processor 202 is linked to the communication devices by a link 322 and 324, to the service platform 310 through a link 326, and to the converter 314 through a link 328. The converter 314 also in linked to the interworking unit 204 and to the signaling processor 202 through a link 206A. The signaling processor 202 also is linked through a link 330 to the gateway 318, to the interworking units 306 and 308, and to the service platform 312. Although the link 330 is illustrated as a local area network (LAN) link, it will be appreciated that the link 330 can be separate transmission media having separate protocols.

The communication devices 302 communicate to the interworking unit 204 using various protocols. The communication devices 302 can transmit a call using ESF/SF over an ESF/SF connection 332. The ESF/SF format would be converted at an ISDN interworking (IW) unit 334 to an ISDN format. Because ISDN has both bearer channels (B) to transport user communications and a signaling channel (D) to transport signaling, a connection 336 communicates the user communications from the ISDN IW unit 334 to the interworking unit 204, and a link 338 communicates the signaling.

In addition, the communication devices 302 can transport GR-303 signaling over a link 340 and GR-303 user communications over a connection 342. Alternately, the communication devices 302 can transport ISDN signaling over a link 344 and ISDN user communications over a connection 346. In addition, the communication devices 302 can transport high speed communications over a DS3 connection 348 or over a SONET OC-3 connection 350. It will be appreciated that the DS3 connection 348 can be a higher or lower speed connection, and that it can be a European equivalent connection. In addition, it will be appreciated that the OC-3 connection 350 can be a higher or lower speed optical or electrical connection, and that it can be a European equivalent SDH connection.

A respective link 352 and connection 354 connect the interworking unit 306 and the communication devices 304. Although the same number of links and connections exist between the interworking unit 306 and the communication devices 304 as between the interworking unit 204 and the communication devices 302, only one each are shown for clarity. In addition, a link 356 exists between the interworking unit 204 and the converter 314.

A connection 358 connects the interworking unit 204 and the ATM cross connect 316. In addition connections 360, 362, 364, and 366 connect the ATM cross connect 316 with the interworking unit 306, the interworking unit 308, the gateway 318, and the ATM network 320. Also, a connection 368 connects the interworking unit 204 with the service platform 310, a connection 370 connects the interworking unit 308 with the service platform 312, and a connection 372 connects the gateway 318 with the ATM network 320.

The signaling processor 202 is operational to process signaling. The signaling processor 202 will typically process an SS7 initial address message (IAM) for call set-up. The signaling information is processed by signaling processor 202 in order to select a particular connection for a particular call or to select a particular processing option for a particular call. This connection might be a DS0 or a VPI/VCI. The signaling processor 202 sends control messages to the interworking unit 204 identifying the selected connections. In addition, the signaling processor sends control messages to the other devices identifying selected connections or selected processing options.

In particular, the signaling processor 202 has a service application coordinator that determines which service in the service platforms 310 and 312 is to process a particular call. In addition, the signaling processor 202 has a service coordinator that controls the service application coordinator to make sure conflicts do not arise in processing different calls with the same service platform 310 and 312 or the same service application on the same service platform 310 and 312. The service coordinator can be a resource database that tracks allocations of resources on the service platforms 310 and 312 for calls and manages the allocations of the resources based on the information it holds. A detailed description of the signaling processor follows below.

As explained above, the interworking unit 204 interworks traffic between various protocols. Preferably, the interworking unit 204 interworks between ATM traffic and non-ATM traffic. The interworking unit 204 operates in accordance with control messages received from the signaling processor 202 over the link 206. These control messages are typically provided on a call-by-call basis and identify an assignment between a DS0 and a VPI/VCI for which user communications are interworked. In some cases, the interworking unit 204 is configured to implement digital signal processing as instructed in the control messages from the signaling processor 202. Examples of digital signal processing include echo cancellation, continuity testing, and call trigger detection. In some case, the interworking unit 204 transports signaling between the communication devices 302 and the converter 314.

The communication device 302 and 304 can be an ESF/SF or ISDN CPE, a service platform, a switch, a remote digital terminal, or any other device capable of initiating, handling, or terminating a call. CPE can be, for example, a telephone, a computer, a facsimile machine, or a private branch exchange. A service platform can be, for example, a service platform or any other enhanced platform that is capable of processing calls. A remote digital terminal is a device that concentrates analog twisted pairs from telephones and other like devices and converts the analog signals to a digital format known as GR-303.

The service platforms 310 and 312 provide enhanced services for call processing for user communications received from the interworking units 204 and 306. The service platforms 310 and 312 may have one or multiple applications to provide multiple services. Such services may include voice messaging, facsimile messaging, mail boxes, voice recognition, conference bridging, calling card, menu routing, N00 servicing such as freephone and 900 call servicing, prepay card, tone detection, and call forwarding.

The service platforms 310 and 312 process the user communications in accordance with the control messages from the signaling processor 326. The control message instructs the service platforms 310 and 312 how to process the user communications and which application to use in the service platform to process the user communications. The service platforms 310 and 312 process the user communications, return processing results to the signaling processor 326, and return the processed user communications to the interworking units 204 and 306 through respective connections 368 and 370 to be transported to another network device.

The converter 314 interworks signaling from one format to another. The converter communicates with the signaling processor 202 and the interworking unit 204 over the link 206A. The converter 314 interworks between GR-303 signaling and SS7 signaling. The converter 314 exchanges GR-303 signaling with the communication devices 302 over the link