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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. A broadband intelligent network comprising:
a fast-packet switch having a plurality of ports;
a switch processor for managing virtual connections among the switch ports to establish switched virtual connections for routing of cells, in accordance with connection request data contained in a signaling cell sent by a calling party for each
request for a connection between the calling party and a called party;
respective customer links having a relatively broad digital bandwidth connected to predetermined switch ports for transporting the cells to and from customer apparatus;
a network control processing system, interfaced to at least one of the switch ports, to receive signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto;
the switch processor detecting each signaling cell received by the switch and routing each signaling cell to the network control processing system through the at least one switch port;
the network control processing system detecting the service request data in each received signaling cell and generating at least one output command for implementing requested service; and
the network control processing system sending at least one signaling cell to the calling party or the called party in implementing the requested service.
2. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the network control processing system is interfaced to the one switch port through a substantially direct connection having a relatively broad digital bandwidth.
3. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the interface from the network control processing system to the one switch port is structured to provide the interface with a transport rate at least substantially equal to a fast-packet
transport rate in the network.
4. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein at least some of the output commands are output as command cells carrying service execution data and being transmitted to the switch through the one port for implementation.
5. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein a data link is provided for coupling to the switch processor those output commands that are to be executed by the switch processor.
6. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the input data cells are data cells being transported between calling and called parties.
7. The broadband intelligent network of claim 3 wherein the customer connection lines and the direct connection are provided with use of at least some fiber optic facilities.
8. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein at least a second fast-packet switch having additional ports is provided in the network and the network control processing system is further interfaced to at least one of the additional
ports of the second fast-packet switch to receive signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto.
9. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein a backup network control processing system is interfaced to at least another of the switch ports to receive the signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network
responses thereto if the network control processing system fails and transfers control to the backup network control processing system.
10. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the network control processing system includes a system for creating network procedures that implement requested new network services when executed by the network control processing system
in response to data requests from signaling cells for the execution of such services.
11. The broadband intelligent network of claim 10 wherein the network control processing system is interfaced to the one switch port through a substantially direct connection having a relatively broad digital bandwidth.
12. The broadband intelligent network of claim 10 wherein the interface from the network control processing system to the one switch port is structured to provide the interface with a transport rate at least substantially equal to a fast-packet
transport rate in the network.
13. The broadband intelligent network of claim 10 wherein the network control processing system outputs at least some of the output commands as command cells carrying service execution data for transmission to the switch through the one port for
implementation.
14. The broadband intelligent network of claim 10 wherein at least a second fast-packet switch having additional ports is provided in the network and the network control processing system is further interfaced to at least one of the additional
ports of the second fast-packet switch to receive signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto.
15. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the network control processing system detects a service request for a call connection from the service request data.
16. The broadband intelligent network of claim 15 wherein the network control processing system employs stored data to check the requested call connection for calling and called party authorizations, requested billing party authorization,
carrier identification, and any required address translation, and generates a connection output command to provide a virtual connection between calling and called parties if the checked authorizations are obtained.
17. The broadband intelligent network of claim 15 wherein signaling cells for establishing a virtual connection path with a requested first bandwidth and for terminating the virtual connection path are successively received by the network
control processing system and successive output commands are generated by the network control processing system in response thereto to establish the requested virtual connection path and subsequently to terminate the requested virtual connection path.
18. The broadband intelligent network of claim 17 wherein a mid-call signaling cell is received for an additional virtual channel in the connection path with another bandwidth different from the first bandwidth and another output command is
generated in response to the mid-call signaling cell by the network control processing system to establish the requested virtual channel.
19. The broadband intelligent network of claim 18 wherein another mid-call signaling cell is received to terminate the virtual channel and still another output command is generated by the network control processing system in response to the
other mid-call signaling cell to terminate the established virtual channel.
20. The broadband intelligent network of claim 19 wherein all of the output commands are output as command cells carrying service execution data and being transmitted through the one port to the switch processor for execution.
21. The broadband intelligent network of claim 18 wherein the first bandwidth is a bandwidth for voice and the other bandwidth is a bandwidth for broadband digital data or video transmission.
22. The broadband intelligent network of claim 15 wherein the network control processing system makes a billing record for each requested connection by recording signaling cell data including calling and called parties, billed party, times of
connection path establishment and termination, connection path bandwidth, and times of establishment and termination of any channel having a bandwidth different from the connection path, and the network control processing system generating a billing
record output for customer billing purposes.
23. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the network control processing system employs stored customer data to identify and select a carrier for call connection requests detected from the customer service request data.
24. The broadband intelligent network of claim 23 wherein the network control processing system further employs customer store data to determine a carrier based on a billing party address and generates an output command corresponding thereto.
25. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein the network control processing system employs stored data to provide carrier identification, address translation, and predetermined authorization(s) for service requests detected from the
customer service request data.
26. The broadband intelligent network of claim 1 wherein:
the customer apparatus generates signaling cells with a header portion and a payload portion;
the header portion having data identifying the cell as a signaling cell;
the payload portion having data defining a network service request;
the network control processing system detects signaling cells by reading the signaling cell header data; and
the network control processing system reads the payload data of detected signaling cells to determine service requests whereby a virtual signaling channel is provided between each customer and the network control processing system.
27. A broadband intelligent network comprising:
means for fast-packet switching among a plurality of ports;
first means for processing label information from cells to route cells and to manage virtual connections between the ports to establish switched virtual connections that perform data cell routing in accordance with connection request data
contained in a signaling cell sent for each request for a connection between a calling party and a called party;
means for coupling customer apparatus through connections having a relatively broad digital bandwidth to predetermined switch ports to transport cells to and from the customer apparatus;
second means for processing customer service request data detected from received signaling cells and to control network responses thereto;
means for interfacing the second network control processing means to at least one of the switch ports;
the first processing means detecting each signaling cell received by the fast-packet switch means and routing each signaling cell to the second processing means through the one switch port;
the second processing means detecting service request data in each received signaling cell and generating at least one output command to implement the requested service; and
the second processing means sending at least one signaling cell to the calling party or the called party.
28. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein the interfacing means provides a substantially direct connection having a relatively broad bandwidth.
29. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein the interface means is structured to provide the interface with a transport rate at least substantially equal to a fast-packet transport rate in the network.
30. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein at least some of the output commands are output as command cells carrying service execution data and being transmitted to the fast-packet switching means through the one port for
implementation.
31. The broadband intelligent network of claim 28 wherein at least some of the output commands are output as command cells carrying service execution data and being transmitted to the switching means through the one port for implementation.
32. The broadband intelligent network of claim 31 wherein at least a second means for fast-packet switching having additional ports is provided in the network and the second network control processing means is further interfaced to at least one
of the additional ports of the second fast-packet switching means to receive other signaling cells therefrom carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto.
33. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein:
at least a second means for fast-packet switching having additional ports is provided in the network and the second processing means is further interfaced to at least one of the additional ports of the second fast-packet switching means to
receive other signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto; and
means are provided for backup network control processing, the backup processing means interfaced to at least another of the switch ports to receive the signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to second control network responses
thereto if the second network control processing means fails and transfers control to the backup processing means.
34. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein the second network control processing means includes means for creating network procedures that implement requested new network services when executed by the second processing means in
response to data requests for the execution of such services.
35. The broadband intelligent network of claim 34 wherein the second processing means is interfaced to the one switch port through a substantially direct connection having a relatively broad digital bandwidth and providing transport rate at
least substantially equal to a fast-packet transport rate in the network; and
the second processing means outputs at least some of the output commands as command cells carrying service execution data for transmission to the switch for implementation.
36. The broadband intelligent network of claim 34 wherein the customer connection lines and the direct connection are provided with the use of at least some fiber optic facilities.
37. The broadband intelligent network of claim 35 wherein at least a second means for fast-packet switching having additional ports is provided in the network and the second network control processing means is further interfaced to at least one
of the additional ports of the second fast switching means to receive other signaling cells therefrom carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto; and
means are provided for backup network control processing, the backup processing means interfaced to at least another of the switch ports to receive the signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses
thereto if the second processing means fails and transfers control to the backup control processing means.
38. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein the second processing means detects a service request for a call connection from the service request data;
the second processing means employs stored data to check the requested call connection for calling and called party authorizations and requested billing party authorization, for carrier identification and for any required address translation and
generates a connection output command to connect calling and called parties if the checked authorizations are obtained;
signaling cells for establishing a virtual connection path with a requested first bandwidth and for terminating the connection path are successively received by the second processing means and successive output commands are generated by the
second processing means to establish the requested connection path and subsequently to terminate the requested connection path; and
the second processing means generating the output commands as command cells carrying service execution data and being transmitted through the one port to the fast switching means for execution.
39. The broadband intelligent network of claim 38 wherein a mid-call signaling cell is received for a channel in the connection path with another bandwidth different from the first bandwidth and another output command is generated by the second
processing means to establish the requested channel; and
another mid-call signaling cell is received to terminate the channel and still another output command is generated by the second processing means to terminate the requested channel.
40. The broadband intelligent network of claim 27 wherein the second processing means detects service request for a call connection from the service request data; and
the second processing means makes a billing record for each requested connection by recording signaling cell data including calling and called parties, billed party, times of virtual channel establishment and termination, connection path
bandwidth, and times of establishment and termination of other virtual channels having different bandwidth, and the second processing means generating a billing record output for customer billing purposes.
41. A method for operating a broadband intelligent network, the steps of the method comprising:
transporting cells between predetermined ports of a fast-packet switch and customer apparatus;
using a switch processor to manage virtual connections among the switch ports, so as to establish switched virtual connections for routing of cells in accordance with data provided in an input signaling cell from a calling party for each
connection request;
processing customer service request data detected by a service control point processor from signaling cells received in the service control point processor through an interface with one of the switch ports to control network responses to the
service request data;
operating the switch processor to detect each signaling cell received by the fast-packet switch and routing each signaling cell to the service control point processor through the one switch port; and
the customer service request processing step including operating the service control point processor to detect service request data in each received signaling cell and generate at least one output command to implement the requested service.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the steps further include:
operating the service control point processor to the one switch port through a substantially direct interface connection having a relatively broad digital bandwidth.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein the interface from the service control point processor to the one switch port operates at a transport rate at least substantially equal to a fast-packet transport rate in the network.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein the steps further include:
operating the service control point processor to generate at least some of the output commands as command cells carrying service execution data for transmission to the switch through the one port for implementation.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein the steps further include:
operating at least a second fast-packet switch having additional ports to provide switched virtual connections for input cells, and operating the service control point processor to interface at least one of the additional ports of the second
fast-packet switch to receive signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto.
46. The method of claim 43 wherein the steps further include:
operating a system to program the service control point processor with network procedures that create requested new network services for execution by the service control point processor when data requests are made therefor.
47. The method of claim 43 wherein the steps further include:
operating the service control point processor to detect a service request for a call connection from the service request data; and
operating the service control point processor to make a billing record for each requested connection by signaling cell data including recording calling and called parties, billed party, times of connection path establishment and termination,
connection path bandwidth, and times of establishment and termination of additional channels having different bandwidth, and the control processing system generating a billing record output for customer billing purposes.
48. The method of claim 43 wherein the steps further include:
operating the service control point processor to detect a service request for a call connection from the service request data;
operating the service control point processor to do carrier identification, to perform any required address translation, and to generate a connection output command to connect calling and called parties if calling and called party authorizations
and requested billing party authorization are obtained for the connection; and
operating the service control point processor to respond to successive signaling cells for establishing a connection path with a requested first bandwidth and for terminating the connection path and to generate in response thereto successive
output commands to establish the requested connection path and subsequently to terminate the requested connection path.
49. The method of claim 46 wherein the steps further include:
operating the service control point processor to detect a service request for a call connection from the service request data; and
operating the service control point processor to respond to successive signaling cells for establishing a connection path with a requested first bandwidth and for terminating the connection path and to generate in response thereto successive
output commands to establish the requested connection path and subsequently to terminate the requested connection path.
50. A broadband intelligent network comprising:
a fast-packet switch having a plurality of ports;
a switch processor for managing virtual connections among the switch ports to establish switched virtual connections for routing cells, in accordance with connection request data contained in a signaling cell sent by a calling party for each
request for a connection between a calling party and a called party;
respective customer links having a relatively broad digital bandwidth connected to predetermined switch ports for transporting the cells to end from customer apparatus;
a network control processing system interfaced to at least one of the switch ports to receive signaling cells carrying customer service request data and to control network responses thereto;
the switch processor detecting each signaling cell received by the switch end routing each signaling cell to the network control processing system through at least the one switch port; and
the network control processing system detecting service request data in each received signaling cell and generating at least one output command for implementing the requested service. |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to communication networks. More particularly, the present invention relates to broadband communication networks having intelligent network control.
Human beings provided the first "intelligence" in the United States telephone network. Rows of human telephone operators, sitting side by side, plugged cords into jacks to handle calls. The operators established calls to distant locations,
selected the best routes, and provided billing information. In the 1920s, sophisticated electromechanical switching systems were introduced which allowed automatic switching of telephone calls. Initially, these switching systems served as aids to
operators. Ultimately, however, they led to the replacement of operators.
Another significant change to the United States telephone network took place in the mid 1960s, with the implementation of the first stored-program control switch. Switching software in the stored-program control switch enabled a family of custom
calling services, e.g., speed calling, call waiting, call forwarding, and three-way calling and a set of Centrex features, e.g., station attendant, call transfer, abbreviated dialing, etc. The first programs for the stored-program control switches
contained approximately 100,000 lines of code. By 1990, however, some of the switching systems became enormously complex, containing 10 million lines of code and offering hundreds of different services to telephone users. Because there are over 15,000
switches in the United States telephone network and many different switch types, it is difficult to introduce new services with ubiquity and with service uniformity. For example, it required over twenty years to introduce custom calling services
throughout the United States and those services behave differently in different switch types.
In the 1980s, industry applied a new architectural concept to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to create an Intelligent Network (IN) with which new services could be rapidly deployed with ubiquity and with service uniformity. The
availability of features and services in the IN is not dependent solely upon the hardware and software in stored-program control switches. Instead, intelligence is provided in a central data base and accessed using packet switching techniques.
The basic elements of the IN architecture are a switching system, a common channel signaling network, a central data base, and an operations support system. When a customer places a telephone call that requires special handling, such as a
toll-free call (800 service) or a credit card call, the call is routed to a service switching point (SSP), which launches a query through a common channel signaling network (CCSN) to a central data base. The central data base, in turn, retrieves
information necessary to handle the call and returns that information through the CCSN to the switch. The switch uses the information to complete the call. The central data base is supported by an operations support system, which administers the
appropriate network and customer information residing in the data base.
SSPs are stored-program control switches, which interface with the CCSN using the SS7 protocol and 56 kb/s links. SSPs contain the service logic required to intercept calls that require special handling and send queries through the CCSN to
centralized data bases to obtain the required call handling information.
The IN also includes the CCSN, which is made up of signal transfer points (STPs). STPs are high-capacity and reliable packet switches for transporting messages between network nodes, such as switches and service control points (SCPs). STPs are
typically deployed in pairs with the two members of the pair distant from each other so that a natural disaster at the site of one STP will likely not affect the STP at the other site. STPs also terminate a large number of signaling links, perform
protocol processing, and route a high volume of messages through their links. To perform these functions, they require a large routing data base containing translation data.
SCPs, which are also usually paired, provide on-line call handling information in response to network queries. They operate in real-time, with typical response times of less than half a second and have a high availability, with typical
down-times of less than three minutes-per-year for an SCP pair.
As explained in more detail below, SCPs contain a set of front-end processors used to perform portions of the SS7 protocol processing, such as the message transfer part (MTP) and the signaling connection control part (SCCP). Using a
dual-Ethernet configuration, the front-end processors communicate with a collection of central processing units (CPUs) in the back end. The back-end CPUs process an SS7 application layer protocol called the transaction capabilities application part
(TCAP), and essentially perform query processing.
SCPs interface with STPs using a plurality of 56 kb/s SS7 links. They also interface with operations support systems using duplicated 9.6 kb/s X.25links.
For more information on the SCP, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,816, entitled "Real Time Fault Tolerant Transaction Processing System," the contents of which is incorporated by reference.
Finally, the IN includes service management systems (SMSs). An SMS is an interactive operations support system, which processes and updates customer records. It provides an interface between the customer and the centralized data bases in the
IN.
FIG. 1A illustrates a circuit-switched intelligent network (IN) 122. The IN 122 includes a LATA 124, a common channel signaling network 136, an SCP 134, and an SMS 135.
The LATA 124 includes a service switching point (SSP) 126 and a plurality of local exchange switches 128 (only one shown). Telephone lines 130 (only one shown) connect customers to the local switches 128. A plurality of interexchange carrier
links 132 connect the LATA 124 to other LATAs (not shown). As described above, network services are controlled by the SCP 134, which is supported by an SMS 135. CCSN 136 interfaces the SCP 134 to the SSP 126.
Generally, requests for network services are generated by the SSP 126 when certain events occur while processing a call, e.g. the SSP 126 may launch a query to the SCP 134 when a customer goes off hook or after the customer completes dialing. To
handle the queries and responses, the CCSN 136 uses the SS7 protocol which supports TCAP messages between the SSPs and the SCPs. Data links operating at 56 Kb/s are used throughout the signaling network and query response times as seen by the SSP are
typically one-half second or more. Unfortunately, the CCSN 136 handles service-related queries and responses at a data transfer rate that is considered unacceptably slow for broadband networks, and does not interface with fast-packet switches.
The Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) is similar to the IN, as shown for example in FIG. 1B. AIN introduces a service creation capability that allows rapid development of new services and customization of services. It also broadens the
participation in service creation in that telephone company personnel as well as their customers can create new services. In the AIN 138 of FIG. 1B, the SPACE.TM. service creation system 146 interfaces with the ISCP 144. The ISCP 144 is interfaced to
STPs 140 and 142, which are part of the CCSN. STPs 140 and 142 are connected to an SSP 147 in the circuit-switched network. The SPACE system provides the capability for automatically programming the ISCP to execute new network services.
The IN and AIN support a variety of existing telephone voice services, one example being alternate billing services (ABSs). ABSs include a calling card service, collect call service, and bill-to-third number service. In accordance with the ABS
architecture, a call is routed to an operator services system (OSS), which launches a query through an SS7 CCSN to an SCP. The SCP provides routing information, such as the identity of the customer-specified carrier that is to handle the call, as well
as screening functions, such as validating a calling card. The SCP returns the appropriate information to the inquiring OSS, which completes the call.
Another example of an existing voice service is an 800 toll-free calling service. This service enables a subscriber to use a single 800 number with different carriers. 800 number calls are routed to an SSP, which launches queries through an SS7
CCSN to an SCP. The SCP identifies the appropriate carrier, as specified by the 800 service subscriber, and, if appropriate, translates the 800 directory number to a plain old telephone service (POTS) number. The SCP returns this information to the
SSP, which hands the call off to the appropriate carrier. This technology allows customers to select the carrier and the POTS directory number as a function of criteria such as time-of-day, day-of-week, percent allocation, and location of the calling
station.
With the use of special software, SCPs can also give the PSTN the characteristics of a private virtual network (PVN). With the IN architecture that supports PVN, the SCP data base can provide screening, routing, and billing functions. A PVN
serves a closed user group, and a caller requires authorization to get on the network. Thus, the PVN screens calls for those that can access the network based on the directory number of the calling party or based on an authorization code. The
validation or authorization function is similar to that implemented for ABSs when calling cards are validated. The PVN also offers an abbreviated dialing plan. In this case, the SCP translates an address and converts an abbreviated set of digits, e.g.,
four digits, seven digits, etc., to a 10-digit POTS number. This is analogous to the 800-to-POTS translation associated with 800 service. The PVN may also provide additional customer-specified routing functions, which involve selections from a
hierarchy of facilities, such that when all circuits in one facility are busy, traffic is routed over an alternate facility. Finally, the PVN may perform a billing function when different charges exist, depending upon the facilities it uses for routing.
The IN and AIN can also support some data services. For example, a customer may connect a data terminal or computer to the network and communicate with another data terminal or computer. To support these services, the front-end of an SCP is
enhanced, allowing it to communicate with a data signaling network, such as the X.25 network. With this enhancement, many of the services traditionally associated with voice customers, such as 800 service, ABS, or PVN Service, can be deployed for data
customers. For example, an ABS for data customers allows data calls to be placed using the same calling card and calling card number used for voice calls. In this instance, the SCP accepts X.25 queries from a packet switch that functions relatively
slowly in a public packet-switched network (PPSN), instead of SS7 queries from an operator services system in a circuit-switched network.
While the IN and AIN can be used to meet some voice and data needs of customers, they cannot meet customer's needs for broadband video and data services because the underlying circuit-switched network is limited by its bandwidth and signaling
speeds.
Fast-packet switching technology is being developed for broadband networks with voice, high-speed data, and video transmission capabilities. However, these networks are quite limited and lack the intelligence and flexibility to support many
services. Evolving architectures for broadband networks employ fast-packet switches interconnected through fiber-optic facilities. The fast-packet switches make permanent or "nailed up" virtual connections for subscriber calls. Although these
permanent virtual connections have application, for example, in limited private networks, such connections have little use in intelligent telecommunication networks because they are inflexible.
In sum, fast-packet switches lack embedded intelligence for practical network-based services. Also, intelligent network controls, which exist in today's circuit-switched networks, for example, the IN and AIN, which employ relatively slow common
channel signaling systems, are not satisfactory for fast-packet switches.
Disclosure of the Invention
Accordingly, a principal advantage of the present invention is the provision of a broadband intelligent telecommunication network (BIN) which substantially obviates one or more of the limitations of conventional telecommunication networks.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of the BIN and a method for employing intelligent network control to provide customer services in a broadband fast-packet network.
The present invention provides a significant advance in the telecommunications art. The IN infrastructure is applied to a fast-packet network to produce a broadband intelligent network in which substantial added value is provided through the
simultaneous handling of voice, data, and video communications with network controlled services. The realizable added value is much greater than the added value realized with the prior application of intelligent network controlled services to
circuit-switched networks.
Intelligent network service control is provided for broadband networks with relative simplicity and with openness. Further, broadband network service control is provided at a very fast rate, more than 100 times faster than the rate at which
network service control is provided in circuit-switched networks.
The broadband IN control provides basic control functions that may be employed in implementing a wide variety of network services in a broadband telecommunications network. These basic functions include call authorization (calling party, called
party, billing party), address translation and carrier identification. In addition to providing basic and other network service control functions, the invention greatly facilitates the processing of data for customer billing purposes.
As a result of the structure and operation of the invention, intelligent network controlled services can be made available widely, rapidly, uniformly, and economically in broadband or fast-packet networks. Further, broadband network level
services can be implemented to complement present and future intelligence implemented in customer premises equipment.
To achieve the advantages and objects of the invention, and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a broadband intelligent network including means for routing
packets (cells) through multi-ported, fast-packet switches. First processing means are provided for managing virtual connections between switch ports by processing data extracted from cells in order to route the cells. Means are provided to establish
switched virtual connections within a few milliseconds that result in cell routing in accordance with connection data contained in a signaling cell for each connection request. Certain means couple customer apparatus through broadband digital facilities
to predetermined switch ports to transport cells to and from the customer apparatus.
Second means are also provided to process customer service request data extracted from received signaling cells and to control network responses thereto, including carrier identification, address translation, calling and called party
authorizations and billing authorizations. Means are provided for interfacing the second processing means to at least one of the switch ports. The first processing means detects each signaling cell received by the fast-packet switching means and routes
each signaling cell to the second processing means through the one switch port. The second processing means detects service request data in each received signaling cell and generates at least one output command to implement the requested service and
generates a signaling cell routed to the calling or called party.
Means are also provided to use the second processing means to produce a complete billing record for all customer services provided by the broadband intelligent network.
Additional advantages and objects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, provide an explanation of the objects, advantages, and
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a conventional circuit-switched IN;
FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a conventional circuit-switched AIN;
FIG. 2A; shows a system block diagram for a first preferred embodiment of a broadband intelligent telecommunications network in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2B shows a system block diagram for a second preferred embodiment of a broadband intelligent telecommunications network arranged in accordance with the invention to implement rapid programming of network services;
FIG. 2C shows a section of an ATM physical channel and illustrates schematically the manner in which multiple virtual channels can be established in a physical channel;
FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of an ATM switch that is preferably employed as a fast-packet switch in the networks of FIGS. 2A and 2B;
FIG. 4A is a graphical representation of the structure of an ATM data cell employed in the networks of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 4B and 4C show data cells as they appear respectively at a user network interface (UNI) and at a network node interface (NNI) of the networks of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5A illustrates an interface of customer video, voice, and data apparatus with the broadband intelligent network of FIG. 2A or 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5B illustrates an interface of customer multimedia apparatus with the broadband intelligent network of FIG. 2A or 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a block diagram of an SCP employed in the circuit-switched IN of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an integrated service control point (ISCP) employed in the circuit-switched AIN of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 6C illustrates the software architecture for the ISCP of FIG. 6B;
FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram of an SCP for a broadband intelligent network, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6E is a schematic diagram of an ISCP for a broadband intelligent network, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6F illustrates a translation lookup table used by connection management to route cells based on port and VCI information.
FIGS. 7A-7D are flow diagrams illustrating procedures executed by an SCP or an ISCP in the networks of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7E is a flow diagram of procedures executed by an SCP in the networks of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7F is a flow diagram of procedures executed by an ATM switch to establish a switched virtual connection in response to a service control command in the networks of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
and
FIG. 8 is a diagram of a signaling cell, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In FIG. 2A, the broadband intelligent network (BIN) 50 of the invention is based on fast-packet technology. As used herein, fast-packet network means a network that transports digital data in packets at high transport rates (typically megabits
per second) with sub-millisecond switch delays and without retransmission of erroneous packets.
BIN 50 preferably includes a fast-packet switch 51, a connection management processor 64, a BIN SCP 61, and a regional accounting office (RAO) 67.
The fast-packet switch 51 has a plurality of two-way ports 60 and 62, each of which may be provided with fiber optic links 56 and 58, respectively, to subscribers. A fiber optic link or connection means a connection established wholly or partly
using fiber optic facilities. Each fiber optic link 56 or 58 can provide connections for multiple subscribers. For example, a connection from a fast-packet switch 51 to a customer may use fiber optics to a point of multiplexer distribution and from
that point to the customer location the connection may use coaxial cable. In addition to connecting to subscribers, one or more of | | |
