CA2305167C - Method of routing calls to portable numbers in a radio telecommunications network - Google Patents
Method of routing calls to portable numbers in a radio telecommunications network Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2305167C CA2305167C CA2305167A CA2305167A CA2305167C CA 2305167 C CA2305167 C CA 2305167C CA 2305167 A CA2305167 A CA 2305167A CA 2305167 A CA2305167 A CA 2305167A CA 2305167 C CA2305167 C CA 2305167C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- routing
- msc
- routing number
- hlr
- destination
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
- H04W8/28—Number portability ; Network address portability
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/0029—Provisions for intelligent networking
- H04Q3/005—Personal communication services, e.g. provisions for portability of subscriber numbers
Abstract
A method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network having an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC), a home location register (HLR), and a Number Portability Database (NPDB). The O-MSC determines whether to send a Location Request (LOCREQ) message to the HLR for a routing number, or to send a Number Portability Request (NPREQ) message to the NPDB for a location routing number (LRN).
The determination may be based on operator preference, a default preference, or statistics indicating that either the HLR or the NPDB is more likely to return a routing number. The O-MSC then attempts to obtain a routing number from the determined destination. If an error message is returned, the O-MSC attempts to obtain a routing number from the alternate destination. Upon receipt of a routing number, the O-MSC routes the call. In an alternative embodiment, the O-MSC may send the LOCREQ message and the NPREQ message simultaneously, and utilize the first routing number received to route the call.
The determination may be based on operator preference, a default preference, or statistics indicating that either the HLR or the NPDB is more likely to return a routing number. The O-MSC then attempts to obtain a routing number from the determined destination. If an error message is returned, the O-MSC attempts to obtain a routing number from the alternate destination. Upon receipt of a routing number, the O-MSC routes the call. In an alternative embodiment, the O-MSC may send the LOCREQ message and the NPREQ message simultaneously, and utilize the first routing number received to route the call.
Description
METHOD OF ROUTING CALLS TO PORTABLE NUMBERS
IN A RADIO TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to provisional application Serial No. 60/061,241 entitled, System and Method for Routing Portable Mobile Directory Numbers, filed October 7, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to telecommunication systems and, more particularly, to a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network.
Descri ion of Related Arr Number portability (service provider portability) allows subscribers to retain their directory numbers (DNs) as the subscribers "port" from one service provider to another. In a radio telecommunications network, when a call is placed to a portable DN, the originating mobile switching center (MSC) must send a query known as a Number Portability Request (NPREQ) to a Number Portability Database (NPDB) to obtain a routing address for that portable DN. However, when the call originates in a MSC that "owns" the DN, sending the NPREQ may not be necessary, and may be a waste of time and system resources. In this case, the MSC should send a routing number query such as a Location Request (LOCREQ) Invoke message to the home location register (HLR) to obtain a routing number. However, there is currently no process by which the MSC may give priority to one of the two queries (LOCREQ
or NPREQ), or salvage a call if the chosen query does not return a useful result.
In order to overcome this disadvantage, it would be advantageous to have a method of prioritizing the LOCREQ and NPREQ queries, and salvaging a call if the chosen query does not return a useful result. The present invention provides such a method.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network having an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC), a home location register (HLR), and S a Number Portability Database (NPDB). The method includes the steps of attempting to obtain a first routing number from the HLR, obtaining a second routing number from the NPDB upon receiving an error message from the HLR, and routing the call to the second routing number.
In another aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number which includes the steps of deternzining in the O-MSC
whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination, sending the first routing number request to the first destination, and determining whether a routing number was received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request. This is followed by sending a second routing number request to the alternate destination upon determining that a routing number was not received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request, receiving a routing number in response to the second routing number request, and routing the call to the routing number received in response to the second routing number request.
In still another aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network which includes the steps of simultaneously sending routing number requests from the O-MSC to the HLR and the NPDB, and utilizing the first routing number received to route the call.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network which begins by sending a first routing number request from the O-MSC to the HLR, the first routing number request including a dialed directory number. This is followed by determining in the HLR whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number, and sending a second routing number request which includes the dialed directory number from the HLR to the NPDB upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number in the HLR. This is followed by retrieving from the NPDB, a location routing number (LRN) assigned to the dialed SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) directory number, sending the LRN from the NPDB to the HLR in a first response message, sending the LRN from the HLR to the O-MSC in a second response message, and routing the call to the LRN.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:
~ 0 FIG. 1 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the steps of the present invention when determining the priority of routing number queries;
FIG. 3 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
FIG.1 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a first embodiment of the present invention. The network includes an originating MSC 11, a home location register (HI,R) 12, and a Number Portability Database (NPDB) 13. The originating MSC
may be a gateway mobile switching center (G-MSC) where a call enters the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) from another network such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or it may be an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC) where a call originates within the PLMN.
For calls originating in the O-MSC 11 (or arriving at a G-MSC) without an indication that a NP query has been performed, the O-MSC determines whether it SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) "owns" the dialed DN, and if so, first attempts to route the call normally by sending a Location Request Invoke message (LOCREQ) 14 to the HLR 12. However, the DN
ownership determination may be incorrect because in mobile networks, the DN
ownership is actually determined in the HLR, and the information available in the ' MSC is incomplete since the O-MSC does not permanently retain individual subscriber records, but must query the HLR for this information. If the DN
ownership determination was con ect, the HLR sends a Location Request Return Result message (locreq) 15 to the O-MSC with ~ routing number. If the DN ownership determination was incon:ect, the HLR returns a response indicating that no subscriber record exists.
For example, the HLR may send a locreq message with an Access Denied parameter indicating that the DN is unassigned, or the HLR may return an error code of MIN/HLR mismatch.
Rather than rejecting the call at this point, if the dialed DN belongs to a number series (e.g., NPA-NXX) that is identified in the O-MSC as being portable, the O-MSC sends a Number Portability Request Invoke message (NPREQ) 16 to the NPDB 13, and includes a digits dialed parameter (DGTSDIAL) identifying the dialed DN. The NPDB sends a Number Portability Request Return Result message (npreq) 17 and includes a routing digits parameter (ROUTDGTS) which includes a Location Routing Number (LRN) which may be, for example, a 10-digit routing number in the North American Numbering Plan. The O-MSC then completes the call setup to the LRN. If the NPDB does not return a LRN in the npreq message 17, then error treatment is applied.
In the method of the present invention, when a call is received within the O-MSC, a decision is made regarding whether to send a LOCREQ message to the HLR
or a NPREQ message to the NPDB. As shown above, if a LOCREQ message is sent to the HLR, and the HLR does not have a subscription for the DN, the O-MSC can then send a NPREQ message to the NPDB in an attempt to salvage the call. If the NPDB does not return a LRN, then error treatment is applied. Conversely, if the NPREQ message is sent first, and does not return a LRN, then the O-MSC can send a LOCREQ message to the HLR. If the HLR does not have a subscription for the DN, the call again fails.
To avoid inefficient signaling, the present invention determines in the O-MSC
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 02305167 2000-04-04y WO 99/18749 PC'T/SE98/01782 which approach is more likely to result in a successful routing number query.
If few numbers in a portable range have been ported, it would be inefficient to query the NPDB first. Therefore, the O-MSC first sends a LOCREQ message to the HLR in an attempt to obtain a routing number. Conversely, if most of the numbers in a portable range have been ported, it would be inefficient to query the HLR first.
Therefore, the O-MSC first sends a NPREQ message to the NPDB in an attempt to obtain a LRN.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the steps of the present invention when determining the priority of routing number queries. At step 21, the system operator may set a parameter in the O-MSC to indicate which query should take precedence. This parameter may be a switch parameter applicable to all calls originated in the O-MSC, or the parameter may be restricted to calls directed to DNs within the portable number series. If it is determined that a parameter has been set, the method moves to step 22 and sends the preferred query first.
If, however, a preference has not been set by the operator, the method moves to step 23 and checks a default parameter establishing a preference for a particular query in the O-MSC. The O-MSC then sends the default query first at step 24.
At steps 25 and 26, the O-MSC then keeps a statistical counter of the number of queries sent and the number of error results returned by the preferred query. At 27, it is determined whether a preset statistical threshold of returned error messages in opposition to the default preference has been exceeded. If the error threshold is not exceeded, the method returns to step 24 and continues to send the default query first.
However, if the error threshold is exceeded, the default preference is overwritten with the alternate option at step 28, and the method begins sending the alternate query first.
For example, if the LOCREQ query is given preference, the O-MSC keeps statistics of the number of LOCREQs sent to the HLR for DNs within a particular number series. The O-MSC also keeps count of the number of HLR responses that indicate that the DN is unassigned. When the number of unassigned responses exceeds a threshold such as, for example SO percent, the preference for that number series is changed to give precedence to NPREQ queries.
At steps 29 and 30, the O-MSC then keeps a statistical counter of the number of queries sent and the number of error results returned by the alternate query. At step 31, the method may also utilize a hysteresis value to prevent excessive oscillations of SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 99/18749 PC'f/SE98/01782 the preference parameter. In this step, it is determined whether or not a preset statistical threshold of returned error messages plus a hysteresis value has been ' exceeded. For example, a hysteresis value of 5 percent may be added to the 50 percent example used above, creating a new threshold value of SS percent. If the new error threshold is not exceeded, the method returns to step 28 and continues to send the alternate query first. However, if the new error threshold is exceeded, the method returns to step 24 where the alternate preference is overwritten, and the method begins sending the default query first:
FIG. 3 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the O-MSC 11 simultaneously sends a LOCREQ
message 14 to the HLR 12 and a NPREQ message 16 to the NPDB 13. The O-MSC
then acts on the first response which includes a routing number. For example, if the locreq message 15 is received first, and includes an Access Denied parameter indicating that the DN is unassigned, then the O-MSC waits for the npreq message 17 with a LRN. Alternatively, if the npreq message is received first, and it does not contain a LRN, or if the response is otherwise useless (for example, the npreq message contains an LRN associated with the O-MSC), then the O-MSC waits for the locreq message to return a routing number. If the first response received includes a routing number, the call is routed without waiting for the second response. If both return result messages return errors, then an error has occurred, and error treatment is applied.
FIG. 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a third embodiment of the present invention. The O-MSC first attempts to route the call normally by sending a LOCREQ message 14 to the HLR 12. In this embodiment, the HLR is modified to send a NPREQ message 35 to the NPDB 13 when the HLR does not have a subscription for the DN identified in the DGTSDIAL parameter of the LOCREQ
message, and the DN is in a portable number series. The NPDB then returns the LRN
in a npreq message 36 sent to the HLR. The HLR, in turn, includes the LRN in a locreq message 37 sent to the O-MSC. The O-MSC then completes the call setup to the LRN.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) _7_ It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the method shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the S scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
IN A RADIO TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to provisional application Serial No. 60/061,241 entitled, System and Method for Routing Portable Mobile Directory Numbers, filed October 7, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to telecommunication systems and, more particularly, to a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network.
Descri ion of Related Arr Number portability (service provider portability) allows subscribers to retain their directory numbers (DNs) as the subscribers "port" from one service provider to another. In a radio telecommunications network, when a call is placed to a portable DN, the originating mobile switching center (MSC) must send a query known as a Number Portability Request (NPREQ) to a Number Portability Database (NPDB) to obtain a routing address for that portable DN. However, when the call originates in a MSC that "owns" the DN, sending the NPREQ may not be necessary, and may be a waste of time and system resources. In this case, the MSC should send a routing number query such as a Location Request (LOCREQ) Invoke message to the home location register (HLR) to obtain a routing number. However, there is currently no process by which the MSC may give priority to one of the two queries (LOCREQ
or NPREQ), or salvage a call if the chosen query does not return a useful result.
In order to overcome this disadvantage, it would be advantageous to have a method of prioritizing the LOCREQ and NPREQ queries, and salvaging a call if the chosen query does not return a useful result. The present invention provides such a method.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network having an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC), a home location register (HLR), and S a Number Portability Database (NPDB). The method includes the steps of attempting to obtain a first routing number from the HLR, obtaining a second routing number from the NPDB upon receiving an error message from the HLR, and routing the call to the second routing number.
In another aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number which includes the steps of deternzining in the O-MSC
whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination, sending the first routing number request to the first destination, and determining whether a routing number was received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request. This is followed by sending a second routing number request to the alternate destination upon determining that a routing number was not received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request, receiving a routing number in response to the second routing number request, and routing the call to the routing number received in response to the second routing number request.
In still another aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network which includes the steps of simultaneously sending routing number requests from the O-MSC to the HLR and the NPDB, and utilizing the first routing number received to route the call.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is a method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network which begins by sending a first routing number request from the O-MSC to the HLR, the first routing number request including a dialed directory number. This is followed by determining in the HLR whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number, and sending a second routing number request which includes the dialed directory number from the HLR to the NPDB upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number in the HLR. This is followed by retrieving from the NPDB, a location routing number (LRN) assigned to the dialed SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) directory number, sending the LRN from the NPDB to the HLR in a first response message, sending the LRN from the HLR to the O-MSC in a second response message, and routing the call to the LRN.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:
~ 0 FIG. 1 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the steps of the present invention when determining the priority of routing number queries;
FIG. 3 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
FIG.1 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a first embodiment of the present invention. The network includes an originating MSC 11, a home location register (HI,R) 12, and a Number Portability Database (NPDB) 13. The originating MSC
may be a gateway mobile switching center (G-MSC) where a call enters the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) from another network such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or it may be an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC) where a call originates within the PLMN.
For calls originating in the O-MSC 11 (or arriving at a G-MSC) without an indication that a NP query has been performed, the O-MSC determines whether it SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) "owns" the dialed DN, and if so, first attempts to route the call normally by sending a Location Request Invoke message (LOCREQ) 14 to the HLR 12. However, the DN
ownership determination may be incorrect because in mobile networks, the DN
ownership is actually determined in the HLR, and the information available in the ' MSC is incomplete since the O-MSC does not permanently retain individual subscriber records, but must query the HLR for this information. If the DN
ownership determination was con ect, the HLR sends a Location Request Return Result message (locreq) 15 to the O-MSC with ~ routing number. If the DN ownership determination was incon:ect, the HLR returns a response indicating that no subscriber record exists.
For example, the HLR may send a locreq message with an Access Denied parameter indicating that the DN is unassigned, or the HLR may return an error code of MIN/HLR mismatch.
Rather than rejecting the call at this point, if the dialed DN belongs to a number series (e.g., NPA-NXX) that is identified in the O-MSC as being portable, the O-MSC sends a Number Portability Request Invoke message (NPREQ) 16 to the NPDB 13, and includes a digits dialed parameter (DGTSDIAL) identifying the dialed DN. The NPDB sends a Number Portability Request Return Result message (npreq) 17 and includes a routing digits parameter (ROUTDGTS) which includes a Location Routing Number (LRN) which may be, for example, a 10-digit routing number in the North American Numbering Plan. The O-MSC then completes the call setup to the LRN. If the NPDB does not return a LRN in the npreq message 17, then error treatment is applied.
In the method of the present invention, when a call is received within the O-MSC, a decision is made regarding whether to send a LOCREQ message to the HLR
or a NPREQ message to the NPDB. As shown above, if a LOCREQ message is sent to the HLR, and the HLR does not have a subscription for the DN, the O-MSC can then send a NPREQ message to the NPDB in an attempt to salvage the call. If the NPDB does not return a LRN, then error treatment is applied. Conversely, if the NPREQ message is sent first, and does not return a LRN, then the O-MSC can send a LOCREQ message to the HLR. If the HLR does not have a subscription for the DN, the call again fails.
To avoid inefficient signaling, the present invention determines in the O-MSC
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 02305167 2000-04-04y WO 99/18749 PC'T/SE98/01782 which approach is more likely to result in a successful routing number query.
If few numbers in a portable range have been ported, it would be inefficient to query the NPDB first. Therefore, the O-MSC first sends a LOCREQ message to the HLR in an attempt to obtain a routing number. Conversely, if most of the numbers in a portable range have been ported, it would be inefficient to query the HLR first.
Therefore, the O-MSC first sends a NPREQ message to the NPDB in an attempt to obtain a LRN.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the steps of the present invention when determining the priority of routing number queries. At step 21, the system operator may set a parameter in the O-MSC to indicate which query should take precedence. This parameter may be a switch parameter applicable to all calls originated in the O-MSC, or the parameter may be restricted to calls directed to DNs within the portable number series. If it is determined that a parameter has been set, the method moves to step 22 and sends the preferred query first.
If, however, a preference has not been set by the operator, the method moves to step 23 and checks a default parameter establishing a preference for a particular query in the O-MSC. The O-MSC then sends the default query first at step 24.
At steps 25 and 26, the O-MSC then keeps a statistical counter of the number of queries sent and the number of error results returned by the preferred query. At 27, it is determined whether a preset statistical threshold of returned error messages in opposition to the default preference has been exceeded. If the error threshold is not exceeded, the method returns to step 24 and continues to send the default query first.
However, if the error threshold is exceeded, the default preference is overwritten with the alternate option at step 28, and the method begins sending the alternate query first.
For example, if the LOCREQ query is given preference, the O-MSC keeps statistics of the number of LOCREQs sent to the HLR for DNs within a particular number series. The O-MSC also keeps count of the number of HLR responses that indicate that the DN is unassigned. When the number of unassigned responses exceeds a threshold such as, for example SO percent, the preference for that number series is changed to give precedence to NPREQ queries.
At steps 29 and 30, the O-MSC then keeps a statistical counter of the number of queries sent and the number of error results returned by the alternate query. At step 31, the method may also utilize a hysteresis value to prevent excessive oscillations of SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 99/18749 PC'f/SE98/01782 the preference parameter. In this step, it is determined whether or not a preset statistical threshold of returned error messages plus a hysteresis value has been ' exceeded. For example, a hysteresis value of 5 percent may be added to the 50 percent example used above, creating a new threshold value of SS percent. If the new error threshold is not exceeded, the method returns to step 28 and continues to send the alternate query first. However, if the new error threshold is exceeded, the method returns to step 24 where the alternate preference is overwritten, and the method begins sending the default query first:
FIG. 3 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the O-MSC 11 simultaneously sends a LOCREQ
message 14 to the HLR 12 and a NPREQ message 16 to the NPDB 13. The O-MSC
then acts on the first response which includes a routing number. For example, if the locreq message 15 is received first, and includes an Access Denied parameter indicating that the DN is unassigned, then the O-MSC waits for the npreq message 17 with a LRN. Alternatively, if the npreq message is received first, and it does not contain a LRN, or if the response is otherwise useless (for example, the npreq message contains an LRN associated with the O-MSC), then the O-MSC waits for the locreq message to return a routing number. If the first response received includes a routing number, the call is routed without waiting for the second response. If both return result messages return errors, then an error has occurred, and error treatment is applied.
FIG. 4 is a message flow diagram illustrating the flow of messages between the nodes of a radio telecommunications network in a third embodiment of the present invention. The O-MSC first attempts to route the call normally by sending a LOCREQ message 14 to the HLR 12. In this embodiment, the HLR is modified to send a NPREQ message 35 to the NPDB 13 when the HLR does not have a subscription for the DN identified in the DGTSDIAL parameter of the LOCREQ
message, and the DN is in a portable number series. The NPDB then returns the LRN
in a npreq message 36 sent to the HLR. The HLR, in turn, includes the LRN in a locreq message 37 sent to the O-MSC. The O-MSC then completes the call setup to the LRN.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) _7_ It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the method shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the S scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (9)
1. A method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network having an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC), a home location register (HLR), and a Number Portability Database (NPDB, said method comprising the steps of:
determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination;
sending the first routing number request to the first destination;
determining whether a routing number was received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request;
sending a second routing number request to the alternate destination, upon determining that a routing number was not received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request;
receiving a routing number in response to the second routing number request;
and routing the call to the routing number received in response to the second routing number request.
determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination;
sending the first routing number request to the first destination;
determining whether a routing number was received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request;
sending a second routing number request to the alternate destination, upon determining that a routing number was not received in the O-MSC in response to the first routing number request;
receiving a routing number in response to the second routing number request;
and routing the call to the routing number received in response to the second routing number request.
2. The method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number of claim 1.
wherein the step of determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination includes the steps of:
determining whether a preferred destination has been set by a system operator;
and selecting the preferred destination to receive the routing number query.
wherein the step of determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination includes the steps of:
determining whether a preferred destination has been set by a system operator;
and selecting the preferred destination to receive the routing number query.
3. The method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number of claim 1 wherein the step of determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination includes the steps of:
determining whether a default parameter has been set that specifies a preferred destination; and selecting the default destination to receive the routing number query.
determining whether a default parameter has been set that specifies a preferred destination; and selecting the default destination to receive the routing number query.
4. The method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number of claim 3 wherein the step of determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination also includes the steps of calculating a first error percentage, said first error percentage being a percentage of queries send to the default destination that return error responses:
determining whether the first error percentage exceeds a first predefined threshold; and selecting the alternate destination to receive the routing number query upon determining that the first error percentage exceeds the first predefined threshold.
determining whether the first error percentage exceeds a first predefined threshold; and selecting the alternate destination to receive the routing number query upon determining that the first error percentage exceeds the first predefined threshold.
5: The method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number of claim 4 wherein the step of determining in the O-MSC whether to send a first routing number request to a first destination or an alternate destination also includes the steps of calculating a second error percentage, said second error percentage being a percentage of queries sent to the alternate destination that return error responses;
determining whether the second error percentage exceeds a second predefined threshold; and selecting the default destination to receive the routing number query upon determining that the second error percentage exceeds the second predefined threshold.
determining whether the second error percentage exceeds a second predefined threshold; and selecting the default destination to receive the routing number query upon determining that the second error percentage exceeds the second predefined threshold.
6. The method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number of claim 5 wherein the step of determining whether the second error percentage exceeds a second predefined threshold includes determining whether the second error percentage exceeds a threshold equaling the first predefined threshold plus a hysteresis value.
7. A method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network having an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC), a home location register (HLR), and a Number Portability Database (NPDB), said method comprising the steps of:
sending a first routing number request from the O-MSC to the HLR, said first routing number request including a dialed directory number;
determining in the HLR whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number;
sending a second routing number request from the HLR to the NPDB upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number in the HLR, said second routing number request including the dialed directory number;
retrieving from the NPDB, a location routing number (LRN) assigned to the dialed directory number;
sending the LRN from the NPDB to the HLR in a first response message;
sending the LRN from the HLR to the O-MSC in a second response message; and routing the call to the LRN.
sending a first routing number request from the O-MSC to the HLR, said first routing number request including a dialed directory number;
determining in the HLR whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number;
sending a second routing number request from the HLR to the NPDB upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number in the HLR, said second routing number request including the dialed directory number;
retrieving from the NPDB, a location routing number (LRN) assigned to the dialed directory number;
sending the LRN from the NPDB to the HLR in a first response message;
sending the LRN from the HLR to the O-MSC in a second response message; and routing the call to the LRN.
8. The method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number of claim 7 further comprising, upon determining in the HLR that a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number, the step of sending the routing number from the HLR
to the 0-MSC.
to the 0-MSC.
9. A home location register (HLR) for providing a routing number to an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC) when an incoming call is directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network, said network including a Number Portability Database (NPDB) that stores a plurality of location routing numbers (LRNs), said HLR comprising:
a signaling mechanism that:
receives from the O-MSC, a first routing number request that includes a dialed directory number;
sends to the NPDB, a second routing number request that includes the dialed directory number upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number;
receives from the NPDB, an LRN assigned to the dialed directory number in response to the second routing number request; and sends to the O-MSC, the LRN in response to the first routing number request; and means for determining whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number, said routing number determining means directing the signaling mechanism to send the second routing number request to the NPDB upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number.
a signaling mechanism that:
receives from the O-MSC, a first routing number request that includes a dialed directory number;
sends to the NPDB, a second routing number request that includes the dialed directory number upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number;
receives from the NPDB, an LRN assigned to the dialed directory number in response to the second routing number request; and sends to the O-MSC, the LRN in response to the first routing number request; and means for determining whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number, said routing number determining means directing the signaling mechanism to send the second routing number request to the NPDB upon determining that a routing number is not assigned to the dialed directory number.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US6124197P | 1997-10-07 | 1997-10-07 | |
| US60/061,241 | 1997-10-07 | ||
| US09/140,713 US6161017A (en) | 1997-10-07 | 1998-08-26 | Method of routing calls to portable numbers in a radio telecommunications network |
| US09/140,713 | 1998-08-26 | ||
| PCT/SE1998/001782 WO1999018749A2 (en) | 1997-10-07 | 1998-10-02 | Method of routing calls to portable numbers in a radio telecommunications network |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2305167A1 CA2305167A1 (en) | 1999-04-15 |
| CA2305167C true CA2305167C (en) | 2012-09-18 |
Family
ID=26740877
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2305167A Expired - Lifetime CA2305167C (en) | 1997-10-07 | 1998-10-02 | Method of routing calls to portable numbers in a radio telecommunications network |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US6161017A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU9468698A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9813025A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2305167C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999018749A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (50)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6240293B1 (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 2001-05-29 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporatio | Method and system for providing local number portability in a wireless telecommunications environment |
| US6424832B1 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2002-07-23 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Method of supporting functionality for roamer port calls in a radio telecomminications network in which number portability is implemented |
| GB9915427D0 (en) * | 1999-07-01 | 1999-09-01 | Nokia Telecommunications Oy | Number portability service in a telecommunication system |
| US7092505B2 (en) * | 1999-12-23 | 2006-08-15 | Tekelec | Methods and systems for universal, automatic service selection in a telecommunications signaling network |
| US6836477B1 (en) | 1999-12-23 | 2004-12-28 | Tekelec | Methods and systems for routing messages in a communications network |
| US6662017B2 (en) * | 1999-12-23 | 2003-12-09 | Tekelec | Methods and systems for routing messages associated with ported subscribers in a mobile communications network |
| US6819921B2 (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2004-11-16 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Method of subscriber initiated porting of a wireless number for a mobile station |
| FR2826817B1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2004-07-02 | France Telecom | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING THE PORTABILITY OF A TELEPHONE NUMBER CALLED FROM A FIXED OR MOBILE DONOR TELEPHONE NETWORK TO A FIXED OR MOBILE TELEPHONE NETWORK, FROM AN MNP-SRF PROCESS. |
| CN1199482C (en) * | 2002-01-06 | 2005-04-27 | 华为技术有限公司 | Method for realizing carryover of mobile number |
| US7848767B2 (en) | 2002-10-15 | 2010-12-07 | Tekelec | Methods and systems for migrating between application layer mobile signaling protocols |
| AU2003286433A1 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2004-05-04 | Alcatel Wireless, Inc | Method and system for minimizing call setup delay for calls occurring in one or more wireless networks |
| JP2004288017A (en) * | 2003-03-24 | 2004-10-14 | Fujitsu Ltd | Database retrieval system and method |
| US7181197B2 (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2007-02-20 | Cingular Wireless Ii, Llc | Preventing unauthorized switching of mobile telecommunications service providers |
| US7142862B2 (en) * | 2003-12-24 | 2006-11-28 | Lucent Technologies Inc | Intra-service number portability in wireless network |
| JP4056971B2 (en) * | 2003-12-25 | 2008-03-05 | 株式会社エヌ・ティ・ティ・ドコモ | Interconnection contract determination system, interconnection contract determination apparatus, and interconnection contract determination method |
| US20060092925A1 (en) * | 2004-10-29 | 2006-05-04 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Roaming between circuit-switched and all-IP networks |
| WO2006087720A1 (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2006-08-24 | Starhome Gmbh | Local number solution for roaming mobile telephony users |
| US7953415B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2011-05-31 | Alcatel-Lucent Usa Inc. | Method and system for wireless number portability |
| US7889716B2 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2011-02-15 | Tekelec | Methods, systems, and computer program products for using an E.164 number (ENUM) database for message service message routing resolution among 2G and subsequent generation network systems |
| KR100734863B1 (en) * | 2005-12-08 | 2007-07-03 | 한국전자통신연구원 | Effective method for managing database system for MNP |
| CN101433070B (en) * | 2006-02-15 | 2011-10-05 | 泰克莱克公司 | Methods, systems, and computer program products for selectively processing or redirecting signaling connection control part (SCCP) messages |
| JP4172805B2 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2008-10-29 | 株式会社東芝 | Communication device, orthogonal error compensation setting value calculation method, and orthogonal error compensation program |
| US7664496B1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2010-02-16 | At&T Mobility Ii Llc | Local number portability for mobility management |
| US7787445B2 (en) | 2006-07-20 | 2010-08-31 | Tekelec | Methods, systems, and computer program products for routing and processing ENUM queries |
| US8254551B2 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2012-08-28 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing quality of service using E.164 number mapping (ENUM) data in a communications network |
| US7996541B2 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2011-08-09 | Tekelec | Methods, systems, and computer program products for identifying a serving home subscriber server (HSS) in a communications network |
| US8538000B2 (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2013-09-17 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing message deposit transaction screening |
| WO2009111786A2 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-09-11 | Tekelec | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for routing a message service message through a communications network |
| CN101686462A (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2010-03-31 | 华为技术有限公司 | Method for initiating routing request and device thereof, processing method, processing device and processing system |
| WO2010060087A2 (en) | 2008-11-24 | 2010-05-27 | Tekelec | Systems, methods, and computer readable media for location-sensitive called-party number translation in a telecommunications network |
| US9021014B2 (en) * | 2009-03-25 | 2015-04-28 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing home subscriber server (HSS) proxy |
| WO2010124184A2 (en) * | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | Evolving Systems, Inc. | Occasional access to a wireless network |
| US8452325B2 (en) * | 2009-05-11 | 2013-05-28 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing scalable number portability (NP) home location register (HLR) |
| US8224337B2 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2012-07-17 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing foreign routing address information to a telecommunications network gateway |
| US9313759B2 (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2016-04-12 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing triggerless equipment identity register (EIR) service in a diameter network |
| EP2489161B1 (en) | 2009-10-16 | 2019-06-12 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing diameter signaling router with integrated monitoring and/or firewall functionality |
| US8750126B2 (en) * | 2009-10-16 | 2014-06-10 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for multi-interface monitoring and correlation of diameter signaling information |
| US8750292B2 (en) | 2010-02-25 | 2014-06-10 | Tekelec, Inc. | Systems, methods, and computer readable media for using a signaling message routing node to provide backup subscriber information management service |
| WO2012037161A2 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2012-03-22 | Evolving Systems, Inc. | Controlled access to a wireless network |
| CN103385012B (en) | 2010-12-23 | 2016-08-10 | 泰克莱克股份有限公司 | For revising the method for Diameter signaling message, system and the equipment of billing function node to be mail to |
| WO2012100057A2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2012-07-26 | Tekelec | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for screening diameter messages within a diameter signaling router (dsr) having a distributed message processor architecture |
| WO2012129171A2 (en) | 2011-03-18 | 2012-09-27 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for configurable diameter address resolution |
| US9100796B2 (en) | 2011-12-15 | 2015-08-04 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for seamless roaming between diameter and non-diameter networks |
| US8929863B2 (en) | 2012-10-01 | 2015-01-06 | Evolving Systems, Inc. | Methods and systems for temporarily permitting a wireless device to access a wireless network |
| US8855654B2 (en) | 2013-01-28 | 2014-10-07 | Tekelec Global, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking and communicating long term evolution (LTE) handset communication capability |
| US9143942B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2015-09-22 | Tekelec Global, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing a multi-network equipment identity register |
| US9635526B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-04-25 | Tekelec, Inc. | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for utilizing a diameter proxy agent to communicate short message service (SMS) messages |
| US10117127B2 (en) | 2015-07-08 | 2018-10-30 | Oracle International Corporation | Methods, systems, and computer readable media for communicating radio access network congestion status information for large numbers of users |
| US9491563B1 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2016-11-08 | Evolving Systems, Inc. | Pre-provisioning mobile application acquisition and utilization |
| CN110312241B (en) * | 2019-07-02 | 2022-02-22 | 中国联合网络通信集团有限公司 | International gateway server, block chain network system and communication method thereof |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB710042A (en) * | 1951-06-16 | 1954-06-02 | Bofors Ab | Improvements relating to electrically-operated remote-control systems |
| US5661792A (en) * | 1994-10-18 | 1997-08-26 | At&T | Completing telecommunications calls in a competitive local and toll enviroment |
| EP0710042A2 (en) * | 1994-10-26 | 1996-05-01 | AT&T Corp. | Means and method for providing local telephone number portability |
| US5703939A (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1997-12-30 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Method for determining an optimum point for database queries during call delivery in a telecommunications network |
| US5793857A (en) * | 1995-09-27 | 1998-08-11 | Northern Telecom Limited | Method of using dynamic database to improve telephone number portability |
| CA2165856C (en) * | 1995-12-21 | 2001-09-18 | R. William Carkner | Number portability with database query |
| GB2310566A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1997-08-27 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Telephone call handling system |
| US5878347A (en) * | 1996-03-26 | 1999-03-02 | Ericsson, Inc. | Routing a data signal to a mobile station within a telecommunications network |
| US5839072A (en) * | 1996-03-26 | 1998-11-17 | Ericsson Inc. | Routing an incoming call to a ported mobile station within a telecommunications network |
| US5862481A (en) * | 1996-04-08 | 1999-01-19 | Northern Telecom Limited | Inter-technology roaming proxy |
| US5832382A (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1998-11-03 | Ericsson Inc. | Optimized routing of mobile calls within a telecommunications network |
| US5953663A (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 1999-09-14 | Ericsson Inc. | Rerouting an incoming call to a ported telecommunications terminal |
| US6058313A (en) * | 1997-05-22 | 2000-05-02 | At&T Corp | Method of enhancing call processing in a number portability environment |
| US6138023A (en) * | 1997-09-23 | 2000-10-24 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Method for porting a directory number from one wireless service provider to another |
| US6049714A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 2000-04-11 | Ericsson, Inc. | Implementing number portability using a flexible numbering register and an interwork link register |
-
1998
- 1998-08-26 US US09/140,713 patent/US6161017A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-02 BR BR9813025-0A patent/BR9813025A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-10-02 AU AU94686/98A patent/AU9468698A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-10-02 CA CA2305167A patent/CA2305167C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-02 WO PCT/SE1998/001782 patent/WO1999018749A2/en active Application Filing
-
2000
- 2000-08-28 US US09/650,466 patent/US6226517B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6161017A (en) | 2000-12-12 |
| WO1999018749A2 (en) | 1999-04-15 |
| AU9468698A (en) | 1999-04-27 |
| US6226517B1 (en) | 2001-05-01 |
| WO1999018749A3 (en) | 2002-10-10 |
| BR9813025A (en) | 2000-08-15 |
| CA2305167A1 (en) | 1999-04-15 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2305167C (en) | Method of routing calls to portable numbers in a radio telecommunications network | |
| US7881734B2 (en) | System and method for application location register routing in a telecommunication network | |
| CA2239649C (en) | Method and apparatus for providing partitioned telecommunication services | |
| EP1016292B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for defining and updating mobile services based on subscriber groups | |
| EP1005758B1 (en) | Management of calling name delivery in telephone networks providing for telephone number portability | |
| KR100657124B1 (en) | Method for providing mobile number portability | |
| AU764728B2 (en) | System and method of forwarding data calls in a radio telecommunications network | |
| CN1285224C (en) | Method and system for authorization, routing, and delivery of transmission | |
| US6487412B1 (en) | Method and system for routing calls to wireless directory numbers in a network | |
| JPH1174970A (en) | Telephone call processing method and telephone call processor | |
| CN1277789A (en) | Method and system for processing calls for communication equipment with a subscriber number ported from a first operator to a second operator, especially for mobile communication | |
| WO1999023838A1 (en) | Implementing number portability using a flexible numbering register and an interwork link register | |
| US7039164B1 (en) | Method and system for reporting events in telecommunication networks | |
| US6738629B1 (en) | Method for flood paging in a telecommunications network | |
| US6026298A (en) | Method and apparatus for providing switch capability mediation in a mobile telephone system | |
| WO1999025131A1 (en) | Calling party name delivery to digital phone subscriber | |
| US6714639B1 (en) | System and method for providing calling name services with local number portability | |
| CA2237286C (en) | Method of enhancing call processing in a number portability environment | |
| CA2307573C (en) | Method to suppress number portability database queries | |
| CA2237354C (en) | Method of enhancing call processing in a number portability environment | |
| US6879811B1 (en) | System and method for providing cellular telephone service during cluster testing | |
| WO1998031163A2 (en) | Method and apparatus for implementing alias mobile id numbers in a mobile telephone system | |
| WO1997028663A1 (en) | Telephone interexchange carrier selection in a wireless communication network | |
| KR100398723B1 (en) | Information Search Method Between Network Element In Wireless Intelligent Network | |
| WO2001008425A2 (en) | System and method for providing geographical information in a non-geographic network |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20181002 |