Method and apparatus for providing a call identifier in a distrubuted network system

A method of providing an unique call ID number in a network comprised of a plurality of entities through which a connection may be established comprising the steps of:

• receiving at a first entity a first request to initiate a first connection;
• assigning by said first entity a first unique number to said first connection;
• receiving at a second entity a second request to initiate a connection;
• assigning by said second entity a second unique number to said second connection;
• and
• using said first and second unique numbers to identify said first and said second connections, respectively;
• wherein said step of assigning said first unique number comprises the steps of:
• identifying said first entity;
• and
• identifying a time at which said first request is received.

A packet switched network for providing communication between entities comprising:

• a first entity for receiving a first request to initiate a first connection and for assigning a first unique number to said first connection;
• a second entity for receiving a second request to initiate a second connection and for assigning a second unique number to said second connection;
• an interconnection subsystem for transferring packets between said first entity and said second entity;
• wherein said first and second entities and said interconnection subsystem are members of a first packet switched system, said packet switched network further comprising:
• a second packet switched system having:
• a second interconnection subsystem coupled to said interconnection subsystem of said first system;
• and
• a third entity wherein when a path is made between an entity of said first packet switched system and said third entity corresponding to said first connection, said first unique number is used to identify said first connection at said third entity.

A packet switched network for providing communication between entities comprising:

• a first entity for receiving a first request to initiate a first connection and for assigning a first unique number to said first connection, said first entity is a base station;
• a second entity for receiving a second request to initiate a second connection and for assigning a second unique number to said second connection, said second entity is a call control processor;
• an interconnection subsystem for transferring packets between said first entity and said second entity;
• wherein said first and second entities and said interconnection subsystem are members of a first packet switched system, said packet switched network further comprising:
• a second packet switched system having:
• a second call control processor coupled to said second entity;
• and
• a third entity wherein when a path is made between an entity of said first packet switched system and said third entity corresponding to said first connection, a third unique number is used to identify said first connection within said second packet switched system.

A method of providing an unique call ID number in a network comprised of a plurality of entities through which a connection may be established comprising the steps of:

• receiving at a first entity a first request to initiate a first connection;
• assigning by said first entity a first unique number to said first connection;
• receiving at a second entity a second request to initiate a connection;
• assigning by said second entity a second unique number to said second connection;
• using said first and second unique numbers to identify said first and said second connections, respectively;
• said method further comprising the steps of:
• creating a first signal path to support said first connection from said first entity to a third entity such that data packets may be passed therebetween;
• creating subsequently a second signal path to support said first connection from a forth entity to said third entity such that data packets may be passed therebetween simultaneously with the transfer of packets between said first entity and said third entity;
• and
• using said first unique number to identify said first connection on said first and second signal paths.

A method of providing an unique call ID number in a network comprised of a plurality of entities through which a connection may be established comprising the steps of:

• receiving at a first entity a first request to initiate a first connection;
• assigning by said first entity a first unique number to said first connection;
• receiving at a second entity a second request to initiate a connection;
• assigning by said second entity a second unique number to said second connection;
• using said first and second unique numbers to identify said first and said second connections, respectively;
• wherein said first and second entities are members of a first system, said method further comprising the steps of:
• creating a first signal path to support said first connection from said first entity to a third entity such that data packets may be passed therebetween wherein said third entity is a member of a second system;
• coupling data packets over said first signal path through an interconnect subsystem associated with said first system and an interconnect subsystem associated with said second system;
• and
• using said first unique number to identify said first connection in both said first and second system.

A method of providing an unique call ID number in a network comprised of a plurality of entities through which a connection may be established comprising the steps of:

• receiving at a first entity a first request to initiate a first connection;
• assigning by said first entity a first unique number to said first connection;
• receiving at a second entity a second request to initiate a connection;
• assigning by said second entity a second unique number to said second connection;
• using said first and second unique numbers to identify said first and said second connections, respectively;
• wherein said first and second entities are members of a first system, said method further comprising the steps of:
• creating a first signal path to support said first connection from said first entity to a third entity such that data packets may be passed therebetween wherein said third entity is a member of a second system;
• coupling data packets over said first signal path through a coupling entity associated with said first system and a coupling entity associated with said second system;
• and
• creating a new unique number to identify said first connection in said second system.