Distributed virtual tandem switch
AssigneeSBC Technology Resources, Inc.
InventorsGeorge Coleman Allen, Jr., Steven R. Partridge, Samuel Sigarto, Tina Sigarto, Haifeng Bi, Richard Wayne Stephenson
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Abstract
A distributed network switching system includes a data network. The system also includes multiple access interworking function (A-IWF) devices each operating as a gateway that enables customer premises devices to directly interface into the data network. The system further includes a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and administrative functions and is adapted to interface narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the data network.
Claims22
A distributed virtual tandem switching system configured to operate with an originating end office and a signaling transfer point comprising:
- a plurality of trunk interworking function (T-IWF) devices that are capable of dynamically establishing end-to-end connections to another T-IWF device;
- and
- a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts common channel signaling from the signaling transfer point to in-band signaling, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to at least one of the trunk interworking function (T-IWF) devices via a data network,
- wherein the in-band signaling comprises a plurality of packets.
A distributed network switching system, comprising:
- a distributed packet switching network comprising at least one end-to-end dynamically established connection;
- a plurality of access interworking function (A-IWF) devices each operating as a gateway interfacing standard telephony access and data circuit type access into the distributed packet switching network, at least one of the A-IWF devices directly interfacing with the dynamically established connection to connect with another of the A-IWF devices;
- a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control and administration for call processing and control within the packet switching network;
- and
- a signaling transfer point that connects to and forwards SS7 signaling to the CS-IWF;
- wherein the distributed network switching system provides the functionality of a standard network backbone and allows a plurality of access types to interface into the packet switching network.
A distributed network switching system, comprising:
- a plurality of access interworking function (A-IWF) devices providing standard telephony access and data circuit access into a distributed packet switching network, at least one of the A-IWF devices dynamically establishing an end-to-end connection to another A-IWF;
- a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control and administration for call processing and control within the packet switching network and that receives public switched telephone network (PSTN) signaling from a signaling transfer point;
- wherein the system provides the functionality of a standard network backbone and allows a plurality of access types to interface into the packet switching network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.