ATM-based distributed network switching system
AssigneeAT&T Labs, Inc.
InventorsGeorge Coleman Allen, Jr., Steven R. Partridge, Samuel Sigarto, Tina Sigarto, Haifeng Bi, Richard Wayne Stephenson
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims15
A distributed call control system configured to operate with a signaling transfer point to transfer voice over a packet based network, the system comprising:
- a centralized call processor server configured to perform call control functions and to convert common channel signaling received from the signaling transfer point into a plurality of packets, the centralized call processor server sending packetized call processing and control information to at least one access interworking function (A-IWF) device via the packet based network, each A-IWF device being configured to dynamically establish end-to-end connections to another A-IWF device, each A-IWF device accommodating digital subscriber line access, the centralized call processor server comprising a billing server configured to create and collect call detail records, and a feature server configured to perform call control functions, the feature server comprising a tone and announcement server configured to provide network tones and announcements.
A distributed call processing system for transporting voice over a packet switching network, comprising:
- a plurality of access interworking function (A-IWF) devices each operating as a gateway, interfacing data circuit type access into the packet switching network, the packet switching network comprising at least one dynamically established end-to-end connection, at least one of the A-IWF devices directly interfacing with the dynamically established connection to connect with another of the A-IWF devices;
- and
- a centralized call processing server configured to perform call control and administration for call processing and control within the packet switching network, the centralized call processing server receiving control signaling from a signaling network, the centralized call processing server comprising a billing server configured to create and to collect call detail records, and a feature server configured to perform call control functions, the feature server comprising a tone and announcement server configured to provide network tones and announcements.
A distributed network switching system, comprising:
- a centralized call processor server configured to perform call control and administration for call processing and control within a packet switching network and configured to receive public switched telephone network (PSTN) signaling, the centralized call processor server communicating with a plurality of access interworking function (A-IWF) devices configured to provide data circuit access into the packet switching network to enable voice transport across the packet switching network, at least one of the A-IWF devices being configured to dynamically establish an end-to-end connection to another A-IWF device, wherein the system provides the functionality of a standard network backbone and allows an access device connected via digital subscriber line to communicate across the packet switching network,
- wherein the centralized call processor server comprises a billing server configured to collect billing information for calls and a feature server configured to perform call control functions, including providing network tones and announcements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.