Methods and apparatus for routing TCAP messages

摘要

The present invention relates to a point code emulation apparatus and method for dividing a Common Channel Signaling System No. 7 (or SS7) signaling network into two or more networks. The point code emulator is adapted to receive TCAP messages from two or more subnets and converts, for the messages crossing over the subnets, the information of the TCAP messages, including originating point code, destination point code, and transaction identifier, (and optionally, calling party number and called party number), and forwards to the other one of the two or more subnets. Correspondence among the two or more subnets may be provisioned by an authorized user of the system, may be learned automatically by the system based on ISUP message correspondences or previous TCAP transactions, or may be automatically discovered by the system broadcasting messages to nodes in the destined one of the two or more subnets.

主权项

1. A communications node for routing a transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) message from a first node in a first subnet to a second node in a second subnet of a communications network, said node comprising:
a) a first interface for said first subnet; b) a second interface for said second subnet; c) a processor in communication with said first and second interfaces, and further in communication with a structured database, wherein said processor is configured to:
i) prepare a first record for said first node and a second record for said second node in said structured database,ii) receive said TCAP message from said first node through said first interface;iii) extract originating point code (OPC), destination point code (DPC) and transaction identifier (TID) of said TCAP message;iv) look up and retrieve, from said structured database, said second record for a corresponding OPC, a corresponding DPC and a corresponding TID partially or combinedly based on said OPC, said DPC and said TID of said received TCAP message; andv) replace said OPC, said DPC and said TID of said received TCAP message with said corresponding OPC, said corresponding DPC, and said corresponding TID; andvi) forward said TCAP message with said corresponding OPC, said corresponding DPC, and said corresponding TID through said second interface; andvii) prior to looking up and retrieving said corresponding OPC, said corresponding DPC and said corresponding TID, said processor:
broadcasts a message to all or a part of the nodes in said second subnet; anddetermines values of said corresponding OPC, said corresponding DPC and said corresponding TID by receiving a successful response from one of said all or part of said one or more nodes in said second subnet.