Local Number Portability B2B API Customer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Local Number Portability (LNP) processes lack customer control over port timing, require additional telephone numbers, and do not allow customers to manage porting processes independently, leading to inefficiencies and customer service limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system enabling customers to submit LNP orders directly to a first telecommunications carrier, trigger porting processes, and manage associated activities using a Business-to-Business (B2B) API, allowing customers to bypass the receiving carrier during the submission and triggering of LNP orders, thereby providing control over port timing and managing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers submit LNP orders through traditional carrier-mediated processes, then the receiving carrier can manage the porting process, but customers lose control over port timing and cannot manage porting activities independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling customers to independently submit LNP orders, trigger porting processes, and manage porting activities through a B2B API interface without requiring carrier mediation. Customers gain direct control over port timing and can monitor/manage their own porting activities, transforming the traditionally carrier-controlled process into a customer-initiated and customer-managed workflow.
2Speed
If the LRN method is used to provide LNP, then call routing speed is improved, but additional telephone numbers are required which places pressure on the North American Numbering Plan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LRN (Local Routing Number) requirement from the LNP process by implementing an alternative methodology that achieves fast call routing without allocating additional telephone numbers. The system uses a different technical approach that eliminates the need for LRNs while maintaining the speed benefits, thereby reducing pressure on the North American Numbering Plan.
3Reliability
If customers cannot test LNP order requests before submission, then the process is simpler, but errors in LNP orders cannot be detected prior to porting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing testing functionality that allows customers to validate LNP order requests before actual submission. The system enables pre-submission testing of porting orders, allowing customers to detect and correct errors in advance, thereby improving LNP order accuracy and reliability without significantly increasing process complexity.
4Extent of automation
If ports are automatically triggered by the carrier within a pre-determined window, then the process is automated, but customers have no control over the timing of port activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transforming the static, carrier-controlled automatic triggering window into a dynamic, customer-controlled timing mechanism. The system maintains automation benefits while allowing customers to specify and control the exact timing of port activation, adapting the rigid automated process to flexible customer requirements through the B2B API interface.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for local number portability in a telecommunication network are disclosed. An embodiment of a method includes submitting a local number portability (LNP) order for the TN directly to a first telecommunications carrier that the TN is to be transferred from, triggering a port of the TN in accordance with the LNP order, and porting the TN from the first telecommunications carrier to the second telecommunications carrier, wherein the second telecommunications carrier is bypassed by the customer during the submitting and the triggering of the LNP order. Other embodiments are also disclosed.