Message Converter for SS7 Signaling Protocol Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telephone service providers face challenges in complying with changing regulations for telecommunications relay services (TRS) that require SS7 signaling and carrier choice selection, while maintaining legacy equipment and minimizing capital expenditures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrate line information into telephone signals, convert signaling protocols between formats, and maintain call information to enable SS7 signaling and carrier choice selection, using a combination of network elements and protocols like ISDN, SIP, and SS7, with a message converter to ensure seamless call routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SS7 signaling is implemented to comply with new regulations, then regulatory compliance is improved, but device complexity and capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
A message converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the ACD and the long distance network. This converter translates traditional in-band signaling into SS7 signaling, allowing the system to comply with new regulations without completely replacing the legacy ACD infrastructure. The intermediary handles the complexity of protocol conversion while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling function is segmented into separate components: the legacy ACD handles call distribution, while the message converter handles SS7 signaling conversion. This segmentation allows the system to adopt new signaling standards in a modular fashion, reducing overall system complexity by isolating the complex SS7 conversion functionality to a dedicated component rather than requiring complete system redesign.
2Ease of manufacture
If legacy equipment is maintained to minimize capital expenditures, then cost is reduced, but adaptability to new regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The message converter serves multiple functions: it performs SS7 signaling conversion, maintains compatibility with legacy in-band signaling, and enables carrier of choice selection. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple regulatory requirements while working with existing legacy equipment, reducing the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The message converter is positioned upstream in the call routing path, performing SS7 signaling conversion before calls are routed to the long distance network. This preliminary action ensures that signaling requirements are satisfied early in the call setup process, enabling regulatory compliance without requiring changes to downstream legacy equipment.
3Device complexity
If in-band signaling is used in legacy systems, then device complexity is reduced, but information loss occurs during protocol conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The message converter extracts call information from the in-band signaling, converts it to SS7 format, and routes it appropriately. By actively capturing and preserving call information during the conversion process, the system provides feedback-like behavior where information that would otherwise be lost in traditional conversion is instead maintained and properly transmitted through the SS7 network.
4Ease of operation
If automatic call distributor with TDM link is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to SS7 signaling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The message converter acts as an intermediary between the TDM-based ACD and the SS7 long distance network. It receives calls routed by the ACD through the TDM link and performs SS7 signaling conversion, allowing the ACD to maintain its simple operational characteristics while the intermediary handles the protocol adaptation to SS7 requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and medium are provided for routing a call through telecommunications relay services while maintaining desired call information. The present invention includes routing calls through the telecommunications relay services system using a variety of signaling protocols while maintaining call information. A method of integrating line information into a telephone signal is provided. The method includes receiving line information in a packet header and parsing the header to extract the line record information. The parsed information is converted into a set-up message in Integrated Services Digital Network protocol. The method also determines if a specific telephony carrier is identified in the parsed header. If a specific telephone carrier is identified, the signal is directed to the identified carrier along with the set-up message.