Number Portability Database for Variable Telephony Plans
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunications, determining if a telephone number has been ported is challenging, especially in variable numbering plans where the length of the number is unknown, as traditional methods like inter-digit timers are not reliable, and alternative methods are needed to identify the end of dialling.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a network node to receive a number message, compare it with entries in a number portability database, and determine if the number is ported by identifying best matches or partial matches, allowing for routing of calls to the correct network node without requiring Intelligent Networks operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inter-digit timer is used to signal the end of dialling in variable numbering plans, then the end of dialling can be identified, but the method is not accepted for number portability determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a number portability database as an intermediary component that stores routing information for ported numbers. The database acts as a mediator between the calling party and the called party, enabling number portability determination without relying on inter-digit timers. The system queries the database with the dialed number to determine if porting has occurred, providing a reliable method that works with variable numbering plans.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the length of the telephone number is unknown in variable numbering plans, then overlap dialling must be used, but it becomes unclear when the end of dialling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-populating a number portability database with routing information for all ported numbers before actual calling occurs. When a call is initiated, the system immediately queries the database with the dialed number (or partial number in overlap dialling), eliminating the need to wait for complete dialling information. This allows the system to determine number portability status in advance, resolving the uncertainty of when dialling ends in variable numbering plans.
3Reliability
If traditional number portability methods are used, then number porting can be determined, but Intelligent Networks operation is required which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the number portability determination function from the complex Intelligent Networks infrastructure and implements it as a standalone number portability database. This separate database component can be queried by any network node without requiring full Intelligent Networks operation. The extraction simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable number portability determination capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system or method for determining if a telephony network number is ported for use with variable numbering plan comprising, a first network node for receiving a number message comprising at least a first part of a dialled number identifying a called party, and a number portability database, containing routing numbers associated with entries in the database. The first network node is configured to compare the number message with entries in the number portability database. The first network node is configured such that if the number message or a first part of the number message uniquely matches with the whole of an entry in the database and does not match with part of another entry in the database, the first network node determines that a best match has been found. In this case, the first network node routes a call to a second network node identified by the routing number associated with the entry. The first network node is configured such that if the number message matches with at least part of at least one entry in the database, the first network node determines that at least one partial match has been found. The first network node then retrieves a further part of the dialled number. The first network node repeats the comparison based on a new number message comprising said first part of the dialled number and said further part of the dialled number. The first network node is configured such that if at least a first part of the number message cannot be matched to the whole of any entry in the database, the first network node determines that no match has been found. In this case, the first network node routes a call to a second network node identified by the dialled number.