Signaling Interworking Point Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signaling systems fail to efficiently and reliably interwork between circuit-switched No. 7 signaling and IP-network-based signaling networks, particularly in forwarding TransFer Prohibited messages across different network layers, leading to incomplete utilization of interworking functions and protocol complexity.
Innovation Solution
An interworking point that receives TransFer Prohibited messages analyzes links and either drops the message or sends a Signaling Unavailable message, utilizing MTP3 functions to manage route information and reduce protocol complexity by combining TFP and DUNA messages for route state notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the TFP message is transparently transported through M3UA protocol at the SG, then the message can be forwarded to the broadband signaling point, but the broadband signaling point must have MTP3 functions which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation mechanism at the SG that converts TFP messages from the narrowband network into appropriate M3UA messages for the broadband network. Instead of requiring the broadband signaling point to understand MTP3 protocols, the SG acts as a mediator that handles the protocol conversion, thus reducing the complexity at the broadband endpoint while maintaining interworking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protocol parameters by mapping MTP3 message parameters to corresponding M3UA message parameters. The SG transforms the TFP message parameters (such as destination signaling point, route information) into equivalent M3UA parameters, allowing the message to be processed by broadband network elements without requiring them to implement MTP3 functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the SG simply implements transparent transport of TFP message without route analysis, then the implementation is simple, but the SG's interworking function is not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial route analysis at the SG - not complete analysis of all route parameters, but sufficient analysis to determine whether the TFP message requires forwarding or local processing. The SG performs selective analysis of key parameters (such as destination signaling point code) to make forwarding decisions, which balances implementation complexity with functional utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary route analysis at the SG before forwarding the TFP message to the broadband network. By analyzing the message parameters in advance and determining the appropriate action (forwarding or local processing), the SG fully utilizes its interworking function while maintaining efficient message handling.
3Productivity
If TFP messages are forwarded without analysis, then message forwarding is simple, but route information reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SG analyzes the TFP message parameters and provides feedback on whether the message should be forwarded or processed locally. This feedback loop ensures that route information is verified and validated before forwarding, maintaining reliability while preserving forwarding efficiency through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for interworking between a first signaling network and a second signaling network is provided. The first signaling network includes a first signaling point and a signaling transfer point, and the second signaling network includes a second signaling point, the first signaling network is connected with the second signaling network via an interworking point. The method includes: receiving by the interworking point a first signaling point TransFer Prohibited message from the first signaling network; detecting all the links between the interworking point and the first signaling network, if there is any interworking link, dropping the TransFer Prohibited message; otherwise, transmitting a Signaling Unavailable message to the second signaling point. This invention also provides an interworking point of signaling networks and a communication system. In this invention, TFP message in narrowband MTP3 protocol and DUNA message the broadband M3UA protocol are combined for informing the route state.