Single Point Code for Multiple Switching Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for replacing active switches in telecommunications networks require either introducing new signaling point codes, using alias point codes, or causing undesirable downtime through flash cutting, all of which incur significant costs or disruptions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses a single point code to represent multiple switching devices by serially connecting a signaling gateway between the switching devices and the PSTN, allowing for seamless transition and maintenance without the need for new point codes or downtime, using a multiplexer to route signaling data based on criteria such as voice trunks and signal types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a new signaling point code is introduced for the newly introduced equipment, then the replacement switch can be properly identified and routed, but significant cost is incurred due to work order processing with interconnected carriers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch replacement capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The original point code is made universal by allowing it to represent multiple switching devices sequentially. The point code that originally identified only the active switch now serves both the active switch and the replacement switch at different times, eliminating the need for a new point code and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A point code redirect mechanism acts as an intermediary between the network and the switching devices. This redirect functionality temporarily redirects signaling traffic from the original point code to the replacement switch during the transition period, enabling seamless replacement without cost-incurred point code changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If an alias point code is introduced, then the replacement switch can be identified without new point code costs, but changes in network routing and provisioning are forced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidnetwork routing and provisioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The point code redirect functionality serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of routing changes locally. Instead of forcing network-wide routing and provisioning changes, the redirect mechanism manages the transition at the point code level, isolating the complexity and maintaining simpler network-wide routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the equipment is flashed cut from the active switch to the new switch using the same point code, then no new point code is needed, but undesirable downtime of the switching capability is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement switch is provisioned and configured in advance with all necessary routing and provisioning information before the active switch is taken offline. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the transition occurs, the replacement switch is immediately ready to handle traffic, minimizing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The point code redirect mechanism acts as a temporary intermediary that maintains service continuity during the transition. It redirects traffic to the replacement switch seamlessly, preventing the downtime that would otherwise occur during the flash cut process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the active switch is replaced with a new switch, then updated equipment is deployed, but the capacity of existing switches is diminished and traffic processing is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch replacementVSAvoidtraffic processing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement process is designed to maintain continuous traffic processing capability. By using point code redirect and staged migration, the system ensures that traffic flow continues uninterrupted during the replacement process, preserving productivity while enabling necessary hardware updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8571043B2Using a single point code to represent multiple switching devices

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

Described are methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for using a single point code to represent multiple switching devices. A first software node and a second software node are associated to the single point code. The first software node is assigned to a first switch and the second software node is assigned to a PSTN. Signaling data associated with the point code is received via signaling links associated with the first switch. The signaling data is routed to the first software node or a second switch based on a criterion.