Shared STP-NPDB for Inter-Network Mobile Number Portability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Mobile Number Portability (MNP) technologies are inadequate for handling non-calling type communications and fail to facilitate seamless communication between different networks, such as CDMA and GSM networks, leading to limitations like high costs, protocol conversion issues, and loss of contracted services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a shared Signaling Transfer Point (STP)-Number Portability Database (NPDB) for inter-network communication, which processes requests for location and routing information across networks, enabling both calling and non-calling type communications, including voice, video, text, data, and short message services, without requiring significant modifications to existing equipment or processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MNP technologies are used for inter-network communication, then calling type communication can be handled, but non-calling type communication cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a unified MNP handling mechanism that can process both calling type communications (voice, video, multimedia) and non-calling type communications (text, data, short messages) through the same STP-NPDB system. The system uses a single database structure and processing logic to accommodate multiple communication types, eliminating the need for separate handling mechanisms for different communication categories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TMSC is used for inter-network communication between CDMA and GSM networks, then protocol conversion can be achieved, but communication costs increase and service loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MNP handling function from the traditional TMSC architecture and integrates it directly into the STP-NPDB system. By removing the dependency on TMSC for MNP operations, the system eliminates the associated costs and service losses while maintaining inter-network compatibility between CDMA and GSM networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the MNP database (NPDB) with the signaling transfer point (STP) functionality, creating a unified STP-NPDB system. This integration eliminates the need for separate TMSC components and reduces overall system complexity, thereby reducing communication costs while maintaining full inter-network communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If STP intercepts Loc_reg messages for MNP handling, then protocol conversion can be performed, but message processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The STP-NPDB system performs self-service by automatically detecting MNP requirements and handling the entire MNP process internally without requiring external intervention or complex manual processing. The system uses its integrated database to automatically retrieve, validate, and process MNP messages, simplifying the overall processing complexity while maintaining protocol conversion capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inter-network communication between a first and second user. The method includes receiving a first request for a location associated with the second user from a first switching system for a first network in response to a second request. The method processes information associated with the first request and determines a network identifier for a second network related to the location associated with the second user, and sends the first switching system a location message, including the network identifier for the second network. The method includes receiving a third request for routing information associated with the second user from a second switching system for the second network. The method determines a location directory in the second network for the second user and receives the roaming information for the second user from the location directory. The method then sends the roaming information to the second switching system.