Switch Code Routing Auditing System for Telephony Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telephony network operators face challenges in maintaining proper routing and billing of calls due to the increasing complexity of dialable codes, such as new area codes and NXX codes, which requires frequent reprogramming of switches, leading to difficulties in managing routing changes and ensuring accurate billing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for maintaining and updating routing information, including receiving and proposing changes, and auditing code routing instructions on switches, utilizing software to create a web-based program that allows authorized users to access and input routing information, ensuring accurate and efficient management of routing changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual programming of switches is performed to accommodate new area codes and NXX codes, then routing changes can be implemented, but the complexity and time required for managing routing changes increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to accommodate new area codes and NXX codesVSAvoidComplexity of managing routing changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically audits switch code routing instructions by retrieving actual routing data from switches, comparing it against expected routing information, and generating discrepancy reports without requiring manual intervention for each comparison operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where routing discrepancies are identified, reported, and tracked, allowing operators to verify and correct routing instructions, ensuring the system state aligns with the desired state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If frequent reprogramming of switches is performed to maintain proper routing and billing, then routing accuracy can be maintained, but the time and resources required for reprogramming increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccuracy of routing and billingVSAvoidTime required for reprogramming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary auditing of routing instructions by comparing actual switch routing data against expected routing information before billing operations, identifying discrepancies in advance that could affect routing accuracy or billing correctness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual reprogramming operations with automated electronic auditing and comparison processes, using software to retrieve, compare, and report routing discrepancies without requiring physical switch reprogramming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive auditing of code routing instructions is performed, then routing errors can be detected, but the complexity of the auditing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDetection of routing discrepanciesVSAvoidComplexity of auditing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auditing process is segmented into distinct operational steps: retrieving expected routing information, retrieving actual switch routing instructions, comparing the two data sets, and generating discrepancy reports. This segmentation simplifies the overall auditing process by breaking it into manageable, automated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary auditing mechanism that acts as a mediator between the switch routing instructions and the expected routing information, automatically comparing and identifying discrepancies without requiring direct manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7760866B1System and method for auditing switch code routing instructions

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for automatically auditing code routing instructions on switches in a telecommunication network. Code routing information is retrieved from at least one source containing code routing information. Based on the retrieved code routing information, the correct code routing instructions for a switch are automatically determined. The actual code routing instructions programmed on the switch are retrieved and discrepancies between the actual code routing instructions retrieved from the switch and the determined correct code routing instructions are identified.