US6169735B1 — ATM-based distributed virtual tandem switching sy…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 93 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) based distributed virtual tandem switching system, comprising: an ATM switching network; a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device that is adapted to receive end office voice trunks from TDM channels and convert the trunks to ATM cells; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and is adapted to interface narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the T-IWF device via the ATM switching network.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 93 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) based distributed virtual tandem switching system, comprising: an ATM switching network; a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device that is adapted to receive end office voice trunks from TDM channels and convert the trunks to ATM cells; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and is adapted to interface narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the T-IWF device via the ATM switching network.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 31 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 1 , wherein the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system is adapted to comprise a virtual switch in a PSTN.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 22 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 1 , in which the T-IWF device comprises a circuit emulation service.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 23 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 3 , in which the T-IWF device comprises ATM adaptation layer 1 .

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 23 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 3 , in which the T-IWF device comprises ATM adaptation layer 2 .

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 5 , in which at least one of silence suppression and voice compression is employed.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 27 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 1 , in which an T-IWF device and the end office switch are positioned near each other.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 35 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 1 , in which the CS-IWF device comprises a plurality of CS-IWF devices, and in which each T-IWF device is assigned to an individual CS-IWF device.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 20 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 1 , in which the narrowband signaling is SS7 signaling.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 19 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 9 , in which the broadband signaling is PNNI.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 9 , in which the broadband signaling is B-ISUP.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 19 words

The ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 9 , in which the broadband signaling is UNI.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 30 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 1 , wherein an individual switched virtual connection is provided in the ATM switching network to dynamically setup each voice trunk.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 135 words

A method for transporting voice from an originating location to a destination across an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network via an originating trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a terminating T-IWF device, the method comprising: transmitting the voice from the originating location to an originating trunk that leaves an end office switch; converting the originating trunk to ATM cells; interfacing between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM network, wherein a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device provides call processing and control information to the originating and terminating T-IWF devices via the ATM network; transmitting the voice within the ATM cells across the ATM network utilizing the broadband signaling; converting the ATM cells to a destination trunk; and transmitting the voice from the destination trunk to the destination.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 135 words

A method for transporting voice from an originating location to a destination across an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network via an originating trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device and a terminating T-IWF device, the method comprising: transmitting the voice from the originating location to an originating trunk that leaves an end office switch; converting the originating trunk to ATM cells; interfacing between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM network, wherein a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device provides call processing and control information to the originating and terminating T-IWF devices via the ATM network; transmitting the voice within the ATM cells across the ATM network utilizing the broadband signaling; converting the ATM cells to a destination trunk; and transmitting the voice from the destination trunk to the destination.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 14 , in which the transporting is enabled by emulating a circuit by employing a circuit emulation service.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 15 , in which the voice is converted to ATM cells utilizing ATM adaptation layer 1 .

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 15 , in which the voice is converted to ATM cells utilizing ATM adaptation layer 2 .

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 17 , in which at least one of silence suppression and voice compression is employed.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 14 , in which each voice trunk is setup dynamically as an individual switched virtual connection in the ATM network.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 50 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 14 , in which converting the originating trunk to ATM cells occurs in the originating T-IWF device within an originating end office and converting the ATM cells to a destination trunk occurs in the terminating T-IWF device within a destination end office.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 14 , in which the narrowband signaling is SS7 signaling.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 21 , in which the broadband signaling is PNNI.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 21 , in which the broadband signaling is B-ISUP.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 21 , in which the broadband signaling is UNI.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 135 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) based distributed virtual tandem switching system in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch, the system comprising: an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections; a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device that converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a circuit emulation service; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the T-IWF device via the ATM switching network; wherein the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system is adapted to comprise a virtual switch in a PSTN.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 135 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) based distributed virtual tandem switching system in which a network of ATM-based devices is combined to create a distributed virtual tandem switch, the system comprising: an ATM switching network that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections; a trunk interworking function (T-IWF) device that converts end office voice trunks from TDM channels to ATM cells by employing a circuit emulation service; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the T-IWF device via the ATM switching network; wherein the ATM based distributed virtual tandem switching system is adapted to comprise a virtual switch in a PSTN.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 132 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switch comprising: a centralized control and signaling inter-working function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within an ATM switching network; a first trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells, the first T-IWF device receiving call processing and control information from the CS-IWF device via the ATM switching network; and a second trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches, the second T-IWF device receiving call processing and control information from the CS-IWF device via the ATM switching network; wherein telephone calls originating and terminating within an advanced intelligent network are transmitted through the ATM switching network.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 132 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switch comprising: a centralized control and signaling inter-working function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within an ATM switching network; a first trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells, the first T-IWF device receiving call processing and control information from the CS-IWF device via the ATM switching network; and a second trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches, the second T-IWF device receiving call processing and control information from the CS-IWF device via the ATM switching network; wherein telephone calls originating and terminating within an advanced intelligent network are transmitted through the ATM switching network.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switch of claim 26 , wherein each T-IWF device employs a structured circuit emulation service to emulate a circuit.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switch of claim 26 , wherein individual switched virtual connections are provided that dynamically set up the ATM switching network.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 32 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switch of claim 26 , in which the CS-IWF device comprises a plurality of CS-IWF devices, wherein each T-IWF device is assigned to an individual CS-IWF device.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 91 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switch comprising: a centralized control and signaling inter-working function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within an ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to at least one T-IWF device via the ATM switching network; wherein telephone calls originating and terminating within an advanced intelligent network are transmitted through the ATM switching network and are controlled, within the ATM switching network, by the CS-IWF device.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 91 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switch comprising: a centralized control and signaling inter-working function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within an ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to at least one T-IWF device via the ATM switching network; wherein telephone calls originating and terminating within an advanced intelligent network are transmitted through the ATM switching network and are controlled, within the ATM switching network, by the CS-IWF device.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switch of claim 30 , wherein individual switched virtual connections are provided that dynamically set up the ATM switching network.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 27 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switch of claim 30 , in which the at least one T-IWF device converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 27 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switch of claim 32 , in which the at least one T-IWF device converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 115 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switching system comprising: an ATM switching network; a first trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells; a second trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the first and second T-IWF devices via the ATM switching network, wherein the ATM distributed virtual tandem system functions like a standard tandem switch.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 115 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switching system comprising: an ATM switching network; a first trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells; a second trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the first and second T-IWF devices via the ATM switching network, wherein the ATM distributed virtual tandem system functions like a standard tandem switch.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 34 , wherein each T-IWF device includes a structured circuit emulation service to emulate a circuit.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 23 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 34 , wherein individual switched virtual connections dynamically set up the ATM switching network.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 33 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 34 , in which the CS-IWF device comprises a plurality of CS-IWF devices, wherein each T-IWF device is assigned to an individual CS-IWF device.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 140 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switching system comprising: an originating end office that originates a telephone call and forwards appropriate narrowband signaling for call processing and control within an advanced intelligent network; a signaling transfer point that receives and forwards narrowband signaling for call processing and control within the advanced intelligent network; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within an ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to trunk interworking function (T-IWF) devices via the ATM switching network; wherein the CS-IWF device receives narrowband signaling from the signaling transfer point and processes and controls the telephone call within the ATM switching network using broadband signaling based upon the received narrowband signaling.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 140 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switching system comprising: an originating end office that originates a telephone call and forwards appropriate narrowband signaling for call processing and control within an advanced intelligent network; a signaling transfer point that receives and forwards narrowband signaling for call processing and control within the advanced intelligent network; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within an ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to trunk interworking function (T-IWF) devices via the ATM switching network; wherein the CS-IWF device receives narrowband signaling from the signaling transfer point and processes and controls the telephone call within the ATM switching network using broadband signaling based upon the received narrowband signaling.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 38 , in which individual switched virtual connections dynamically set up the ATM switching network.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 17 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 39 , further comprising the ATM switching network.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 38 , further comprising a terminating end office that is the destination of the telephone call.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 156 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switching system comprising: an ATM switching network; an originating end office that originates a telephone call; a terminating end office that is the destination of the telephone call; a first trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells; a second trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches; a signaling transfer point that receives and forwards narrowband signaling for call processing and control within an advanced intelligent network; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the first and second T-IWF devices via the ATM switching network; wherein the ATM distributed virtual tandem system functions like a standard tandem switch.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 156 words

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) distributed virtual tandem switching system comprising: an ATM switching network; an originating end office that originates a telephone call; a terminating end office that is the destination of the telephone call; a first trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts trunks from end office switches to ATM cells; a second trunk inter-working function (T-IWF) device that converts ATM cells to trunks for end office switches; a signaling transfer point that receives and forwards narrowband signaling for call processing and control within an advanced intelligent network; and a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and converts between narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network, the CS-IWF device providing call processing and control information to the first and second T-IWF devices via the ATM switching network; wherein the ATM distributed virtual tandem system functions like a standard tandem switch.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 42 , in which a structured circuit emulation service is provided in each T-IWF device to emulate a circuit.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 42 , in which individual switched virtual connections dynamically set up the ATM switching network.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 35 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 42 , in which the CS-IWF device comprises a plurality of CS-IWF devices, and in which each T-IWF device is assigned to an individual CS-IWF device.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 42 words

The ATM distributed virtual tandem switching system of claim 42 , in which the first T-IWF device and the originating end office are positioned near each other, and the second T-IWF device and the terminating end office are positioned near each other.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 59 words

A method for transporting voice across an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network, the method comprising: transmitting the voice from an originating location to an ATM network; transmitting narrowband signaling; converting between narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM network; and transmitting the broadband signaling through the ATM network for call processing and control.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 59 words

A method for transporting voice across an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network, the method comprising: transmitting the voice from an originating location to an ATM network; transmitting narrowband signaling; converting between narrowband signaling and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM network; and transmitting the broadband signaling through the ATM network for call processing and control.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method for transporting voice according to claim 47 , further comprising individual switched virtual connections for dynamically setting up the ATM network.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-01-02	2004-07-03	2005-01-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-01-02	2008-07-03	2009-01-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-01-02	2012-07-03	2013-01-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

ATM-based distributed virtual tandem switching system

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