Importance

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Abstract

A Common Channel Signaling Network such as the SS7 network is configured as a virtual signaling network, such that the network is shared in common among several users. Each user, which may be a private network operator, an ICO, a RBOC, a cellular mobile carrier, or an interexchange carrier, appears to control the signaling network and is enabled to use a wide variety of its capabilities to transmit and receive both trunk signaling messages and database messages to and from other networks connected to the virtual signaling network. The invention is implemented by interconnecting signal transfer points (STPs) within the virtual signaling network that operate in accordance with our invention with the SS7 switches and/or signal transfer points of other networks. Signaling messages presented to the STPs in the virtual signaling network are screened to insure security, translated in accordance with stored translation tables so as to allow message transport between the user's network and the appropriate destination network, and then addressed and routed to the proper destinations.

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First Claim