Importance

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Abstract

A scalable, programmable software based application run on a programmed general purpose digital computer is used for interconnecting a plurality of heterogeneous network nodes. The application has the ability to convert between any two signaling protocols used, such as those used over a telecommunications network, by converting an originating protocol to a universal non-protocol specific representation, and then converting the universal non-protocol specific representation to a receiving protocol. A call context is used to store information elements created from the originating protocol so that a universal call model applies inter-working rules. The universal call model is also in communication with state machines associated with both the originating and the terminating sides in order to supply the appropriate response signals anticipated by the originating and terminating sides received when each is in communication with its own protocol. As such, the universal call model allows both the originating and terminating sides of a call to operate independently of each other by virtue of the fact that each side deal through the universal call model and not directly with the side for which the protocol message is being converted. Therefore, any protocol is easily converted to any other protocol by first translating the protocol message to the universal protocol non-specific format.

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First Claim