Importance

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Abstract

A communications system including multiple telecommunications networks having common channel signaling hardware is controlled by a hybrid or combination of common channel interoffice signaling (CCIS) system with a data internetwork to link the signaling points in the telecommunications network via the new hybrid common channel interoffice switching system. Preferably the internetwork comprises the Internet. The internet is used to link signal switching points, signal transfer points, and a signal control point. The signal control point is preferably hierarchical and distributed so as to provide ample power and capacity to supply signal control for multiple telecommunications networks of related or unrelated operating companies. It is an important feature of the invention that multiple telecommunications networks may be controlled from a central control point by using a hybrid form of common channel signaling in which signaling points in the telecommunications networks operate with signaling protocols for which they are presently designed while the control signaling between signaling points is transported by pre-existing internetwork signals using a different protocol for which the internetwork is designed.

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First Claim