Importance

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Abstract

Seamless transport of messages is provided between SS7 network elements and Internet Protocol (IP) network elements using an STP as an intermediary. Thus, messages may be routed between a first SP and a second SP via an STP using IP. Messages may be routed between an SP and an IP node via an STP using IP. Messages also may be routed between a first IP node and a second IP node via an STP using IP. Thus, the STP can be used as a vehicle for message transport among nodes of an SS7 network, among nodes of an IP network and between SS7 and IP networks. SS7 messages are bidirectionally communicated between an STP and at least one other SP of an SS7 network using IP, preferably TCP/IP. Preferably, SS7 messages are bidirectionally communicated between an STP and at least one SCP using IP. In particular, a first SS7 message that is received from the STP includes an SS7 Message Transfer Part (MTP) layer, an SS7 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) layer and an SS7 Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) layer. The MTP layer (SS7 levels 1-3) is stripped from the first SS7 message. An IP routing layer is added to the SSCP layer and the TCAP layer that remain in the first SS7 message, to create a first IP message. The IP routing layer includes an IP address. The first IP message is transmitted to the IP address over an IP network. A second IP message is received from the IP network. The second IP message includes an SS7 SCCP layer, an SS7 TCAP layer and an IP routing layer. The IP routing layer is stripped from the second IP message to create a second SS7 message including an SS7 SCCP layer and an SS7 TCAP layer. The second SS7 message is then transferred to the STP.

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First Claim