Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for caching local number portability (LNP) information comprises an LNP cache that can be located in a signaling processor. The LNP cache is a memory cache that contains the LNP information, such as the dialed number (DN) and the location routing number (LRN) for an associated DN. The signaling processor receives and processes call signaling. If the signaling processor determines that a DN may be assigned to a portable communication device, such as a portable signaling processor, then the signaling processor accesses the LNP cache to determine the LRN for the DN, if it exists. The LNP cache returns the LRN if a match is found for the DN and if the DN has a corresponding LRN. If a match is not found, the signaling processor can be configured to query an LNP service control point (SCP). Alternately, the LNP cache can be configured to include DNs that have a corresponding DN entry or a blank entry, but not an LRN entry, to signify that the DN is not ported. Upon locating such an entry, the signaling processor will not have to query the LNP SCP.

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First Claim