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Abstract

A proxy switch, communication methods, and communication logic for use in a mobile network are described. A proxy switch is deployed between a base station subsystem and a mobile station center. It receives signaling messages and either retransmits them, blocks them, converts them, or siphons them to an alternative network. Besides providing an ability to offload mobile traffic it provides a platform for new communication services. A proxy switch includes signaling message handling logic for sending and receiving signaling messages to and from the MSC on a first signaling link and sending and receiving messages to and from the BS on a second signaling link; wherein the second link has a mapped correspondence to the first link. Message interception logic detects whether a signaling message from an MSC is a COO, indicating that the MSC will not receive signaling messages on the first signaling link. The message interception logic also prevents the COO from being forwarded to the BS and generates and sends a change over acknowledge (COA) message to the MSC. Signaling message redirection logic receives signaling messages on the second signaling link and provides control information contained therein to the alternative communication network after the message interception logic detects the COO; and bearer circuit redirection logic receives information from a bearer circuit corresponding to the second signaling link and directs the information to the alternative communication network.

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First Claim