Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for ensuring security in a voice trunking over ATM (VTOA) environment is provided. A telecommunications network is provided that carries control traffic and bearer traffic via ATM communications channels and TDM communications channels. The telecommunications network includes at least one closed user group consisting of multiple closed user group members. The closed user group members include trunk interworking function (T-IWF) devices configured to receive end office voice trunks from TDM channels and convert the trunks to ATM cell streams and to receive ATM cell streams and convert the ATM cell streams to end office voice trunks; and at least one centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device. The CS-IWF device performs call control functions and interfaces narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network. The closed user group members also includes a VTOA switch management system (SMS). Other elements of the network include ATM switches forming the ATM network and an ATM element management system that manages the ATM switching network. The network also includes end office switches that communicate with the trunk interworking function (T-IWF) devices and the at least one centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device via TDM communications channels. The closed user group members are restricted to communicating solely with other closed user group members when communicating to each other via the ATM switching network.

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First Claim