Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling telecommunications call processing is disclosed. In a switching system, a Master Controller is provided for maintaining the database of the system, and for receiving call processing control messages. The Master Controller receives these messages via a core switching fabric network of the switching system. The Master Controller selects one of a plurality of feature processors, the feature processors being of several types for processing different features, to process the received call processing message. The Master Controller, if necessary, transmits not only the call processing message, but also state information about the call to the selected feature processor. The feature processor processes the message, and returns call state update data to the Master Controller. The feature processor also transmits messages for controlling other units in order to implement the desired response to the received call processing message. Advantageously, the centralized Master Controller allows a plurality of different types of feature processors to be used, and maintains a record of which feature processors are performing properly so that call control messages are only sent to working feature processors. Advantageously, a single database (duplicated for reliability), is maintained for a plurality of different types of feature processors.

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First Claim