Inventors:
Frank J. Weisser - Atlanta GA
Assignee:
BellSouth Corporation - Atlanta GA
International Classification:
H04L 1256
Abstract:
A method of mediation of data packet traffic across an interface between the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) operated by a local exchange carrier and a non-local exchange carrier service provider is disclosed. The interface is defined between a service provider's network device, such as a service control point (SCP), that has access to the AIN through SS7 protocol data links connected to a local exchange carrier device, such as a service transfer point (STP). Gateway screening at the STP is used to perform certain mediation steps with respect to data packets that originate with non-local exchange carrier network elements. An invalid data packet is rejected, but a valid data packet is passed for further mediation steps to a mediated access SCP. Prior to further routing of the data packet (other than rejection), the mediated access SCP removes information from the data packet regarding the source of the data packet. The mediated access SCP stores this removed information, generates substitute information, correlates the removed information with the substitute information, and replaces the removed information in the data packet with substitute information.