DE10306454A1 - Network operator selection service provision method within telecommunication network, has central device which controls access to virtual node in response to individual network operator identifier - Google Patents

Abstract

For at least one network node to be switched, at least one virtual network node of at least one other network operator (B,C) is set up in a central device (90) of the telecommunication network. An individual network operator identifier for another network operator is assigned to the virtual network node, so that the central device controls access to the virtual node in response to the identifier. Independent claims are included for a method of establishing a connection via a telecommunication network; a telecommunication network; and a central device, in particular an intelligent network.

Description

The invention relates to a method to provide the service "choice of a network operator" (also carrier selection called) within a network node having several switching nodes Telecommunications network of a network operator. Furthermore, the Invention a method for connecting via a such telecommunications network, the in the telecommunications network “Choice a network operator "is provided. The invention relates above a telecommunications network to carry out the initiation process a connection and such a telecommunications network assigned central facility.

Due to legal regulations must give telephone customers the opportunity granted will be able to choose between several network operators over which he can request telecommunications services. The customer can either have a specific network operator preset (pre-selection), or individually by choosing a network operator ID the choice of subscriber number the desired network operator for a connection choose.

So that one customer between several Select network operators can, must the network operators about own, cost-intensive networks, or with the network operator of an existing network transmission paths and / or capacities rent in the exchanges. The second alternative is does not always ensure that a customer, for example a Call connection via a chosen Network operator wishes to use the shortest transmission path with his interlocutor is connected. Because when choosing a different network operator can a connection first from calling subscriber its switching center and, if necessary, via other switching centers up to the gateway switching center and from there to an exchange of the selected network operator and then a connection from the exchange of the selected network operator via the Gateway exchange to the exchange at which the called customer B is switched on is to be built up. The same problem exists with telephone connections, when subscriber A at location B calls subscriber C at location D. would like to and select a specific network operator. In this case, a Connection via Exchanges managed, the further transmission paths request, as if the calling subscriber connected via the Network operator of the existing telecommunications network established would have.

The invention is therefore the object based on a process, a telecommunications network and a central Provide facility that the customer continues to choose from of a network operator, however, the cost of the transmission routes and for the hardware of the mediating network nodes are minimized.

A key concept of the invention is to be seen in an existing telecommunications network Network operator a virtual network node or even a virtual one Network of virtual network nodes of at least one other network operator to implement. In this way, another network operator, who is not the network operator of the existing telecommunications network is a customer of telecommunications services within the existing Offer and provide telecommunications network.

The invention solves the technical problem one by the method steps of claim 1.

Thereafter, a method for providing the “Choice a network operator "within a several mediating network nodes telecommunication network provided by a network operator. In an associated with the telecommunications network central facility is for at least one mediating network node at least one virtual one Network node set up at least one other network operator. At least one other network operator will become an individual Network operator identifier is assigned, the at least the individual network operator identifier assigned to another network operator at least one virtual network node is assigned. To this Way, the central facility in response to the individual assigned to at least one virtual network node Network operator ID controls access to this virtual network node.

This way you can use the individual network operator identifier and a subscriber number a connection between at least two participants via the virtual network node of the selected Network operator are manufactured.

It should be noted that the switching network nodes around switching centers of a normal telephone network, such as the ISDN, or around base stations in the case of a Mobile network can act. In the telecommunications network can it is any communication network that is used for transmission of data, voice and other services, such as an IP based Network.

In order to be able to offer the service "choice of a network operator" not only for local calls but also for long distance calls, the Central device stores identifiers which identify the switching network nodes in which virtual network nodes have been set up and which identify the virtual network nodes set up in the respective switching network nodes. On the basis of these identifiers, a selected network operator identifier and an entered subscriber line number, it can be determined in the central facility whether the selected network operator has a virtual network via which a connection can be established.

This is just one way to consider, whether virtual network nodes for a selected one Network operators exist over which is a connection between a calling and called subscriber can be built.

Can at least one virtual network node also at least one participant who mediates physically on the Network node is connected to be assigned. For this is in the central device at least one connection number of one on the telecommunications network connected subscriber is stored, the at least one virtual Network node is assigned.

In addition, in the central facility Route tables are stored that establish a connection over several mediating network nodes, each of which is a virtual network node of the selected one Network operator assigned, allow.

about the virtual ones implemented in a mediating network node Network nodes can a customer additional Features of the associated Network operator are offered that are not provided by the network operator of the telecommunications network or offered too expensive. A connected to the telecommunications network Participant can thus be dependent from a selected network operator Activate or deactivate predetermined performance features.

It is conceivable that already during the establishment of a connection the previously selected Network operator dependent predetermined parameters can be changed. This is for example then the case when the selected one Network operator overloaded or for other reasons not available at the moment stands. So it is quite possible that certain network operators only offer their services during certain times of the day, offer on certain days or months. Another reason for a change of the selected one Network operator may be that another network operator for the elected Connection cheaper Offers tariffs.

Alternatively, it is also possible that a selected one Network operator during an existing connection depending on predetermined parameters is changed. That ability of the telecommunications network is of particular interest if different network operators offer time-dependent tariffs and during one existing connection the tariffs of an unselected network operator better will be as that of the previously selected Network operator.

Before changing the selected network operator accomplished the customer can first be asked to agree to a change. The customer does not want a change the network operator, the connection may have to be ended, if the selected one Network operator is no longer available.

To virtual nodes or groups of virtual nodes (virtual networks) for different network operators To be able to implement in the central facility is in the central facility Appropriate software loaded. As a central facility an existing intelligent network can be used, in which the software for setting up virtual network nodes is loaded.

The technical problem is also solved solved the method steps of claim 9.

After that, a method of making a Connection via a telecommunications network containing a number of switching network nodes one Network driver available posed. about a central facility assigned to the telecommunications network the “Wahl a network operator "according to a of claims 1 to 8 provided. The process steps involved in establishing a connection include: A specific network operator who is not the network operator of the telecommunications network is, by default or by entering its individual Network operator identifier selected on a calling terminal.

The address of a destination terminal is entered at the calling terminal.

It is checked whether at least one A switching network node involved in establishing the connection is a virtual network node of the selected network operator has been implemented.

At this point it should be mentioned that under address of a target device with a local network connection the subscriber number and, in the case of a long-distance connection, the area code and the subscriber number can be understood.

Advantageous further developments are Subject of the subclaims.

The testing advantageously includes following steps: In response to the individual network operator identification and the address of the destination terminal is determined whether regarding the individual network operator identification in the central facility for at least a mediating network node a virtual network node of the selected network operator has been implemented.

The test result is positive, for example, if only one mediating network node is involved in establishing the connection and a virtual network node has been implemented in the central facility for this mediating network node. In this case, a connection between the calling and called terminal set up via the selected network operator.

The test result is for example negative if in the central facility for the mediating network node, assigned to the calling subscriber, or for the operator Network node that is assigned to the called subscriber is not a virtual one Node of the selected one Network operator has been implemented. Then in the telecommunications network generates a busy signal or an announcement, such as “desired Network operator is not available created.

If in the central facility for the mediator Network node that is assigned to the calling subscriber or for the intermediary Network node that is assigned to the called subscriber is not a virtual one Network node of the selected network operator has been implemented, the calling subscriber can optionally be asked will notify you whether he is establishing a connection via the Network operator of the telecommunications network wishes. If not, none will Connection established.

The above technical problem is also carried out by a telecommunications network to carry out the Method according to one of the claims 9 to 16 solved.

Then the telecommunications network has several mediating network nodes and a central facility in which at least one virtual network node of at least one other network operator for the at least one mediating network node is implemented, via which a connection can be established.

The central facility has one Storage device in which identifiers are stored that the identify mediating network nodes in which virtual network nodes have been set up, and those in the respective mediating Identify network nodes set up virtual network nodes.

In the memory of the central facility can furthermore at least one connection number of one on the telecommunications network connected subscriber can be stored, the at least one virtual Network node is assigned. The identifiers and, if applicable, the Port numbers are used to determine whether a connection is via the desired Network operators can be established.

The above technical problem is also through a central facility, especially an intelligent one Net, solved, which a telecommunications network of a network operator according to claim 17, 18 or 19 is assigned and has a storage device, in which a software for implementing at least one virtual network node another network operator according to a of claims 1 to 7 is filed.

The invention is described below of an embodiment explained in more detail in connection with the attached figure.

An exemplary telecommunications network is shown schematically in the figure 5 , for example, the ISDN, which is operated by a network operator A.

The telecommunications network shown in sections 5 contains a subscriber exchange 10 at a location A, a central office 80 , a subscriber exchange 40 at a location B and a subscriber exchange at a location C. At the subscriber exchange 10 location A includes the two telephones 20 and 30 connected. At the subscriber exchange 40 location B is, for example, a telephone 60 connected, whereas at the subscriber exchange 50 at location C, for example, a telephone 70 connected.

With the switching centers shown is a central facility 90 connected in the form of an intelligent network via signaling channels. The intelligent network 90 stores software with which virtual network nodes or groups of virtual network nodes, that is, virtual networks, can be set up for network operators other than network operator A.

To enable other network operators to provide telecommunications services over the telecommunications network 5 of the network operator A to be able to offer without having to operate their own switching centers are in the intelligent network 90 virtual network nodes implemented for other network operators.

Assume that in the intelligent network 90 for the subscriber exchange 10 at location A two virtual network nodes 12 . 14 have been implemented for two different network operators B and C. For the subscriber exchange 40 be a virtual network node 14 of the network operator C and for the subscriber exchange 50 they are a virtual network node 12 of the network operator B in the intelligent network 90 been established. One network operator B has, for example, an individual network operator identifier 01035 while network operator C has an individual network operator identifier 01039.

Virtual network nodes can thus, for example, in the intelligent network 90 that be set up in a table 92 the subscriber exchanges, identifiers for the virtual network nodes to be set up, that can be special identifiers and / or the individual network operator identifiers, and possibly subscriber connection numbers. In the present example, as shown in the figure, the subscriber exchanges 10 . 40 and 50 filed, and advantageously under the respective area code. Also in the table 92 the subscriber exchange 10 the two virtual network nodes 12 and 14 of network operator B or C, as well as their individual network operator identifiers 01035 and 01039. The subscriber operator Job 50 is the virtual network node 12 assigned. The subscriber exchange 40 is the virtual network node 14 assigned. In this way, a virtual network is set up for each network operator. In addition, a route table can be stored in the intelligent network, with the aid of which a connection can be set up via a virtual network from virtual network nodes of a network operator.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to offer network operators B and C virtual network nodes that act as real network nodes of network operators B and C within the switching centers 10 . 40 and 50 can be viewed.

The following is the mode of operation of the telecommunications network 5 explained in more detail using some exemplary embodiments.

According to a first scenario, the user wants the phone 20 a local call with the user of the phone 30 lead over the network operator B. The customer dials on the phone 20 for example the network operator identifier 01035 of the desired network operator B and the subscriber's connection number 30 , The phone 20 assigned subscriber exchange 10 first routes the network operator ID 01035 to the intelligent network via the signaling channel 90 , which checks whether a virtual network node has been created for the desired network operator B. The intelligent network 90 looks in the stored table 92 and recognizes that the network operator identifier 01035 is the virtual network node 12 assigned. The intelligent network 90 then signals the subscriber exchange 10 that a connection between the phones 20 and 30 can be set up via the selected network operator B. The subscriber exchange 10 provides responses to the signaled message and the subscriber's number 30 a local connection to the phone 30 ago. For the user of the phone 20 This creates the impression that there is a connection via the virtual network of network operator B.

Let us now consider a second scenario, according to which the user of the phone 30 which at the subscriber exchange 10 is connected to a long distance call with the user of the phone 70 which is at the subscriber exchange 50 is connected to location C, via which network operator B would like to run. As can be seen from the figure, for the network operator B is in the intelligent network 90 a virtual network from the virtual network nodes 12 set up.

The user of the phone 30 first dials the network operator ID 01035 of network operator B and the address of the telephone 70 , which consists of a local area code and a subscriber line number. The subscriber exchange 10 transmits the network operator identification and the address of the telephone 70 via the signaling channel to the intelligent network 90 , The intelligent network 90 searches the table 92 and recognizes that there is a virtual network node under the network operator ID 01035 12 of the network operator for the subscriber exchanges 10 and 50 have been established. The intelligent network uses the received area code 90 found that between the phone 30 and the phone 70 a connection can be set up via the virtually established network of network operator B. The intelligent network 90 then signals the subscriber exchange 10 that a connection between the phones 30 and 70 can be manufactured. The subscriber exchange 10 then builds in response to the address of the phone 70 the desired connection. The connection can be made by both participants 30 or 70 be separated in a known manner. The subscriber exchange to which the telephone is connected to which the connection was initiated signals the end of the connection to the intelligent network 90 , The intelligent network 90 thereupon terminates the connection established via the virtual network of network operator B.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible for subscribers who are at the subscriber exchanges 10 . 40 and 50 of the telecommunications network 5 are connected, you can use the network operator ID 01035 of network operator B to dial into their virtual network.

At this point it should be mentioned that additional network operator-dependent features can be offered via the virtual network nodes that network operator A of the telecommunications network 5 does not offer them or only offers them at expensive tariffs. During the establishment of a connection, such features can be activated after the network operator identification has been selected by entering a multi-digit combination of the desired feature after entering a predetermined key and then terminating it with a further predetermined key. Then the number of the called telephone would have to be dialed.

It is also conceivable for performance characteristics of a selected one Network operator during an existing connection by pressing a corresponding one Key combination to request.

In addition, for example, the virtual network nodes 12 Network operator B offer customers certain functions that are not chosen by the customer himself, but are defined when setting up his subscriber connection.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a change to another network operator, in the present example this is only network operator A, is possible during the existing connection via network operator B. Such a network operator change is also possible while the connection is being established. Switching the selected network operator can be useful if network operator B does not offer a service during certain times, or the network operator A offers cheaper tariffs from a certain point in time during the call. In this case, for example, the intelligent network 90 or one of the participating switching centers 10 . 50 the calling party, here this is the user of the phone 30 , notify that a change of network operator is possible or must be carried out. The user is then asked to indicate whether he wants to end the call or continue with another network operator.

• 1. Das intelligente Netz 90 signalisiert der Teilnehmer-Vermittlungsstell 10, dass eine Verbindung zwischen dem Telefon 30 und dem Telefon 60 nicht aufgebaut werden kann. Die Teilnehmer-Vermittlungsstelle 10 oder das intelligente Netz 90 erzeugt ein Besetztzeichen oder eine entsprechende Ansage, welches zum Telefon 30 übertragen wird, um dem Benutzer zu signalisieren, dass eine Verbindung über den Netzbetreiber B zum Telefon 60 nicht möglich ist.
• 2. Das intelligente Netz 90 teilt dem Benutzer des Telefons 30 mit, dass eine Verbindung zwar nicht über den Netzbetreiber B, aber über den Netzbetreiber A des Telekommunikationsnetzes 5 aufgebaut werden kann. Der Benutzer entscheidet dann, ob er ein Gespräch über den Netzbetreiber A führen, oder den Verbindungsaufbau unterbrechen möchte.

A third scenario is now considered. Assume that the user of the phone 30 connect to the phone 60 which is at the subscriber exchange 40 connected at location B, would like to build. After entering the individual network operator ID 01035 of network operator B and the address of the telephone 60 which are the area code and the phone number of the phone 60 contains, these are from the subscriber exchange 10 to the intelligent network 90 transmitted. The intelligent network 90 searches the table 90 and recognizes, for example, on the basis of the network operator identifier and the area code, that in the subscriber exchange 40 no virtual network node has been set up for network operator B. Two cases are possible for the third scenario.

• 1. The intelligent network 90 signals the subscriber switching center 10 that a connection between the phone 30 and the phone 60 cannot be built. The subscriber exchange 10 or the intelligent network 90 generates a busy signal or a corresponding announcement which is sent to the telephone 30 is transmitted to signal to the user that a connection via the network operator B to the phone 60 not possible.
• 2. The intelligent network 90 tells the user of the phone 30 with that a connection is not via network operator B, but via network operator A of the telecommunications network 5 can be built. The user then decides whether he wants to make a call via network operator A or interrupt the connection.

It should also be noted that instead of a central subscriber exchange also decentralized subscriber exchanges can be implemented within a location. Then it is conceivable that in the intelligent network only in some decentralized subscriber exchanges virtual network nodes for the network operators B and C are set up so that neither over the Network operator B still over the network operator C local calls can be conducted between all local participants.

Claims (20)

Method for providing the service "election of a network operator" within a network node that mediates several ( 10 . 40 . 50 . 80 ) having telecommunications network ( 5 ) of a network operator (A), the telecommunications network (A) 5 ) assigned central facility ( 90 ) for at least one mediating network node ( 10 . 40 . 50 ) at least one virtual network node of at least one other network operator (B; C) is set up, at least one other network operator (B, C) is assigned an individual network operator identifier, and the at least one individual network operator individual network operator identifier assigned to at least one virtual network node is assigned so that the central facility ( 90 ) controls access to this virtual network node in response to the individual network operator identifier assigned to the at least one virtual network node. Method for providing the service "choice of a network operator according to claim 1, characterized in that in the central device ( 90 ) Identifiers are stored which identify the mediating network nodes in which virtual network nodes have been set up and which identify the virtual network nodes set up in the respective mediating network nodes. Method for providing the service "choice of a network operator according to claim 2, characterized in that in the central device ( 90 ) at least one connection number of a subscriber connected to the telecommunications network ( 20 . 30 . 60 . 70 ) is stored, which is assigned to at least one virtual network node. Method for providing the service "choice of a network operator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a on the telecommunications network ( 5 ) connected subscriber ( 20 . 30 ; 60 ; 70 ) can activate or deactivate predetermined features depending on a selected network operator. Method for providing the service "choice of a network operator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the telecommunications network ( 5 ) a normal telephone network or a cellular network and each mediating network node ( 10 . 40 . 50 . 80 ) can be a switching center or a base station. Method for providing the service "choice of a network operator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during a connection establishment the previously selected Network operator can be changed automatically depending on predetermined parameters. Procedure for providing the “Choosing a Network operator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that during a existing connection of the previously selected network operator automatically depending on predetermined Parameters can be changed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the central device ( 90 ) software is loaded with the help of which virtual network nodes of other network operators can be implemented. Method for establishing a connection via a multiple switching network node ( 10 . 40 . 50 . 80 ) containing telecommunications network ( 5 ) of a network operator (A), with the telecommunications network (A 5 ) assigned central facility ( 90 ) the service "choice of a network operator" is provided according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the initiation of a connection establishment contains the method steps: a specific network operator (B, C) who is not the network operator (A) of the telecommunications network ( 5 ) is, by default or by entering its individual network operator ID on a calling terminal ( 20 . 30 ) selected; the address of a destination terminal ( 60 . 70 ) is sent to the calling terminal ( 20 . 30 ) entered; and it is checked whether in at least one switching network node involved in establishing the connection ( 10 . 40 . 50 ) a virtual network node of the selected network operator has been implemented. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the checking comprises the following steps: in response to the individual network operator identifier and the address of the destination terminal, it is determined whether the individual network operator identifier in the central facility ( 90 ) for at least one mediating network node ( 10 . 40 . 50 ) a virtual network node ( 12 . 14 ) of the selected network operator (B, C) has been implemented. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a connection between the calling (20) and called terminal ( 30 ) via the selected network operator ( 8th , C) is established if only one mediating network node ( 10 ) is involved in establishing the connection and in the central facility ( 90 ) a virtual network node for this mediating network node ( 12 . 14 ) of the selected network operator (B, C) has been implemented. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a busy signal or a corresponding announcement is generated when in the central device ( 90 ) for the mediating network node ( 10 ) which the calling subscriber ( 20 . 30 ) is assigned, or for the mediating network node ( 40 . 50 ) to the called subscriber ( 60 . 70 ) is assigned, no virtual network node of the selected network operator has been implemented. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that when in the central device ( 90 ) for the mediating network node ( 10 ) which the calling subscriber ( 20 . 30 ) is assigned, or for the mediating network node ( 40 . 50 ) to the called subscriber ( 60 . 70 ) is assigned, no virtual network node of the selected network operator has been implemented, the calling subscriber is asked to inform whether he is establishing a connection via the network operator (A) of the telecommunications network ( 5 ) wishes. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that while the previously selected network operator automatically dependent on predetermined parameters can be changed. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that while the previously selected network operator automatically dependent on predetermined parameters can be changed. Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that that the user is dependent on the calling terminal from the selected one Network operators activate or deactivate predetermined performance features can. Telecommunication network for carrying out the method according to one of claims 9 to 16 with a plurality of switching network nodes ( 10 . 40 . 50 ) and a central facility ( 90 ), in which at least one virtual network node ( 12 . 14 ) at least one other network operator (B, C) is implemented for the at least one switching network node via which a connection can be established. Telecommunication network according to claim 17, characterized in that the central device ( 90 ) has a storage device in which identifiers are stored which identify the mediating network nodes in which virtual network nodes have been set up and which identify the virtual network nodes set up in the respective mediating network nodes. Telecommunications network according to claim 18, characterized in that in the memory of the central facility ( 90 ) at least one connection number of a subscriber connected to the telecommunications network ( 20 . 30 . 60 . 70 ) is stored, which is assigned to at least one virtual network node. Central facility, in particular an intelligent network, which connects a telecommunications network ( 5 ) is assigned to a network operator (A) according to claim 17, 18 or 19, with a memory device in which software for implementing at least one virtual network node ( 12 . 14 ) of another network operator (B, C) according to one of claims 1 to 7.