RU2822215C2 - Method of replicating free number 8-800 in communication networks (embodiments) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: method of replicating number 8-800 in communication networks (embodiments), which provides for formation of sets: "B" called subscribers, "A" callers, "R" toll-free numbers 8-800r, replication of these numbers and assignment of replicas to calling subscriber "a" in one embodiment or to called subscriber "b" in another embodiment. To prevent collisions of replica connections, the communication operator connects any caller "a" only with the called subscriber "b", for which set "A" is formed, to which caller "a" belongs, or to which non-overlapping sets "A" are assigned.

EFFECT: implementation of the assignment.

8 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The invention relates to the field of telephone communications, in particular to services providing subscribers with a toll-free number 8-800 (hereinafter referred to as the number 8-800) and is aimed at overcoming the numbering limit of the 8-800 number and its wider commercial development. The method is applicable to public telephone networks (PSTN or PSTN) and mobile radiotelephone communication systems (MSRS) of any standards - GSM, UMTS, IMS.

The problem of limiting the numbering of entities for use in a technology is well known in the art. For example, the forced transition of IP addressing of network nodes to the IPv6 protocol due to the exhaustion of the IPv 4 address space (numbering). The number 8-800 (freephone or toll-free) is known in the state of the art; this is usually a multi-channel number that allows the called subscriber to make a call at the caller's expense, also known as a federal number.

By analogy with the correspondence between network domain names and IP addresses, 8-800 numbers are virtual and correspond to standard PSTN or SPRS numbers. Routing of numbers 8-800 is performed on transit switches - Transit Intercity Communications Centers (TMgUS). When the transit switch receives an ISUP message, SIP protocols about establishing a call to the number 8-800, the software algorithm of the network connection control node SCP (Service Control Point) finds a record of the correspondence of the number 8-800 to the standard PSTN or SPRS number and instructs the switch to establish a call to this standard PSTN or SPRS number.

Due to the limits of the bit depth and numbering of the 8-800 number, by analogy with the address space of IP addresses, for the holder (manager) of the numbering of the 8-800 number, the number of 8-800 numbers is a finite resource. The telecom operator that receives the 8-800 number from the manager pays him a fee for this, which is reimbursed from the fee of the subscriber to whom he transfers this 8-800 number for use. The holder of the numbering of 8-800 numbers and their manager is a government organization. 8-800 numbers are used as a rule by organizations (called subscribers) to provide free voice calls to an unlimited number of individuals (calling subscribers).

The authors propose a way to overcome the numbering limit of the 8-800 number by repeatedly replicating (copying) the same 8-800 number and assigning these replicas (copies) to different called subscribers. Replication of the 8-800 number, in turn, implies the need to resolve connection collisions that inevitably arise when the communication network processes more than one copy of the 8-800 number. The authors propose to resolve connection collisions by creating two entities:

1. pool of 8-800 numbers - a certain set consisting of 1-100 replicated 8-800 numbers

And

2. groups of subscribers “a” calling the number 8-800 (hereinafter referred to as the caller) - a certain set consisting of 1-100 callers “a” for one subscriber “b” called by the number 8-800 (hereinafter referred to as the called subscriber ).

The relationship of these two entities, together with the organizational and technical measures described below, mathematically eliminate connection collisions.

The method is stated by the authors in two technical forms:

1. called subscriber “b” assigns number 8-800r from some pool of 8-800r numbers (set “R”) to callers “a” from some group of callers (set “A”) to make a free voice call to him.

2. The telecom operator assigns the number 8-800r from a certain pool of 8-800r numbers (set “R”) to the called subscriber “b” for making free voice calls to him by a certain group (set “A”) of callers.

The claimed method uses the following definitions:

- Manager - an organization that is the holder of the numbering of 8-800 numbers and which distributes 8-800 numbers to telecom operators for a fee.

- Communications operator - a communications network operator (PSTN or SPRS), which receives from the manager, distributes to subscribers and routes connections of 8-800 numbers.

- Service 8-800 - a set of organizational and technical measures of a telecom operator to provide subscribers with a free call to 8-800.

- Number 8-800 - a unique set of numbers that is an identifier in communication networks for making a free voice call or a voice call that is paid for by the called subscriber.

- Replication of 8-800 number assigning the same number to 8-800 different subscribers.

- Set “R” set [1,r] numbers 8-800r.

- Subscriber “a” is the calling subscriber.

- Subscriber “b” is the called subscriber.

- set “B” - set of subscribers “b” [1,b], for which set “R” is formed.

- Set “A” - set of subscribers “a” [1,a], formed for subscriber “b”.

- Connection collision is an unresolvable uncertainty in the state of the operator’s equipment for routing a voice call connection from subscriber “a” to subscriber “b”.

A sufficient number of technical solutions regarding toll-free services are known in the state of the art. The technical design of all of them provides for the correspondence of the toll-free number to a standard number (or other stable identifier), and all of them provide organizations as the called subscriber:

The “invisible” forwarding system based on prepaid cards according to the utility model RU 41946 describes a server architecture that ensures registration of a card with a virtual number purchased by a subscriber in the operator’s signaling network. Then all connections to this subscriber, in which this virtual number is an outgoing number, are routed to an intelligent platform to find the actual number (MSISDN) of this subscriber and connect to him.

To solve its problem of hiding the real subscriber number behind a virtual number, the system according to RU 41946 has no obvious shortcomings and is technically identical to the standard distribution of the 800 number. This technical appearance is not intended to solve the technical problem using the stated method because does not contain organizational and technical measures for distributing one virtual number to a group of specifically called subscribers, i.e. saving virtual numbers. So, for example, for a new subscriber who wishes to hide his actual number behind a virtual one, the holder of virtual numbers (seller) will be forced to allocate a new number.

Application US 20210037142 and CA Patent 2959916 describe a similar toll free management platform (TFMP) whose functionality relies on a stable identifier IP address or system assigned to a device using the TFMP functionality which is a stable identifier to provide these functions. This technical appearance is closest to the claimed method and was chosen by the authors as a prototype.

The disadvantage of the TFMP platform in the implementations of these two sources (US 20210037142 and CA 2959916), as well as the technical solution under the patent RU 41946 and other technical solutions relating to the toll-free number 8-800, is the absence of any organizational and technical measures to overcome the limitation to number 8-800.

The method proposed by the authors for replication of the 8-800 number in communication networks is aimed at secure and almost unlimited replication of the 8-800 number for making free calls.

The technical task and technical result of the claimed method of replication of the 8-800 number in communication networks is to overcome the numbering limit of the toll-free number 8-800. The technical and economic effect of the claimed method is the possibility of mass distribution of the 8-800 service to individual subscribers, an increase in the economic indicators of the telecom operator from the 8-800 service and a reduction in the cost of the 8-800 service for subscribers.

The technical problem is solved due to the first technical form of the method of replication of the 8-800 number in communication networks, according to which the telecom operator:

- generates a database with records of relational relationships: set “R” of toll-free numbers 8-800r from 1 to 100 numbers, set “B” of called subscribers “b” from 1 to all subscribers of the communication network, set “A” calling subscribers “a” for each called subscriber “b” from the set “B” from 1 to 100 subscribers;

- provides each called subscriber “b” from the set “B” with the opportunity to assign to any calling subscriber “a” from the set “A” formed for him any toll-free number 8-800r from the set “R”, except for the number that is already assigned to this caller “a” by another called subscriber “b”;

- provides a connection to a free voice call using the number 8-800r from the set “R” of any caller “a” only with the called subscriber “b” for which the set “A” is formed, to which caller “a” belongs.

The technical problem is solved due to the second technical form of the method of replication of the 8-800 number in communication networks, according to which the telecom operator:

- generates a database with records of relational relationships: set “R” of toll-free numbers 8-800r from 1 to 100 numbers, set “B” of called subscribers “b” from 1 to all subscribers of the communication network, set “A” callers “a” for each called subscriber “b” of set “B” from 1 to 100 subscribers;

- assigns different numbers 8-800r from set “R” to called subscribers “b” who are assigned intersecting sets “A”, assigns the same number 8-800r from set “R” to called subscribers “b” who are assigned non-overlapping sets set “A”, and the intersection of sets “A” is the membership of any at least one caller “a” to more than one set “A”;

- provides a connection to a free voice call using the number 8-800r from the set “R” of any caller “a” only with the called subscriber “b” for which the set “A” is formed, to which caller “a” belongs.

The invention is illustrated by drawings:

In fig. 1 and 2 show example database (BD) records forming relational relationships between replicated numbers "r", callers "b" and callers "a" for disjoint (Fig. 1) and intersecting (Fig. 2) sets "A" " in technical form, which provides that the called subscriber "b" assigns the number 8-800r to the callers "a" from the set "A" that is formed for him.

In fig. Figures 3 and 4 show example database (BD) records forming relational relationships between replicated numbers "r", callers "b" and callers "a" for disjoint (Fig. 3) and intersecting (Fig. 4) sets "A" " in technical form, which provides that the telecom operator assigns the number 8-800r to called subscribers "b" from set "B" for making calls to callers "a" from set "A".

In fig. Figure 5 shows a generalized communication network architecture for making a connection to a replicated number 8-800r in both technical forms of the claimed method.

In fig. Figure 6 shows a generalized dialogue of network nodes when making a connection to the replicated number 8-800r in both technical forms of the claimed method.

In the description and figures it is provided, and in FIG. 5, 6 show that without changing the technical appearance and legal protection of the claimed method, the MSISDN identifier of SPRS networks can be replaced with the PSTN number of PSTN networks or any other identifier used in networks for the provision of services and charging.

To simplify the disclosure of the technical intent in the description and figures, it is assumed that the number of callers “a” in each set “A” is the same. Without limiting the legal protection of the claimed method, the number of callers “a” in each set “A” may be different.

The authors, both technical appearance and legal protection of the claimed method, provide for the use of a toll-free number with a different prefix (not 8-800) in the communication network.

Both technical features of the claimed method do not prevent the operator from providing an unconditional connection of a free voice call to the calling and called subscribers using the 8-800 number, which is not an element of the “R” set. Since this means that a free voice call is being made to a non-replicated number 8-800.

In fig. 1-4 indicated:

- a set of “R” numbers 8-800r from 1 to “r” (for example, 100 numbers 8-800* that the telecom operator received from the manager for distribution to subscribers “b”);

- set “B” of called subscribers MSISDNb from 1 to “b” (in a particular case it can be equal to the set of all subscribers registered in the communication network).

- sets “A” of callers MSISDNb,a from 1 to “a”, each of which is assigned to only one called subscriber MSISDNb.

In fig. 1, 2 shows the technical appearance of the claimed method, which provides that the called subscriber “b” assigns the number 8-800r to calling subscribers “a” from the set “A”.

Fig. 1. The called subscriber MSISDN1 assigns (arrow 1) any, for example, the first number 8-800i to the calling subscriber MSISDN1,a-1 (arrow 1,a-1) from the set “R”. Another caller MSISIDNb-1 also assigns any (arrow b-1), including the same 8-800i number to another caller MSISDNb-1,a-1 (arrow b-1,a-1) from the same set " R". Connection collisions do not occur due to the fact that different subscribers MSISDN1,a-1 and MSISDNb-1,a-1 belong to different sets “A”.

Fig. 2. After the called subscriber MSISDN1 (arrow 1) assigns the number 8-800i to the calling subscriber MSISDN1,a-1 (arrow 1,a-1) from the set “R”. Another called subscriber MSISIDNb-1 tries to assign (arrow X) the same number 8-800i to the same caller MSISDNb-1,a-1 which is simultaneously an element of two sets “A” (highlighted with a dotted line in two sets). An unavoidable connection collision occurs, caused by unresolvable uncertainty in routing the connection to the called MSISDN1 or MSISDNb-1 when the caller dials "a" MSISDN1,a-1 (aka MSISDNb-1,a-1) to the 8-800i number. To resolve this collision, the software algorithm of the SCP QNECT addNum network node prohibits (arrow X) the called MSISDNb-1 subscriber from assigning the 8-800i number to the MSISDNb-1,a-1 subscriber. In this case, the called subscriber MSISDNb-1 assigns (arrow b-1',a-1') to this caller MSISDNb-1,a-1 any other number 8-800r from the set “R”, for example 8-800r-1 ( highlighted with a dotted line).

In the technical form of Fig. 1 and 2 the telecom operator is not involved in assigning numbers to callers “a”. He has no way of statistically predicting how many and which 8-800r numbers from the set “R” will be assigned to which callers “a” by which callers “b”. Therefore, no assumptions can be made about the best, worst, or most likely use cases for 8-800 numbers from the set of “Rs.”

Thus, a common case is for each caller “b” from set “B” to assign one 8-800r number from set “R” to one caller “a” from set “A”. It follows that each “a” can be assigned one of the “r” toll-free numbers by each called subscriber “b” minus the coefficient that takes into account the prohibition on assigning one 8-800r number to one caller “a” by two or more called subscribers “b” . Thus, the general case is reduced to the combinatorics problem of placing “r” numbers with repetitions among “ a ” subscribers minus a small coefficient “k”, i.e. (rk) ^a * b. The coefficient “k” is determined statistically from the proportion of intersecting sets “A” to the total number of sets “A”. As can be seen from the expression:

- with small “k” for the statistically most likely case, in which only a small part of the sets “A” intersect, which means there are a very small number of forbidden numbers “r” and only for a few sets “A”;

- large coefficient “b” due to the large number of “B” called subscribers;

- even with small “r” and exponent “a” of the degree for small sets “A” and “R”;

the inequality (rk) ^a * b >> |R| where |R| - the cardinality of the set “R” or the number of numbers “r” in the set “R”. Which illustrates the significant economic effect of the telecom operator from multiple payments by a large set of subscribers “b” of a small set “R” of 8-800r numbers, minus a one-time payment to the manager for a small set of 8-800r numbers.

In fig. 3, 4 shows the technical appearance of the claimed method, which provides that the telecom operator assigns the number 8-800r to called subscribers “b” from set “B” for making calls to callers “a” from set “A”.

In the best particular case (Fig. 3), all identifiers MSISDNb,a of all sets “A” are unique, i.e. no sets "A" intersect. In this particular case, the telecom operator assigns (replicates) b times the same number 8-800r from the set “R” (for example, the number 8-800 ₁ highlighted in dotted line in Fig. 1) and assigns it to all MSISDNb subscribers. Connection collisions do not occur due to the membership of any MSISDNb caller, but only one set "A" which is assigned to only one called MSISDNb. Due to the fact that the number of MSISDNb in the set “B” (cardinality of the set |B|) is disproportionately greater than the number of numbers 8-800 in the set “R” (cardinality of the set |R|), i.e. |B|>>|R| The telecom operator receives a significant profit from multiple payments to a large number of subscribers of the same 8-800r number, minus a one-time payment to the manager for many 8-800r numbers.

On the contrary, in the worst particular case (not shown in the figure), all sets “A” intersect. Then the replication of number 8-800 is mathematically degenerate because |B|=|R| - the telecom operator is forced to assign each new called subscriber “b” a new number “r” 8-800r. In this case, the operator loses the economic advantages of the claimed method. Statistically, the probability of such a case tends to zero.

In fig. 4 shows the general, statistically most probable case, in which only a small part of the sets “A” intersect. Let the identifier MSISDN1,a-1, also known as MSISDNb-1,a-1 (shown in dotted lines), be an element of simultaneously two sets of callers “A” assigned to subscribers MSISDN1 and MSISDNb-1. A connection collision, inevitable in this case, occurs, caused by the unresolvable uncertainty of connection routing to the called subscriber MSISDN1 or MSISDNb-1 when the caller dials “a” MSISDN1,a-1 (aka MSISDNb-1,a-1) number 8-800 ₁ . To resolve this collision, the operator assigns the called subscriber MSISDNb-1 another number (8-800 _r-1 , highlighted in dotted line) from the set “R”. Even though the "A" sets still overlap, but are now assigned to different numbers 8-800r from the "R" set, there is no connection collision. Although the operator is forced to use more than one 8-800r number from the set “R”, due to the preservation of the inequality |B|>>|R| and a statistically significant part of the non-overlapping sets “A”, the telecom operator retains the economic advantages of the claimed method. Namely, a significant profit from multiple payments by a large set of “B” called subscribers “b” of a small set of 8-800r numbers, minus a one-time payment to the manager for a small set of 8-800r numbers.

In fig. Figure 5 shows a generalized communication network architecture for making free voice calls to replicated 8-800r numbers in both technical forms. The dashed line forming a rectangle schematically limits the SS7 signaling network (SS7 - Common Signaling Channel No. 7 or Signaling System No. 7) of the telecom operator, and the dotted connections show the signaling network connections through which ISUP and SIP signaling protocol messages are transmitted to establish voice call connections. Continuous lines show the interaction of network nodes via agreed upon API programming interfaces and the media phase of a voice call (Fig. 6, 6 CALL CONNECT). Rectangle “A” denotes calling subscriber “a”, rectangle “B” denotes called subscriber “b”, both subscribers can be registered in both PSTN (PSTNa,b) and SPRS networks (MSISDNa,b) in different combinations. The SCP (Signaling Switching Point) network node is designated the Transit Intercity Communications Node (TMgUS), which routes connections to numbers 8-800* using the SCP QNECT addNum commands.

Network node SCP QNECT addNum server with standard hardware and software architecture. The program logic of SCP QNECT addNum forms: the sets “R”, “B”, “A” for each subscriber “b”, the relational relationships of these sets and the assignment of numbers 8-800r to subscribers “a” or “b”. SCP QNECT addNum also performs the functions of managing the routing of connections to 8-800 numbers* and charging charges within the 8-800 service according to the stated method. In terms of IN and IMS networks, it performs the functions of servicing and modifying connections - ISUP messages and SIP sessions. SCP QNECT addNum, using agreed upon API program interfaces, interacts with the BD database, which stores and edits records in memory: about the sets “R”, “B”, “A” for each subscriber “b”, relational relationships between them, as well as records about assigning 8-800r numbers to subscribers “a” or “b” (Fig. 1-4). The SCP QNECT addNum program logic queries BD records to determine the called subscriber MSISDNb to which a copy of the 8-800r number is assigned to which the call is being made and transmits data and commands to the SSP for further routing of the call.

In fig. Figure 6 shows a generalized dialogue of network nodes when making a connection to a replicated number 8-800 in both technical forms. Caller MSISDNa,b makes a toll-free call to 8-800. In accordance with the SS7 architecture, SIP signaling protocols 1 INVITE / IAM messages are generated, voice call connection establishment ISUPs are routed to the SSP switching node. At the SSP switching node at 8-800, in SIP INVITE / ISUP IAM messages, the standard T-CSI trigger of a subscription to the addNum service is triggered, which sends message 2 InitialDP (MSISDNa,b; 8-800") of the CAP signaling protocol (CAMEL application part) to address of the network node SCP QNECT addNum controls the routing of connections according to the service addNum.

The program logic of SCP QNECT addNum by number 8-800 determines the called subscriber “b” MSISDNb and, using the agreed APIs, executes a verification request to BD 3 select MSISDNb where MSISDNa,b G MSISDNb; to determine the called subscriber MSISDNb i.e. number “b” from set “B” to which set “A” is assigned to which caller “a” belongs MSISDNa,b. If request 3 is successful, the BD responds to the SCP QNECT addNum address with message 4 MSISDNb of the called subscriber b. The SCP QNECT addNum program logic generates and transmits message 5 CONNECT (MSISDNa,b; MSISDNb) to the SSP network node to continue routing the connection to the end equipment MSISDNb of subscriber “b”. A 6 CALL CONNECT connection is established between subscribers.

In case of a negative answer, BD 7 false which means there are no tables with records about the set “A” to which the caller MSISDNa belongs, b which also means the absence of replicas (copies) of this 8-800 number. The program logic SCP QNECT addNum generates and sends a message to the SSP to continue the connection without changes 8 SIP INVITE/ISUP CONTINUE (MSISDNa,b; 8-800). This response for the SSP means to generate a request to SCP that generates commands for routing connections of non-replicated 8-800 numbers outside the scope of the stated method.

The organizational and technical measures disclosed above, together with the combination of sets “R”, “B”, “A” in two technical forms of the claimed method, ensure overcoming the numbering limit of numbers 8-800 and resolving collisions of connections accompanying replication of numbers 8-800. It is important that the method declared by the authors does not require any additional stable identifier, but uses existing standard identifiers of communication networks - PSTN, MSISDN and does not interfere with connections to non-replicated 8-800 numbers.

The economic effect of the method of replication of the toll-free number 8-800 proposed by the authors is a significant increase in the telecom operator’s revenue from the use of one replica of the 8-800 number for a large number of “B” subscribers “b”, each of whom pays for the use of the replica. Moreover, it was the replication of the 8-800 number using the claimed method that made it possible to extend the free call service to the 8-800 number to physical subscribers, which was not cost-effective before the implementation of the claimed method.

Claims (19)

1. A method for replicating the 8-800 number in communication networks, according to which the telecom operator provides a free voice call connection between the calling and the called subscriber using the 8-800 number, characterized in that the telecom operator: - generates a set of “R” toll-free numbers 8-800r; - forms a set “B” of called subscribers “b”; - forms a set “A” of callers “a” for each called subscriber “b” from the set “B”; - provides the called subscriber “b” from the set “B” with the opportunity to assign to the calling subscriber “a” from the set “A” formed for him a toll-free number 8-800r from the set “R”, except for the number that is already assigned to this caller “a” another called subscriber “b”; - ensures the connection of a free voice call using the number 8-800r from the set “R” of the calling subscriber “a” only with the called subscriber “b”, for which the set “A” is formed, to which the calling subscriber “a” belongs. 2. A method of replication of the 8-800 number in communication networks, according to which the telecom operator provides a free voice call connection between the calling and the called subscriber using the 8-800 number, characterized in that the telecom operator: - generates a set of “R” toll-free numbers 8-800r; - forms a set “B” of called subscribers “b”; - forms a set “A” of callers “a” for each called subscriber “b” of set “B”; - assigns different numbers 8-800r from the set “R” to called subscribers “b”, who are assigned intersecting sets “A”; - assigns the same number 8-800r from the set “R” to called subscribers “b” who are assigned to disjoint sets “A”; - ensures the connection of a free voice call using the number 8-800r from the set “R” of the calling subscriber “a” only with the called subscriber “b”, for which the set “A” is formed, to which the calling subscriber “a” belongs. 3. Method of replication of 8-800 number in communication networks according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, characterized in that the numbering of the toll-free number may have a prefix other than 8-800. 4. Method of replication of 8-800 number in communication networks according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, characterized in that the set of “R” toll-free 8-800 numbers includes from 1 to 100 8-800 numbers. 5. Method of replication of 8-800 number in communication networks according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, characterized in that the set of called subscribers “B” includes from 1 to all subscribers of the communication network. 6. Method of replication of 8-800 number in communication networks according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, characterized in that the set of callers “A” includes from 1 to 100 subscribers. 7. Method of replication of 8-800 number in communication networks according to paragraphs. 1 and 2, characterized in that the formation of sets “R”, “B”, “A” for each subscriber “b”, the relational relationships of these sets and the assignment of numbers 8-800 to subscribers “a” or “b” are carried out using records in the database about these sets and the relational relationships between them. 8. The method of replication of the number 8-800 in communication networks according to claim 2, characterized in that the intersection of sets “A” is the membership of any at least one caller “a” to more than one set “A”.