CN1792062B - Intermediary network system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A network, system and method for facilitating message exchange between mobile subscribers belonging to the same or different public land mobile networks, which may contain different standards. Message exchange between two subscribers of the same or different networks may involve one or more queries for subscription data, zero or more message conversions, one or more routing decisions including application of a cost function, and message storage and propagation in one or more core or intermediary networks. In particular, the message may be of the SMS (short message service), MMS (multimedia message service), or EMAIL type.

Description

Translated fromChinese

中介网络系统和方法Intermediary network system and method

本申请要求2003年2月7日提交的美国临时申请No.60/445,444和2003年5月1日提交的美国专利申请No.10/426,662的优先权，它们被全部并入本文中供参考。This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60/445,444, filed February 7, 2003, and US Patent Application No. 10/426,662, filed May 1, 2003, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

技术领域technical field

本发明涉及电信领域，并且更具体地涉及使消息的发送者和接收者能够在具有不兼容网络协议的无线网络之间发送和接收消息的中介系统。The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to an intermediary system that enables senders and receivers of messages to send and receive messages between wireless networks with incompatible network protocols.

背景技术Background technique

在北美以及世界的许多其它部分，移动电信网络以不同的标准为特征，如TDMA、CDMA、GSM、iDEN以及许多它们的变体，如2G(第二代网络)和3G(第三代网络)。所述标准典型地规定了无线电接口特征、设备细节以及相关的号码方案、包括相关消息定义的可适用通信协议及互连网络特征。尽管一些概念在这些全异标准当中是通用的，但是这些概念的共同性不足以为无线消息发送的需要而使属于一个网络的设备与属于另一个网络的设备相通话。In North America as well as in many other parts of the world, mobile telecommunications networks are characterized by different standards such as TDMA, CDMA, GSM, iDEN and many of their variants such as 2G (second generation networks) and 3G (third generation networks) . The standards typically specify radio interface characteristics, equipment details and associated numbering plans, applicable communication protocols including associated message definitions, and interconnection network characteristics. Although some concepts are common across these disparate standards, the concepts are not common enough to allow devices belonging to one network to talk to devices belonging to another network as needed for wireless messaging.

电信网络支持许多服务。其中主要的是语音呼叫和消息发送。本发明的方面主要涉及消息发送，并且因此本描述集中在详述消息发送标准的状态。Telecommunications networks support many services. Chief among these are voice calling and messaging. Aspects of the invention relate primarily to messaging, and thus this description focuses on detailing the state of messaging standards.

无线消息发送的革命主要由引进短消息服务(SMS)的GSM标准开始。SMS消息可具有最多160个字符(140个八位位组)并且被用于众多的应用，包括个人对个人的消息发送、诸如铃音的二进制内容、个人对应用的消息发送以及众多的其它用途。几乎所有其它标准如ANSITDMA和CDMA无线网络也已经在其网络内实现短消息支持的等效形式。值得注意的例外是iDEN，其实现包数据网络并且尽管消息发送被支持，但其不具有等效于消息发送的任何东西。The revolution in wireless messaging began primarily with the introduction of the GSM standard for Short Message Service (SMS). SMS messages can have a maximum of 160 characters (140 octets) and are used for numerous applications, including person-to-person messaging, binary content such as ring tones, person-to-application messaging, and numerous other uses . Almost all other standards such as ANSITDMA and CDMA wireless networks have also implemented equivalent forms of short message support within their networks. A notable exception is iDEN, which implements packet data networking and does not have anything equivalent to messaging, although messaging is supported.

有其它形式的消息发送，如被许多网络支持的EMAIL、WAP以及最近的多媒体消息(MMS)。在一些情形中，一种形式的消息发送被承载在其它消息发送形式的承载体(bearer)之上。例如，EMAIL消息可以以作为承载体服务的SMS来实现。There are other forms of messaging such as EMAIL, WAP and more recently Multimedia Messaging (MMS) supported by many networks. In some cases, one form of messaging is carried on a bearer for other forms of messaging. For example, EMAIL messages can be implemented as SMS as a bearer service.

一般来说，在支持不同无线标准的不同网络上交换消息是不太可能的。由于GSM标准在许多网络中的实现，在欧洲和世界其它部分SMS消息发送已经变得非常普及，其使得跨网络轻松交换SMS消息成为可能。在ANSI TIA/EIA 41标准的情形中，在本发明的方面于2001年在北美被实施之前这种交换还是不可能的。In general, it is not possible to exchange messages on different networks supporting different wireless standards. SMS messaging has become very popular in Europe and other parts of the world due to the implementation of the GSM standard in many networks, which makes it possible to easily exchange SMS messages across networks. In the case of the ANSI TIA/EIA 41 standard, this exchange was not possible before aspects of the present invention were implemented in North America in 2001.

漫游、号码可移植性、服务质量、“垃圾信息”和记费需求使跨不同网络的消息交换进一步复杂化。正是由于其性质，倘若受影响的网络之间存在业务协议，移动网络允许订户单元在实现兼容标准的该网络和其它网络内漫游。为了将消息递送到移动单元，必须找到其当前位置和相关联的网关以及接口地址。Roaming, number portability, quality of service, "spam" and billing requirements further complicate the exchange of messages across disparate networks. Due to its nature, mobile networks allow subscriber units to roam within that network and other networks implementing compatible standards, provided a service agreement exists between the affected networks. In order to deliver a message to a mobile unit, its current location and associated gateway and interface addresses must be found.

特征之一的号码可移植性是将号码从一个服务提供商移植到另一个的能力。当使用相对静态的路由表时，号码可移植性引起递送消息的问题。类似但独立的问题起于“号码范围污染”。例如在北美，使用所称的NPA/NXX范围将消息和呼叫路由到网络。该方法是指使用北美号码规划(NANP)中电话号码(TN)的第一个六位的呼叫路由。传统上，由NPA/NXX划分的号码范围组被分派给服务提供商。One of the features of number portability is the ability to port numbers from one service provider to another. Number portability causes problems in delivering messages when relatively static routing tables are used. A similar but separate problem arises from "number range pollution". In North America, for example, messages and calls are routed to the network using so-called NPA/NXX ranges. This method refers to call routing using the first six digits of the telephone number (TN) in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Traditionally, number range groups divided by NPA/NXX are assigned to service providers.

近来，在美国，对服务提供商的电话号码范围分派已经发生变化。现在使用7位范围取代通常的6位号码范围进行分派。然而，在重新分派期间，在一范围内的某些号码可能是所谓的“被污染的”，其中小百分比的号码可属于一个服务提供商，即使该范围作为整体被另一个服务提供商拥有。Recently, the assignment of telephone number ranges to service providers has changed in the United States. Assignments are now made using 7-digit ranges instead of the usual 6-digit ranges. However, during reassignment certain numbers within a range may be so-called "polluted", wherein a small percentage of numbers may belong to one service provider even though the range as a whole is owned by another service provider.

除了上面提到的被污染的和被移植的号码问题，还有众多的其它互连性问题，为了跨不同网络进行灵活且可靠的消息桥接这些问题需要处理。例如，源和目的网络(就该两个网络的订户之间进行的消息而言)可通过一个以上的中介网络互连。路由表和相关的方法必须解决该多跳连接。目的网络只有通过指定给该网络的服务商才可接入。例如SS7服务提供商可具有到运营者网络的独占接入而消息必须通过这样的连接来路由。可以有多种类型的到网络连接以到达相同的移动订户。此外，可以有特定类型的到网络连接的多个实例以到达相同的移动订户。In addition to the tainted and ported number issues mentioned above, there are numerous other interconnectivity issues that need to be addressed for flexible and reliable message bridging across different networks. For example, source and destination networks (for messages conducted between subscribers of the two networks) may be interconnected by more than one intervening network. Routing tables and associated methods must resolve this multi-hop connection. The destination network is only accessible through the service provider assigned to that network. For example an SS7 service provider may have exclusive access to the operator's network and messages must be routed over such a connection. There can be multiple types of connections to the network to reach the same mobile subscriber. Furthermore, there may be multiple instances of a particular type of connection to the network to reach the same mobile subscriber.

此外，对于到相同网络的多个连接可能有不同级别的服务质量。Also, there may be different levels of quality of service for multiple connections to the same network.

归纳起来，下面是为了全异无线网络之间的成功和可靠的交换消息而需要处理的多个挑战：To summarize, the following are the multiple challenges that need to be addressed for the successful and reliable exchange of messages between disparate wireless networks:

·协议转换-解决协议差异的能力· Protocol translation - the ability to resolve protocol differences

·传输网络支持-与正确类型的传输网络连接的能力Transport network support - the ability to interface with the correct type of transport network

·域间或者网间编址转换-必须的执行地址翻译的能力· Inter-domain or Internet address translation - the ability to perform address translation is required

·动态路由查询-解析准确和及时的路由信息的能力· Dynamic routing lookup - the ability to resolve accurate and timely routing information

·消息转换-基于业务和技术需要转换消息的能力· Message transformation - the ability to transform messages based on business and technical needs

·储存和重新传输-基于业务和技术需要储存和前转的能力·Store and retransmit - the ability to store and forward based on business and technical needs

·为记费和其它用途的传输事件记录-记录消息传输事件的能力• Transmission event logging for billing and other purposes - the ability to log message transmission events

·管理信道支持-管理消息传输的能力Management channel support - the ability to manage message transfers

·防垃圾消息、鉴权和其它集中式增值服务-提供网络保护的能力· Anti-spam, authentication and other centralized value-added services - the ability to provide network protection

·到其它中介网络的横向传输-与多个网络通过接口连接的能力· Lateral transfer to other intermediary networks - the ability to interface with multiple networks

·处理支持-可靠地处理消息递送尝试的能力· Processing support - the ability to reliably handle message delivery attempts

·服务质量-支持提供服务中的不同质量级别的能力· Quality of Service - supports the ability to provide different quality levels in the service

本发明中所解释的网络和系统独特地解决了许多上述问题。The network and system explained in the present invention uniquely solve many of the above-mentioned problems.

为了点对点呼叫、消息发送和漫游在网络之间互换信令和消息已经在现有技术中由标准体、出版的文献和专利提出。例如专利号WO97/20442通过使蜂窝电话网络的消息中心具有标识目标网络、编址机构及格式的功能而标识在不同网络之间交换短消息服务(SMS)的机构。具体来说，该专利描述了允许消息被递送到使用传真消息格式传输的传统电话网络和使用电子邮件消息传输的广域或者局域网络输的系统。然而该系统特别要求消息的发送者标识目的网络、协议和该网络内接收者的地址。此外它假定蜂窝电话网络的消息中心通过PSTN、LAN或者WAN网络直接连接到目的网络，在许多实际网络中这不是必须的情形。The exchange of signaling and messages between networks for point-to-point calling, messaging and roaming is already proposed in the prior art by standards bodies, published documents and patents. For example, patent number WO97/20442 identifies the mechanism for exchanging Short Message Service (SMS) between different networks by enabling the message center of the cellular telephone network to have the function of identifying the target network, addressing mechanism and format. Specifically, the patent describes a system that allows messages to be delivered to traditional telephone networks using the format of facsimile messages and to wide or local area networks using email messages. However, the system specifically requires that the sender of a message identify the destination network, the protocol, and the address of the recipient within that network. Furthermore it assumes that the message center of the cellular telephone network is directly connected to the destination network via the PSTN, LAN or WAN network, which is not necessarily the case in many real networks.

在DE 29511856U1中所描述的另一个系统借助于中央交换设备的使用提供了些微交替机构。指定的网络专用设备接收消息，储存该消息，重新格式该消息以适合交换格式，以及将该消息前转到中央交换设备。然后该中央交换机将该消息路由到连接到目的网络的另一个设备。该系统假定单片中央交换设备，其可以是单个失效点并且不提供处理互连多个网络的众多复杂性(在此处被编址)的很多灵活性。此外，中央单片交换设备可能成为性能瓶颈。Another system described in DE 29511856U1 provides a slightly alternate mechanism by means of the use of a central switching device. A designated network-specific device receives the message, stores the message, reformats the message to suit the exchange format, and forwards the message to the central switching device. The central switch then routes the message to another device connected to the destination network. This system assumes a monolithic central switching device, which can be a single point of failure and does not offer much flexibility to handle the numerous complexities of interconnecting multiple networks (here addressed). Additionally, the central monolithic switching device can become a performance bottleneck.

另一个公知的技术提出多个中介交换构架来克服上面所提缺陷。Another known technique proposes multiple intermediary switching frameworks to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

WO 02/15603A2描述了为了使用集中式路由数据库在网络和应用之间递送消息而直接连接到多个网络的集中式计算机系统或者计算机程序。WO 02/15603A2 describes a centralized computer system or computer program directly connected to multiple networks for the purpose of routing messages between networks and applications using a centralized routing database.

所有上述系统和技术相对简单地检查了各种网络之间的桥接消息发送结构。它们假定简单化的路由规则而不考虑网络互连的许多实际的特性。例如，在北美(和许多国家)号码集中共享(number pooling)、受污染的范围以及可移植性使其难于正确标识目的运营者。有时候在执行了某些消息转换或者路由查询之后，来自网络的消息可能不得不被递送回相同的网络。由于无线号码可移植性，所述号码可被频繁地移植，这使其难于基于由发起订户所提供的地址来正确解析目的网络的身份。上面引用的专利没有一个提到这些情况。All of the above systems and techniques examine bridging messaging structures between various networks relatively simply. They assume simplistic routing rules without taking into account many practical characteristics of network interconnections. For example, in North America (and many countries) number pooling, polluted ranges, and portability make it difficult to correctly identify the intended operator. Sometimes messages from a network may have to be delivered back to the same network after certain message transformations or routing lookups have been performed. Due to wireless number portability, the numbers can be ported frequently, making it difficult to correctly resolve the identity of the destination network based on the address provided by the originating subscriber. None of the patents cited above address these situations.

上述专利也没有处理漫游订户的问题。它们也未提到可能操作不同协议的到相同目的网络的多个连接或链接的可能性以及以最优方式选择特定连接的机制。此外，真实世界中在相同网络内中给相同订户单元分配多个协议地址是可能的(如给相同移动单元的电子邮件地址和电话号码)，其在任何上述专利中也没有发现任何提及。对于在实际世界中的消息递送来说非常重要的安全、鉴权、记费、错误处理、报告以及许多其它增值功能没有在上面引用的发明中被提及。The aforementioned patents also do not address the problem of roaming subscribers. They also fail to mention the possibility of multiple connections or links to the same destination network, possibly operating with different protocols, and mechanisms to select a particular connection in an optimal way. Furthermore, it is possible in the real world to assign multiple protocol addresses to the same subscriber unit within the same network (like email address and phone number to the same mobile unit), which is also not found in any of the above mentioned patents. Security, authentication, billing, error handling, reporting and many other value-added functions which are very important for message delivery in the real world are not mentioned in the invention cited above.

另外，所引用的专利没有明确谈到直接使用SS7网络的消息递送，该网络是被几乎所有电信网络使用的用于递送消息的优选网络协议。SS7是当前无线网络的核心网络互连网络元素。Additionally, the cited patent does not explicitly address message delivery directly using the SS7 network, which is the preferred network protocol for delivering messages used by nearly all telecommunication networks. SS7 is the core network interconnection network element of current wireless networks.

因此，基于上述专利的任何实际相关的消息递送系统的实现由于所述原因缺乏网络之间可靠的消息递送机构。Hence, any practically relevant implementation of a message delivery system based on the above mentioned patents lacks a reliable message delivery mechanism between networks for the reasons stated.

然而WO 02/05580A1清楚地提出了使用包含交换中心、消息服务中心、归属位置寄存器等的传统SS7网络途径在PLMN(公共陆地移动网络)之间的SMS消息递送。然而，所描述的系统严格处理了通过互通(inter-working)消息中心桥接两个不同的SS7网络并且不处理诸如IP网络的其它形式的互连。此外，该发明处理使用MAP信令消息的端对端消息传输，其中特定的消息序列被翻译为目的网络的格式。该系统所提出的途经只用于SMS消息并且不执行任何类型的消息转换。例如，如果目的网络不开设SS7网络用于消息递送的中介，那么该系统不能提供解决办法。However WO 02/05580A1 clearly proposes SMS message delivery between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks) using traditional SS7 network approaches comprising switching centres, message service centres, home location registers etc. However, the described system strictly deals with bridging two different SS7 networks through an inter-working message center and does not deal with other forms of interconnection such as IP networks. Furthermore, the invention deals with end-to-end message transmission using MAP signaling messages, where a specific sequence of messages is translated into the format of the destination network. The approach proposed by this system is only for SMS messages and does not perform any kind of message conversion. For example, the system cannot provide a solution if the destination network does not open the intermediary of the SS7 network for message delivery.

发明内容Contents of the invention

本发明涉及复杂的并支持多标准和业务规则的互连移动网络。本发明的方面通过许多不同功能的应用使消息能够在两个移动单元之间交换，这些功能包括消息转换、合并了号码可移植性和受污染范围应用的准确和最优路由查询、协议的应用、代价函数以及业务规则。The present invention relates to interconnected mobile networks that are complex and support multiple standards and business rules. Aspects of the present invention enable messages to be exchanged between two mobile units through the application of a number of different functions including message translation, accurate and optimal routing lookup incorporating number portability and polluted range applications, application of protocols , cost function, and business rules.

更具体地，本发明涉及促进从一个移动网络到另一个网络的消息路由的方法，所述网络由服务网络和相关联的软件控制机构互连。该消息可以是许多格式之一，包括但不限于短消息、电子邮件以及多媒体消息。根据本发明的方面，从移动单元发起的消息可经过发起移动网络内的若干个网关用于进一步传输。这些网关特别包括短消息服务中心(SMSC)、多媒体消息中心(MMSC)、WAP网关、电子邮件网关以及互通移动交换中心(IWMSC)。单个消息穿过一个以上的这些网关单元是可能的。More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of facilitating the routing of messages from one mobile network to another network interconnected by serving networks and associated software control mechanisms. The message can be in one of many formats, including but not limited to short message, email, and multimedia message. According to aspects of the invention, a message originating from a mobile unit may pass through several gateways within the originating mobile network for further transmission. These gateways include, inter alia, Short Message Service Centers (SMSCs), Multimedia Message Centers (MMSCs), WAP Gateways, Email Gateways and Interworking Mobile Switching Centers (IWMSCs). It is possible for a single message to pass through more than one of these gateway units.

在本发明的实施例中，为了将消息递送到目的地，独立的服务网络和系统(在下文中称作“中介网络”或者简称“中介”)从属于发起移动网络的任何一个上述网关接收消息。该中介具有一组输入单元、一组输出单元(这两组单元合称为“I/O单元”)、一组内部转换单元以及一组路由单元，在优选实施例中每个具有被限定好的功能和目的。这些单元根据所连接的移动网络的特性和相关的业务单元需求被布线。In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to deliver the message to the destination, an independent service network and system (hereinafter referred to as "intermediary network" or simply "intermediary") receives messages from any one of the aforementioned gateways belonging to the originating mobile network. The intermediary has a set of input units, a set of output units (collectively referred to as "I/O units"), a set of internal conversion units, and a set of routing units, each with a well-defined function and purpose. These units are wired according to the characteristics of the connected mobile network and the relevant service unit requirements.

根据本发明，通过输入单元之一接收的消息按照若干个预定的业务规则以及基于互连网络的主要条件动态确定的路由规则，经过一个或者更多的内部转换单元和路由单元。According to the invention, messages received through one of the input units pass through one or more internal conversion units and routing units according to several predetermined business rules and routing rules determined dynamically based on the main conditions of the interconnected network.

订购信息表示订户电话号码到网络服务提供商的关联。当前接入关联提供被访问网络的地址(移动性)。根据本发明的一个方面，中介网络的动态路由能力考虑到终端设备的最近网络订购关联信息、终端设备的当前网络接入关联以及连接到终端移动网络的多个链接的业务状况。这显著增加了消息被成功递送的可能性。Subscription information represents the association of a subscriber's phone number to a network service provider. The current access association provides the address of the visited network (mobility). According to an aspect of the present invention, the dynamic routing capability of the intermediary network takes into account the terminal device's recent network subscription association information, the terminal device's current network access association, and the traffic conditions of the multiple links connected to the terminal mobile network. This significantly increases the likelihood that a message will be successfully delivered.

根据本发明的一个实施例，动态改变路由信息通过到一个或者更多的第三方信息源(如NPAC数据)的订购、实时接入一个或者更多的信息库(如归属位置寄存器-HLR)和/或监控到移动网络的互连链接上的业务状况而获得。由此获得的动态信息优选地改变了该消息否则将被路由的方式。另外，根据本发明的方面，该动态信息还可以指定哪一个转换需要被应用以成功路由该消息。例如，如果消息被动态路由到另一个中介网络而不是直接到最终的目的地，那么该消息的格式化可与中介网络而不是最终目的网络的对应。According to one embodiment of the present invention, dynamically changing routing information through subscription to one or more third-party information sources (such as NPAC data), real-time access to one or more information bases (such as Home Location Register-HLR) and and/or obtained by monitoring the traffic conditions on the interconnection link to the mobile network. The dynamic information thus obtained preferably changes the way the message would otherwise be routed. Additionally, the dynamic information may also specify which transformation needs to be applied in order to successfully route the message in accordance with aspects of the invention. For example, if a message is dynamically routed to another intermediary network rather than directly to the final destination, the formatting of the message may correspond to that of the intermediary network rather than the final destination network.

根据本发明的另一实施例，消息的内容也可影响施加到该消息的转换单元。例如，如果原始内容是英语的并且如果计划的目的单元位于一网络，根据该网络的主要地理边界，该网络的主导语言是例如汉语，那么在前转到目的网络之前该内容可依据所配置的业务规则被翻译为汉语。According to another embodiment of the invention, the content of a message may also influence the conversion unit applied to the message. For example, if the original content is in English and if the planned destination unit is located in a network whose dominant language is, for example, Chinese, according to the major geographic Business rules are translated into Chinese.

本发明优选地还包括基于该消息经历的链接指定哪组转换和路由单元需要被应用到给定的消息的机构。例如，经历了间接链接如EMAIL网关的消息可以不生成到发起移动网络的可记费记录(依据所同意的业务安排)。The present invention preferably also includes a mechanism for specifying which set of transformation and routing elements needs to be applied to a given message based on the links that the message has gone through. For example, a message passing through an indirect link such as an EMAIL gateway may not generate a chargeable record to the originating mobile network (in accordance with agreed service arrangements).

根据本发明的一个实施例，所述消息由此基于下列之一或者更多优选地经过一动态组的路由单元和内部转换单元：原始消息的内容、消息进入所经历的接口、移动网络涉及的业务规则和互连链接的动态性质、网络订购以及目的移动单元的接入信息，。According to an embodiment of the invention, the message thus passes preferably through a dynamic set of routing units and internal conversion units based on one or more of the following: content of the original message, the interface through which the message entered, the mobile network involved Business rules and dynamic nature of interconnection links, network subscriptions and access information for destination mobile units.

因此，本发明提供系统和方法，其允许关于通过跨越全异网络的中介接收和递送消息的灵活性和最优化。通过阅读下面结合附图的本发明的优选实施例的详细描述本领域的技术人员将更充分地理解本发明的特征和优点。Accordingly, the present invention provides systems and methods that allow flexibility and optimization with respect to receiving and delivering messages through intermediaries across disparate networks. Those skilled in the art will more fully understand the features and advantages of the present invention by reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1是表现本发明实施例的示范性实现的图。Figure 1 is a diagram representing an exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the present invention.

图2是说明用于在实现兼容协议的公共陆地移动网络(PLMN)之间交换SMS消息的现有技术。Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating prior art for exchanging SMS messages between Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) implementing compatible protocols.

图3示出根据本发明特定实施例的在网关单元内的路由和转换单元的实现。Figure 3 shows the implementation of the routing and translation unit within the gateway unit according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

图4示出根据本发明的连接到两个不同无线网络的两个网关单元之间的互连。Figure 4 shows the interconnection between two gateway units connected to two different wireless networks according to the invention.

图5示出根据本发明的示范性路由逻辑以及为消息选择下一跳路由的代价函数的解析，并且图5A示出SMPP消息格式。Figure 5 shows exemplary routing logic and resolution of a cost function for selecting a next hop route for a message according to the present invention, and Figure 5A shows an SMPP message format.

图6示出在本发明实施例中内部使用的SMT和SML消息的格式。Figure 6 shows the format of SMT and SML messages used internally in an embodiment of the present invention.

图7示出SML文件的特定实例。Fig. 7 shows a specific example of an SML file.

图8说明到漫游订户所在的被访问网络的消息的递送。Figure 8 illustrates the delivery of messages to the visited network where the roaming subscriber is located.

图9说明根据本发明的用于促进消息递送的从运营者网络到中介网络的虚订户地址的映射。Figure 9 illustrates the mapping of virtual subscriber addresses from an operator network to an intermediary network for facilitating message delivery in accordance with the present invention.

图10说明北美号码规划(NANP)的号码格式。Figure 10 illustrates the number format of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

图11示出E.164格式的移动订户漫游号(MSRN)号码。Figure 11 shows a Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number (MSRN) number in E.164 format.

图12示出根据本发明的两个中介网络的互连。Figure 12 shows the interconnection of two intermediary networks according to the invention.

图13示出根据本发明的用于SMS消息的路由数据库系统和路由解析方法。FIG. 13 shows a routing database system and a routing resolution method for SMS messages according to the present invention.

图14说明根据本发明的中介网络内的消息详情记录生成过程。Figure 14 illustrates the message detail record generation process within an intermediary network according to the present invention.

图15示出在GSM和ASCII字符集之间的示例字符翻译。Figure 15 shows example character translations between GSM and ASCII character sets.

几个实施例的详细描述Detailed description of several embodiments

图1示出表示根据本发明的系统的一个示例性实施的图。本发明提供了一种灵活的中介网络系统，其直接或间接地通过其他服务提供商来互连多个无线网络，以便于消息交换。这样的系统包括：一组输入单元(I1到In)；一组输出单元(O1到On)-两者都称为I/O单元；一组内部转换单元(T1到Tn)及一组路由单元(R1到Rn)。注意图中所表示的内部转换和路由单元组不是穷尽的而是代表性的例子。还示出路由单元R1到Rn进一步连接到订户和路由数据库、包含移植(ported)电话号码信息的NPAC数据库、运营者的SS7网络中包含订户和路由信息的归属位置寄存器(HLR)及实时监视各种链路的健康状况的监视单元。FIG. 1 shows a diagram representing an exemplary implementation of the system according to the invention. The present invention provides a flexible intermediary network system, which directly or indirectly interconnects multiple wireless networks through other service providers to facilitate message exchange. Such a system includes: a set of input cells (I1 to In); a set of output cells (O1 to On) - both called I/O cells; a set of internal conversion cells (T1 to Tn) and a set of routing cells (R1 to Rn). Note that the groups of internal switching and routing elements shown in the figure are not exhaustive but representative examples. It is also shown that the routing units R1 to Rn are further connected to subscriber and routing databases, NPAC databases containing ported telephone number information, home location registers (HLR) in the operator's SS7 network containing subscriber and routing information, and real-time monitoring of each A monitoring unit for the health status of a link.

I/O单元直接连接到外部网络。这些外部网络是无线网络或者是其他中介网络或服务提供商。这些I/O单元的目的是匹配互连网络的协议以方便分别从这些网络接受消息或向这些网络发送消息。作为例子，图1示出四个无线运营者网络，表示为C1到C4，其通过中介网络(MDN)来互连。在图1中也示出一组移动电话M1到M4，其分别与运营者网络C1到C4关联。图1还示出另一组中介网络MD1和MD2，其将运营者网络C3和C4连接到中介网络MDN。此外，图1示出各种网关，表示为SMSC、MMSC、EMAIL、IWMSC和GMSC，其是运营者网络的部分。这些网关进一步连接到中介网络(MDN)的各种输入和输出单元。在中介网络中还示出外部服务提供商(ESP)已连接到内部转换单元之一，Tn。对于某些专门的(例如语言翻译)或外包的(outsourced)消息转换，中介网络运营商可以使用外部服务提供商，并且本发明设想诸如发生在中介网络外部的转换的功能性。The I/O unit is directly connected to the external network. These external networks are wireless networks or other intermediary networks or service providers. The purpose of these I/O units is to match the protocols of the interconnected networks in order to receive messages from and send messages to, respectively, these networks. As an example, Figure 1 shows four wireless carrier networks, denoted C1 through C4, interconnected by a mediation network (MDN). Also shown in FIG. 1 is a group of mobile telephones M1 to M4 which are respectively associated with operator networks C1 to C4. Figure 1 also shows a further set of intermediate networks MD1 and MD2, which connect the operator networks C3 and C4 to the intermediate network MDN. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows various gateways, denoted SMSC, MMSC, EMAIL, IWMSC and GMSC, which are part of the operator's network. These gateways are further connected to various input and output units of the Mediation Network (MDN). Also shown in the intermediary network is an external service provider (ESP) connected to one of the internal transformation units, Tn. For some specialized (eg language translation) or outsourced message transformations, the intermediary network operator may use external service providers, and the present invention contemplates functionality such as transformations occurring outside the intermediary network.

内部转换单元在消息穿过中介网络时对其执行多种转换函数。通过中介来互连根本不同的无线网络的复杂性保证了被应用到消息的一组富(rich)转换单元。Internal transformation units perform various transformation functions on messages as they traverse the intermediary network. The complexity of interconnecting disparate wireless networks through intermediaries warrants a rich set of transformation units being applied to messages.

路由单元基于在路由单元中规定的某些规则集来提供互连系统中的所有(或基本所有)其它单元的灵活方式。路由单元还基于消息中呈现的地址信息并基于系统中可用的动态路由表来解析所收到的消息的目的路由。The routing unit provides a flexible way of interconnecting all (or substantially all) other units in the system based on certain rule sets specified in the routing unit. The routing unit also resolves the destination route of the received message based on the address information present in the message and based on the dynamic routing tables available in the system.

如图1中表示的，以上描述的本发明实施例示出通过各种代表性网关组来互连多个运营者网络以便于交换诸如SMS、MMS及Email(SMTP格式化消息)的消息的特定例子。最后，MDR表示位于中介网络(MDN)中的消息细节记录数据库，其捕捉流经网络的所有消息的事务处理信息。中介网络描述As represented in Figure 1, the embodiments of the invention described above show a specific example of interconnecting multiple operator networks through various representative gateway groups to facilitate the exchange of messages such as SMS, MMS, and Email (SMTP formatted messages) . Finally, MDR denotes a Message Detail Record Database located in a Mediation Network (MDN) that captures transactional information for all messages flowing through the network. Intermediary network description

图1中的概念图可以以许多实现本实施例中提及的所有功能性的方法来实施。通过拆开本发明的功能性，有可能描述本发明的网络和系统实现的可能实施例。The conceptual diagram in Fig. 1 can be implemented in many ways to realize all the functionalities mentioned in this embodiment. By unpacking the functionality of the invention, it is possible to describe possible embodiments of the network and system implementations of the invention.

本发明主要描述将各种运营者和服务提供商网络互连到中介网络的功能性。中介网络可由一个或多个用于网络连通性的POP(存在点)及一个或多个用于实施消息交换设备的数据中心组成。实际的实现包括带有由IP骨干网(backbone)互连的多个数据中心和POP的分布式网络。服务提供商网络(运营者网络)典型地用诸如T1、帧中继及因特网VPN的广域网连接而连接到一个或多个POP。The present invention primarily describes the functionality of interconnecting various operator and service provider networks to an intermediary network. An intermediary network may consist of one or more POPs (Points of Presence) for network connectivity and one or more data centers for implementing message switching facilities. A practical implementation consists of a distributed network with multiple data centers and POPs interconnected by an IP backbone. The service provider network (carrier network) is typically connected to one or more POPs with wide area network connections such as T1, Frame Relay, and Internet VPNs.

这些网络连接典型地终结于连接到路由器的网络端点。此外，良好形成的网络基础结构由用于安全目的的防火墙、负载平衡器、用于互连网段的交换机及各种其它辅助装置，如侵入检测系统、网络分析器等组成。而且，用于将域名解析成IP地址并且反之亦然的域名服务器(DNS)基础结构也典型实现为网络设备的部分。These network connections are typically terminated at network endpoints connected to routers. In addition, a well-formed network infrastructure consists of firewalls for security purposes, load balancers, switches for interconnecting network segments, and various other auxiliary devices such as intrusion detection systems, network analyzers, etc. Furthermore, Domain Name Server (DNS) infrastructure for resolving domain names into IP addresses and vice versa is also typically implemented as part of the network equipment.

由于本发明将中介网络详述为分布式消息交换机，所以本系统优选地包括一个或多个(为了可扩展性和冗余，典型为几个)图1中所示的实施转换和路由模块的消息交换系统。这些系统可以用行业标准服务器实现。另外这些消息交换系统由消息发送总线互连，以传输SMT(图6)和SML(图6)格式化消息及各种其它管理类型消息。对于SMS消息发送，核心交换系统典型地包括短消息服务中心(SMSC)功能性。对于MMS消息发送，核心交换系统典型地包括多媒体消息发送服务中心(MMS)功能性。此外电子邮件消息发送系统由传统电子邮件服务器和中继来支持。Since the present invention details the intermediary network as a distributed message exchange, the system preferably includes one or more (typically several for scalability and redundancy) implementations of the switching and routing modules shown in FIG. message exchange system. These systems can be implemented with industry standard servers. In addition these message exchange systems are interconnected by a messaging bus to transport SMT (FIG. 6) and SML (FIG. 6) formatted messages and various other management type messages. For SMS messaging, the core switching system typically includes Short Message Service Center (SMSC) functionality. For MMS messaging, the core switching system typically includes Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) functionality. Additionally email messaging systems are supported by conventional email servers and relays.

各种行业标准协议由以上提及的网关支持。这些包括，对于SMS：短消息点对点协议(SMPP)、EMI/UCP、SMTP、HTTP、CIMD、GSM/ANSI41MAP等等。前段中提及的交换系统根据运营者要求在所需要的基础上支持这些协议。在一个实施例中还典型地实现用于日志和记费功能性的后端数据库服务器。Various industry standard protocols are supported by the gateways mentioned above. These include, for SMS: Short Message Point-to-Point Protocol (SMPP), EMI/UCP, SMTP, HTTP, CIMD, GSM/ANSI41MAP, etc. The switching systems mentioned in the previous paragraph support these protocols on an as-needed basis according to operator requirements. A backend database server for logging and billing functionality is also typically implemented in one embodiment.

优选地与本发明相关联的另一个重要类别的系统是无线号码可移植性和路由数据库。这些系统用数据库系统实现，其中数据馈送(data feed)来自各种源，如NANP LERG数据提供商、实时NPAC数据库馈送及运营者路由表更新。Another important class of systems preferably associated with the present invention are wireless number portability and routing databases. These systems are implemented with database systems where data feeds come from various sources such as NANP LERG data providers, real-time NPAC database feeds, and operator routing table updates.

优选地提供各种网络和系统管理功能性以管理所有以上提及的要素。一个或多个实现网络和系统管理接口的网络运行中心(NOC)优选地监督中间网的运行。Various network and system management functionalities are preferably provided to manage all of the above mentioned elements. One or more Network Operations Centers (NOCs) implementing the network and system management interfaces preferably oversee the operation of the intermediate network.

最后，文件传输协议(FTP)服务器典型地是本发明实施例的部分，用以将呼叫细节记录(CDR)传递到服务提供商。Finally, a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server is typically part of an embodiment of the invention to deliver Call Detail Records (CDRs) to the service provider.

因此，中介网络是互连网络系统，支持路由、交换及安全的功能性，其被实现以支持跨网络的消息发送功能性。Thus, an intermediary network is an interconnected network system, supporting routing, switching, and security functionality, which is implemented to support cross-network messaging functionality.

GSM网络中的PLMN间消息传递Inter-PLMN Message Passing in GSM Network

图2示出GSM网络中用于交换SMS消息的标准机制。该现有技术作为用于在许多实施GSM协议的网络中互换消息的主导机制的例子给出。Figure 2 shows the standard mechanism for exchanging SMS messages in a GSM network. This prior art is given as an example of the prevailing mechanism for exchanging messages in many networks implementing the GSM protocol.

在图2中，MT表示用于接入无线电网络的移动终端。基站子系统(BSS)连接到移动交换中心(MSC)，该中心又连接到访问者位置寄存器(VLR)。BSS系统的目的是管理无线电资源并与MSC通信。MSC的目的是将来自PSTN和其它网络的呼叫交换并导向到在其服务区域内所关联的移动订户。VLR的目的是给订户提供当前“正在访问”网络(即，正从网络取得服务)的移动终端的信息。GMSC和IWMSC表示网关MSC和互通MSC，其目的是将入和出SS7网络的消息路由到其它网络中。短消息交换中心(SMSC)表示处理SMS消息的服务器。归属位置寄存器HLR保持订户信息。SME表示将SMS消息投递(post)到SMSC的短消息实体。In Fig. 2, MT denotes a mobile terminal for accessing a radio network. The Base Station Subsystem (BSS) is connected to a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), which in turn is connected to a Visitor Location Register (VLR). The purpose of the BSS system is to manage radio resources and communicate with the MSC. The purpose of the MSC is to switch and direct calls from the PSTN and other networks to associated mobile subscribers within its service area. The purpose of the VLR is to provide the subscriber with information of the mobile terminals that are currently "visiting" the network (ie, obtaining service from the network). GMSC and IWMSC represent Gateway MSC and Interworking MSC, the purpose of which is to route messages entering and exiting SS7 network to other networks. A Short Message Switching Center (SMSC) denotes a server that handles SMS messages. The Home Location Register HLR holds subscriber information. SME means a short message entity that posts an SMS message to an SMSC.

当消息从网络A中的移动终端MT发起时，消息(被称为移动发起消息或MO消息)由网络A中的归属SMSC接收。网络A中的SMSC执行路由查询功能，其典型地接入位于消息的预期接收者的网络中的HLR。在此例中，HLR位于另一个PLMN，网络B。网络B中的HLR返回当前为移动订户提供服务(预期接收者)的网络B中的MSC的地址。网络A中的SMSC然后将消息发送到网络B中的MSC，以便于将消息向前传输到网络B中的移动订户MT。The message (called Mobile Originated Message or MO message) is received by the Home SMSC in Network A when the message originates from a Mobile Terminal MT in Network A. The SMSC in Network A performs a routing lookup function, which typically accesses an HLR located in the network of the intended recipient of the message. In this example, the HLR is located in another PLMN, Network B. The HLR in Network B returns the address of the MSC in Network B currently serving the mobile subscriber (intended recipient). The SMSC in network A then sends the message to the MSC in network B for onward transmission of the message to the mobile subscriber MT in network B.

对于以上提及的工作机制，在SMS消息交换的情况下，两个PLMN(由网络A和网络B表示)都必须兼容并且在PLMN运营商之间必须存在业务关系以交换这样的消息。For the working mechanism mentioned above, both PLMNs (represented by Network A and Network B) must be compatible and a business relationship must exist between the PLMN operators in case of SMS message exchange to exchange such messages.

对于将在诸如CDMA、TDMA、iDEN等其它类型网络之间交换的消息，提供如图1所示的根据本发明的中介网络。图3中示出如何连接转换及路由单元以处理和路由无线消息的较详细的图解。For messages to be exchanged between other types of networks such as CDMA, TDMA, iDEN, etc., an intermediate network according to the invention as shown in FIG. 1 is provided. A more detailed diagram of how the switching and routing units are connected to process and route wireless messages is shown in FIG. 3 .

经中介网络系统路由的消息Messages routed through intermediary network systems

图3示出根据本发明的用于直接连接到中介的运营者的I/O单元和内部转换和路由单元组的特定实施。为了该实例的目的而作为SMSC的运营者的消息网关用三(3)个链路连接到三(3)个线路处理机(line handler)LH1、LH2和LH3。这些线路处理机是I/O单元(I1到In和O1到On)的特定实施的具体例子，所述接口单元执行图1中所指定的协议转换。具体地，LH1起到接收消息的输入单元的作用而LH2和LH3起到将消息发送到SMSC(图3中的消息网关)的输出单元的作用。除了起到用于发送和接收消息的I/O单元的作用外，图3中的LH1、LH2和LH3还内嵌了消息转换功能性。LH1将图5A中所示的进入的短消息点对点(SMPP)协议格式消息转换成图6中所示的内部系统格式化消息模板(SMT)格式消息。类似地，LH2和LH3将图6中所示的出去的SMT格式SMS消息转换成图5A中所示的SMPP格式SMS消息。在线路处理机单元内处理的一个公共消息转换是从一个标准到另一个标准的字符映射。例如图15示出在GSM 7位和ASCII字符集之间的字符映射。仅部分映射作为例子在图15中示出。Fig. 3 shows a specific implementation of the I/O units and the set of internal switching and routing units for operators directly connected to the intermediary according to the invention. The Message Gateway, which is the operator of the SMSC for the purposes of this example, is connected with three (3) links to three (3) line handlers LH1 , LH2 and LH3 . These line handlers are concrete examples of specific implementations of the I/O units (I1 to In and O1 to On) that perform the protocol conversion specified in FIG. 1 . Specifically, LH1 functions as an input unit receiving messages and LH2 and LH3 function as output units sending messages to the SMSC (message gateway in FIG. 3 ). In addition to functioning as I/O units for sending and receiving messages, LH1 , LH2 and LH3 in Figure 3 also embed message conversion functionality. LH1 converts the incoming Short Message Point-to-Point (SMPP) protocol format message shown in FIG. 5A into an internal system formatted message template (SMT) format message shown in FIG. 6 . Similarly, LH2 and LH3 convert the outgoing SMT format SMS message shown in Figure 6 into the SMPP format SMS message shown in Figure 5A. A common message conversion handled within the line processor unit is the character mapping from one standard to another. For example, Figure 15 shows the character mapping between the GSM 7-bit and ASCII character sets. Only a partial mapping is shown in Figure 15 as an example.

在图3中的LH1接收到消息并将消息转换成SMT格式之后，消息被发送到鉴权器单元1(AU1)。该单元的功能性是在对消息发起者授权之后路由、前转或阻塞该消息。在该特定实施中，授权包含检查发起的移动订户单元的电话号码是否被授权使用该中介服务。授权过程包含访问数据库(DB)以获得订户信息。该初始检查的一个功能是加强反垃圾信息(anti-spam)策略。如果得知用户为向移动网络的其它用户兜售信息(spamming)的目的而发送过多数量的消息，则可能用该机制来阻止此人发送消息。After LH1 in Fig. 3 receives the message and converts the message into SMT format, the message is sent to authenticator unit 1 (AU1). The functionality of this unit is to route, forward or block the message after authorizing the originator of the message. In this particular implementation, authorization involves checking whether the phone number of the originating mobile subscriber unit is authorized to use the intermediary service. The authorization process involves accessing a database (DB) to obtain subscriber information. One function of this initial check is to enforce anti-spam policies. If a user is known to be sending an excessive number of messages for the purpose of spamming other users of the mobile network, this mechanism may be used to prevent that person from sending messages.

从图3中的AU1单元前转的消息由称为正则表达式路由器-1(RR₁)的另一个路由和转换实体来处理。如在该特定实施中所配置的，RR₁的目的是检查目的电话号码的有效性。例如，如果所需目的电话号码格式是10位，并且如果提供的目的电话号码是7位，则该单元提取源电话区域代码号，即图10中的NPA，并将区域代码适当地附加到SMT格式化(图6)消息的目的电话号码(TN)部分。Messages forwarded from the AU1 unit in Figure 3 are handled by another routing and translation entity called Regular Expression Router-1 (RR₁ ). As configured in this particular implementation, the purpose of RR₁ is to check the validity of the destination phone number. For example, if the desired destination phone number format is 10 digits, and if the destination phone number provided is 7 digits, the unit extracts the source phone area code number, NPA in Figure 10, and appends the area code appropriately to the SMT Format (FIG. 6) the destination telephone number (TN) portion of the message.

如果在执行以上转换中存在错误(其可以例如发生在覆盖特定地理区域的区域代码的情况下，其中两个或多个区域代码同时激活)，则消息被前转到另一个转换和路由实体消息路由器-1(图3中的RY1)，其产生回给源电话号码的错误消息，通知发起订户消息由于区域码的问题而失败。该错误信息然后前转到称为正则表达式路由器-2(图3中的RR₂)的另一个路由实体，其检查该消息的有效性格式。RR₂(在图3中)然后将该错误消息前转到输出单元LH₂或LH₃(都在图3中)中的一个，以便于将错误消息传送回到发起网络的消息网关。RR₂(在图3中)采用稍后描述于此的更多路由功能性。If there is an error in performing the above conversion (which can e.g. occur in the case of area codes covering a specific geographical area, where two or more area codes are active at the same time), the message is forwarded to another conversion and routing entity message Router-1 (RY1 in Figure 3), which generates an error message back to the source phone number, informing the originating subscriber that the message failed due to an area code problem. The error message is then forwarded to another routing entity called Regular Expression Router-2 (_RR2 in Figure 3), which checks the message for a valid format. RR₂ (in Fig. 3) then forwards the error message to one of the output units LH₂ or LH₃ (both in Fig. 3) in order to transmit the error message back to the message gateway of the originating network. RR₂ (in Figure 3) employs more routing functionality described later herein.

在图3中，从(网关单元A的)RR₁前转的有效消息由一组称为文件路由器-1(FR₁)及文件路由器-2(FR₂)的路由实体进一步处理。这些实体解析消息的递送方法，包括依赖于所提供的配置来求解某些或全部代价函数。解析目的路由地址的逻辑在图5中示出，并在此稍后在路由解析逻辑部分说明。网关A中的实体FI₁表示过滤器，其在运营者(或中介)决定不通过中介接受二进制消息传输时阻塞二进制消息。In Figure 3, valid messages forwarded from RR₁ (of gateway unit A) are further processed by a set of routing entities called File Router-1 (FR₁ ) and File Router-2 (FR₂ ). These entities resolve the delivery method of the message, including solving some or all of the cost functions depending on the provided configuration. The logic for resolving the destination route address is shown in Figure 5 and described later herein in the Route Resolution Logic section. Entity FI₁ in gateway A represents a filter that blocks binary messages when the operator (or intermediary) decides not to accept binary message transmission through the intermediary.

如图3中所示，根据路由解析逻辑的结果，消息经由路由单元InphoRouter-1(IR1)前转到另一个网关单元C，或者经由路由单元消息路由器-3(MR3)前转到网关单元B。为该说明的目的，网关单元B中消息的进一步处理在图4中被包含。网关单元C在该实施例中连接到运营者C(未示出)。As shown in Figure 3, according to the result of the routing resolution logic, the message is forwarded to another gateway unit C via routing unit InphoRouter-1 (IR1), or to gateway unit B via routing unit Message Router-3 (MR3) . For the purposes of this illustration, the further processing of the message in gateway unit B is contained in FIG. 4 . The gateway unit C is connected to an operator C (not shown) in this embodiment.

图4示出网关单元B和网关单元A的互连，其由分布式排队系统连接。从网关单元A的MR3前转的消息流经队列“队列1输入”，其由网关单元B中的消息路由单元(MR4)提取。MR4然后在将消息前转到网关单元B的鉴权单元AU2之前执行消息的基本确认。AU2对消息鉴权以确定消息被授权转向连接到网关单元B的运营者B。这里，鉴权包括检查例如运营者A是否被授权向运营者B投递消息；发起订户是否被授权经由其消息发送网关将消息发送到运营者B的网络中；以及目的订户是否被允许接收消息。鉴权信息存储在配置数据库(provisioning database)中，在图4中示出为数据库(DB)单元。该消息然后被前转到另一个称为正则表达式路由器-2(网关B的RR2)的路由实体中，其功能性是应用负载平衡功能性并将消息前转到互连的线路处理机(网关单元B的LH2或LH3)中的一个。最后，线路处理机(网关单元B的LH2或LH3)经由连接到网关单元B的消息网关将适当的协议转换后的消息前转到移动订户MS_b。Figure 4 shows the interconnection of gateway unit B and gateway unit A, which are connected by a distributed queuing system. Messages forwarded from MR3 of gateway unit A flow through the queue "queue 1 input", which is picked up by the message routing unit (MR4) in gateway unit B. MR4 then performs a basic validation of the message before forwarding it to the authentication unit AU2 of the gateway unit B. AU2 authenticates the message to determine that the message is authorized to be forwarded to operator B connected to gateway unit B. Here, authentication includes checking, for example, whether operator A is authorized to deliver messages to operator B; whether the originating subscriber is authorized to send messages into operator B's network via its messaging gateway; and whether the destination subscriber is allowed to receive messages. Authentication information is stored in a provisioning database, shown in Figure 4 as a database (DB) unit. The message is then forwarded into another routing entity called Regular Expression Router-2 (RR2 of Gateway B), whose functionality is to apply load balancing functionality and forward the message to the interconnected line handler ( One of LH2 or LH3) of gateway unit B. Finally, the line handler (LH2 or LH3 of the gateway unit B) forwards the appropriate protocol converted message to the mobile subscriber_MSb via the message gateway connected to the gateway unit B.

因此，在以上的实施例中从MS_a所表示的订户到MS_b所表示的订户的消息采取以下路由：网关A：MS_a→LH₁→AU₁→RR₁→FR₁→FI₁→FR₂→MR₃→队列1→网关B：MR₄→AU₂→RR₂→LH₂→MS_bThus, in the above embodiment a message from the subscriber represented by MS_a to the subscriber represented by MS_b takes the following route: Gateway A: MS_a → LH₁ → AU₁ → RR₁ → FR₁ → FI₁ → FR₂ → MR₃ → Queue 1 → Gateway B: MR₄ → AU₂ → RR₂ → LH₂ → MS_b

在该过程中，消息经历许多路由决定和转换。During this process, the message goes through many routing decisions and transformations.

路由解析逻辑Routing Resolution Logic

在图6示出的SMT格式化消息中编码的目的电话号码(TN)和服务通过图5中示出的一系列逻辑模块来发送。在图5中，在模块5.2中检查TN以看其是否为国家或国际号。模块5.3检查国家TN以看6位NPA/NXX路由检查是否足以找到目的运营者的网络，或是否需要执行整10位污染的或移植的号码检查。模块5.4和5.6基于所提供的TN执行数据库检查以找到运营者ID。具体地，模块5.6包括用本地服务管理系统(LSMS)数据库的路由查询，所述本地服务管理系统数据库的数据优选地在实时的基础上连续更新。该数据的馈送优选地从维护美国所有运营者所接入的主配置服务器的第三方服务提供商获得。在提供运营者网络ID的情况下该连续馈送提供关于订户的订购关联的实时信息。此外该馈送还优选地包含关于某些消息网关，如短消息服务中心(SMSC)的信息。The destination telephone number (TN) and service encoded in the SMT formatted message shown in FIG. 6 is sent through a series of logical modules shown in FIG. 5 . In Figure 5, the TN is checked in module 5.2 to see if it is a national or international number. Module 5.3 checks the national TN to see if a 6 digit NPA/NXX routing check is sufficient to find the destination operator's network, or if a full 10 digit polluted or ported number check needs to be performed. Modules 5.4 and 5.6 perform a database check to find the operator ID based on the provided TN. Specifically, module 5.6 includes routing queries with a local service management system (LSMS) database whose data is preferably continuously updated on a real-time basis. The feed of this data is preferably obtained from a third party service provider who maintains a master configuration server to which all operators in the United States have access. This continuous feed provides real-time information about the subscriber's subscription associations, provided the operator network ID is provided. Furthermore the feed preferably also contains information about certain message gateways, such as Short Message Service Centers (SMSC).

对于国际号，首先在模块5.5中提取国家代码。如果该国家具有已实现的号码可移植性，则优选地使用两种方法之一来寻找目的运营者。一种方法中，使用本地移植数据库(类似于用于国家移植号查询的那个)。该移植的数据库从运营者和第三方提供商所提供的信息来构建。另一个方法是执行远程数据库查询。一个这样的方法是使用SS7全局码翻译数据库，其中路由请求消息被路由到正确的归属位置寄存器(HLR)。HLR然后以可以用来提取归属运营者网络的适当路由信息及漫游信息来应答。SS7方法在图5中的模块5.12中提及。For international numbers, first extract the country code in module 5.5. If the country has implemented number portability, one of two methods is preferably used to find the destination operator. In one approach, a local transplant database (similar to the one used for national transplant number lookups) is used. The migrated database is constructed from information provided by the operator and third party providers. Another method is to perform remote database queries. One such approach is to use the SS7 global code translation database, where a routing request message is routed to the correct Home Location Register (HLR). The HLR then replies with appropriate routing and roaming information that can be used to extract the home operator's network. The SS7 method is mentioned in Module 5.12 in Figure 5.

一旦目的TN的运营者被识别，则针对服务类型，在模块5.7中获得到运营者网络的所有可能路由(直接的和间接的)。这些路由典型地在本质上是静态的，并且在运营者的配置过程期间被确定。Once the operator of the destination TN is identified, all possible routes (direct and indirect) to the operator's network are obtained in module 5.7 for the service type. These routes are typically static in nature and are determined during the operator's configuration process.

一旦路由被识别，则在模块5.8中可以尝试最终的地址解析。由于多种原因可能需要模块5.8中进一步的地址解析。例如，如果允许通过比方说MSC直接递送(即没有存储且前转)SMS消息到手机，则重要的是知道(如果在模块5.12逻辑中尚未获得)在运营者的归属网络中由相关的归属位置寄存器(HLR)动态更新的受访MSC网关信息。Once the route is identified, final address resolution may be attempted in module 5.8. Further address resolution in module 5.8 may be required for a number of reasons. For example, if direct delivery (i.e. without storing and forwarding) of SMS messages to a handset is permitted by, say, an MSC, it is important to know (if not already obtained in the module 5.12 logic) that in the operator's home network is represented by the relevant home location The visited MSC gateway information dynamically updated by the register (HLR).

如果可能有多于一个的路由，则可以调用模块5.11以获得到移动订户的每个链路的当前状态。所述链路可能是直接链路或通过另一个服务提供商的间接链路。可以调用模块5.13中的代价函数以基于某些预定业务规则来寻找递送消息的最好路由。代价函数在下一部分中说明。If there may be more than one route, module 5.11 may be invoked to obtain the current state of each link to the mobile subscriber. The link may be a direct link or an indirect link through another service provider. The cost function in module 5.13 can be invoked to find the best route to deliver the message based on some predetermined business rules. The cost function is described in the next section.

在路由解析过程期间，一旦识别目的运营者，则可以调用一个或多个过滤器模块。例如在图3中，使用名为FI₁的模块来阻止所有二进制消息走得更远。这可能由于指定于中介的目的运营者的偏好。During the route resolution process, once the destination operator is identified, one or more filter modules may be invoked. For example in Figure 3, a module named FI₁ is used to prevent all binary messages from going further. This may be due to the operator's preference for the purpose assigned to the intermediary.

一旦利用静态和动态两种数据这样执行最终路由解析，SMT格式化消息然后被前转到图3中的IR1或MR3路由模块。这些模块然后会将消息前转到中介网络内的适当网关用于进一步的处理和递送。Once the final routing resolution is thus performed with both static and dynamic data, the SMT formatted message is then forwarded to the IR1 or MR3 routing module in FIG. 3 . These modules will then forward the message to the appropriate gateway within the intermediary network for further processing and delivery.

再参考图3，为了记录消息跨过系统边界的事件，模块LH1(及其它类似模块)优选地通过生成新消息将另一种转换应用到进入或出去的消息。新消息以被称为图6中所示的SML格式生成。在将该事件记录在数据库之前，该新消息又通过某些路由和转换模块。例如图3中的FL1是转换模块，其以持久文件格式来归档SML格式化消息，用于调试及错误恢复。图3中的DL1是另一个转换实体，其将SML格式化消息转换成数据库记录，可以为很多原因使用所述数据库记录，包括例如生成许多电信运营者用于馈送到其计费系统中的CDR(呼叫细节记录)。Referring again to FIG. 3, in order to record the event that a message crosses a system boundary, module LH1 (and other similar modules) preferably apply another transformation to incoming or outgoing messages by generating new messages. New messages are generated in what is known as the SML format shown in FIG. 6 . This new message in turn passes through certain routing and transformation modules before the event is recorded in the database. For example, FL1 in FIG. 3 is a conversion module, which archives SML formatted messages in a persistent file format for debugging and error recovery. DL1 in Figure 3 is another conversion entity that converts SML formatted messages into database records that can be used for many reasons including, for example, generating CDRs that many telecom operators use to feed into their billing systems (Call Detail Record).

为了详述出去的SMT格式化消息，图4示出图3的扩展版本。图4示出由中介网关单元A和中介网关单元B表示的两个单元，其分别连接到运营者A和运营者B网络。这些网关单元可被实施为商用服务器或较大的计算单元内的虚拟过程。实施多个物理单元的优点之一是为了可扩展性和容错。例如当一个处理器失败，另一个处理器可接管失败处理器的任务。网关通过称为分布式排队系统(图4)的另一组路由实体来互连。该单元的任务是将内部系统消息从一个网关单元路由到另一个并在过渡期间实现排队功能性。Figure 4 shows an extended version of Figure 3 in order to detail the outgoing SMT formatted message. Figure 4 shows two units, represented by an intermediary gateway unit A and an intermediary gateway unit B, connected to operator A and operator B networks respectively. These gateway units may be implemented as commodity servers or as virtual processes within larger computing units. One of the advantages of implementing multiple physical units is for scalability and fault tolerance. For example, when one processor fails, another processor can take over the tasks of the failed processor. Gateways are interconnected by another set of routing entities called a distributed queuing system (Figure 4). The task of this unit is to route internal system messages from one gateway unit to another and to implement queuing functionality during the transition.

代价函数cost function

以下描述消息如何基于业务规则及网络和路由信息的动态条件被递送到下一跳或最终目的网络。在文献中用于确定最优路由的几个代价函数是可用的。如果路由是只基于网络状态，则典型地，闭环代价函数是可能的。如果将包括业务规则和其它手动规定，则代价函数典型地是基于规则的(启发式的或其它的)。The following describes how messages are delivered to the next hop or final destination network based on business rules and dynamic conditions of network and routing information. Several cost functions are available in the literature for determining optimal routing. If routing is based only on network state, then typically a closed-loop cost function is possible. If business rules and other manual specifications are to be included, the cost function is typically rule-based (heuristic or otherwise).

为本发明的目的，代价函数是基于规则的并且代价函数的评价内嵌在一个或多个路由单元中。For the purposes of the present invention, the cost function is rule-based and the evaluation of the cost function is embedded in one or more routing units.

以下示出引入业务规则用于消息最终递送的基于规则代价函数的样本：The following shows a sample rule-based cost function that introduces business rules for message final delivery:

1、如果消息可经由一个直接链路直接递送到目的运营者，则可以使用它。1. If the message can be delivered directly to the destination operator via a direct link, it can be used.

2、如果在漫游移动订户的情况下存在到受访网络的直接链路，则该链路可在到归属网络的其它直接链路上使用。2. If there is a direct link to the visited network in case of a roaming mobile subscriber, this link can be used on other direct links to the home network.

3、在多于一个直接链路的情况下，选择提供最好服务质量的链路。3. In the case of more than one direct link, select the link that provides the best quality of service.

4、如果存在多于一个以相同服务质量矩阵来支持相同协议的直接链路，则用round robin算法执行负载平衡。4. If there is more than one direct link supporting the same protocol with the same QoS matrix, load balancing is performed using the round robin algorithm.

5、如果不存在直接链路，则使用间接链路并应用与以上提及的直接链路类似的准则(步骤1到4)。5. If no direct link exists, then use an indirect link and apply similar criteria to the direct link mentioned above (steps 1 to 4).

6、在一个直接或间接链路中发生堵塞的情况下从池中丢弃链路，直到堵塞状况减轻。6. In case of congestion in a direct or indirect link drop the link from the pool until the congestion condition abates.

7、在没有激活链路的情况下，存储消息最多72小时，并使用利用5分钟种子值的指数后退算法来尝试递送，其中每次重试时延迟加倍。7. Store messages for up to 72 hours without an active link, and attempt delivery using an exponential backoff algorithm with a 5-minute seed value, where the delay is doubled on each retry.

代价函数可以基于达成的业务协定而对每个目的运营者不同。例如给特定运营者的MMS消息总是被推过WAP代理网关，即使同一消息也可能被投递到运营者的MMS中继网关。可以通过运营者请求这样的规则以减少其MMS中继网关上的负载。The cost function may be different for each destination operator based on the business agreement reached. For example, an MMS message to a specific operator is always pushed through the WAP proxy gateway, even though the same message may be delivered to the operator's MMS relay gateway. Such rules can be requested by operators to reduce the load on their MMS relay gateways.

负载平衡的路由Load Balanced Routing

中介网络可以具有多个到目的运营者或下一跳网络的链路。当多于一个提供相同服务质量的链路对相同目的地可用时尝试负载平衡。例如对于SMS消息发送，如果多于一个SMPP(短消息点对点)链路对SMSC可用，则所述SMPP链路变成负载均衡的池，且以下方法(Round Robin路由或随机路由)之一被尝试。An intermediary network may have multiple links to the destination operator or next-hop network. Load balancing is attempted when more than one link providing the same quality of service is available to the same destination. For example for SMS messaging, if more than one SMPP (Short Message Point-to-Point) link is available to the SMSC, then said SMPP link becomes a load balanced pool and one of the following methods (Round Robin routing or Random routing) is tried .

Ln表示被选择用于发送第n个消息的链路编号Ln indicates the link number selected for sending the nth message

N表示对相同的接入点可用的健康链路的总数。N represents the total number of healthy links available to the same access point.

Round Robin路由：Round Robin routing:

L_n＝(L_n-1+1)Mod N，L_n = (L_n-1 +1) Mod N,

随机路由：Random routing:

L_n＝Rand(N)L_n =Rand(N)

当链路高度堵塞或不然对处理业务不可用时，该链路被限定为非激活的并从可用链路池中移除，直到该链路再次变为健康的。典型地周期性执行健康检查并且实时影响消息路由。When a link is highly congested or otherwise unavailable for processing traffic, the link is defined as inactive and removed from the pool of available links until the link becomes healthy again. Health checks are typically performed periodically and affect message routing in real time.

路由数据库routing database

为了精确并及时地将消息从源网络路由到目的网络，中介必须拥有完整、精确和最新的路由数据库。典型地，在电信环境中路由利用以几种格式规定的电话号码(TN)来完成。每个国家可以具有其自己的编号计划并且有某些国际级的编号方案的标准表示以确保网络相互协作(interoperate)以便于订户彼此拨号。In order to accurately and timely route messages from a source network to a destination network, an intermediary must have a complete, accurate and up-to-date routing database. Routing in a telecommunications environment is typically accomplished using telephone numbers (TNs) specified in several formats. Each country may have its own numbering plan and there is some standard representation of numbering plans at an international level to ensure that networks interoperate for subscribers to dial each other.

在北美，许多国家遵循称为北美编号计划(NANP)的计划。NANP的规则规定，电话号码将包含10位并且这些位可以分成三个分离的组成部分(在以下，具有带点的表示的号吗指的是编码计划中用于特定位的允许的号码范围)：In North America, many countries follow a plan called the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The rules of the NANP state that a telephone number will consist of 10 digits and that these digits can be separated into three separate components (in the following, a number with a dotted notation refers to the allowed number range for a particular digit in the encoding plan) :

1)地区代码。电话号码的头三位包括编码计划区域(NPA)或区域代码。1) Area code. The first three digits of the phone number include the Numbering Plan Area (NPA) or area code.

该组成部分的格式是(2..9)(0..9)(0..9)，其提供总共800个可能组合，或是值-200，201，...999。The format of this component is (2..9)(0..9)(0..9), which provides a total of 800 possible combinations, or values -200, 201, . . . 999.

2)交换代码。电话号码的下三位标识所指示的区域代码内的特定中心局(CO)或交换机。此组成部分通常被称为电话号码的NXX部分。该组成部分的格式是(2..9)(0..9)(0..9)，其提供总共800个可能组合，或是值-200，201，...999。2) Exchange codes. The next three digits of the phone number identify the specific central office (CO) or switch within the indicated area code. This component is often referred to as the NXX part of the phone number. The format of this component is (2..9)(0..9)(0..9), which provides a total of 800 possible combinations, or values -200, 201, . . . 999.

3)站代码。电话号码的最后四位标识所指示的中心局内的特定站。该组成部分的格式是(0..9)(0..9)(0..9)(0..9)，其提供总共10000个可能组合，或是值-0000，0001，...9999。3) Station code. The last four digits of the telephone number identify the specific station within the indicated central office. The format of this component is (0..9)(0..9)(0..9)(0..9), which gives a total of 10000 possible combinations, or values -0000, 0001, ... 9999.

在北美，号码范围被分给典型地在NPA/NXX级的运营者，这意味着每个块包含大约10000个号码。这意味着仅有必要检查电话号码的头6位以便于找到拥有该号码块的运营者。为了将消息从一个电信网络路由到另一个，如果使用到网络的网关而不是用交换机直接递送到订户，则仅有必要找到该网络的运营者。消息到实际订户的进一步路由由网关来注意。例如到运营者的订户的消息可以被递送到其电子邮件网关。该电子邮件网关然后将在内部路由该消息。In North America, number ranges are allocated to operators typically at the NPA/NXX level, which means that each block contains approximately 10,000 numbers. This means that it is only necessary to check the first 6 digits of the phone number in order to find the operator that owns the number block. In order to route a message from one telecommunication network to another, it is only necessary to find the operator of that network if a gateway to the network is used instead of direct delivery to the subscriber with a switch. Further routing of messages to actual subscribers is taken care of by gateways. For example messages to the operator's subscribers may be delivered to its email gateway. The email gateway will then route the message internally.

然而由于联邦通信委员会(FCC)的要求(mandate)，允许订户在改变服务提供商时移植他/她的号码的无线号码可移植性(WNP)被许可。尽管完全的WNP还未实现，但称为号码集中共享的相关概念正在实行。号码集中共享要求所有运营者返回NPA/NXXX范围中他们所分配的的号码范围的某些未使用部分。然而在运营者将集中共享的范围返回到用于再分配的管理池之前，所述未使用的部分仍可能包含几个由运营者使用的号码。这样的池被称为污染范围，其中少数电话号码被使用，但该块本身不属于运营者。However due to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate, Wireless Number Portability (WNP), which allows a subscriber to port his/her number when changing service providers, is permitted. Although full WNP has not yet been realized, a related concept called number pooling is being implemented. Number pooling requires all operators to return some unused portion of their allocated number range in the NPA/NXXX range. However, the unused portion may still contain several numbers used by the operator before the operator returns the centrally shared range to the management pool for reallocation. Such a pool is called a tainted block, where a small number of phone numbers are used, but the block itself does not belong to the operator.

由于以上所述，对于中介，匹配6位的NANP的NPA/NXX部分不再够用。有必要匹配7位以精确找到运营者订购(carrier subscription)。此外，对于污染范围，有必要匹配NANP号码计划的全部10位以便于精确找到运营者订购关联(carrier subscription association)。由于每天实际有千百个电话号码指定给用户，所以有必要的是，信息实时地对中介可用以精确地将消息从一个网络路由到另一个，或者甚至是在网络内。Due to the above, for intermediaries, matching the NPA/NXX part of the 6-bit NANP is no longer sufficient. It is necessary to match 7 digits to find exactly the carrier subscription. Furthermore, for contamination ranges, it is necessary to match all 10 digits of the NANP number plan in order to accurately find the carrier subscription association. Since literally thousands of phone numbers are assigned to users every day, it is necessary that information be available in real time to intermediaries to precisely route messages from one network to another, or even within a network.

中介实际上执行电信行话称为局际交换(Inter-Exchange)路由的路由。传统上所有局际交换路由用称为本地交换路由向导(LERG)的数据库来完成。LERG包含关于本地交换提供商的网络内的当前网络配置和排定变化的信息。LERG主要被设计为由局际交换运营者(IXC)用于路由LATA间呼叫。LERG向导通知电信公司NNX存在于哪个端局或汇接局(tandemoffice)中以及应当如何路由并评定(rate)呼叫以便其可适当地终结于适当的电话号码。LERG数据库由诸如美国Telcordia的公司周期性地更新并通常在每月的基础上发布。然而由于所涉及的时滞，允许号码集中共享及可移植性的FCC的要求可能显著破坏基于LERG的路由的精确性。因此除LERG数据库更新外，还需要号码集中共享和可移植性的实时馈送以便于中介将消息从一个网络精确地递送到另一个。The intermediary actually performs routing known in telecommunications jargon as Inter-Exchange (Inter-Exchange) routing. Traditionally all inter-exchange routing is done with a database called the Local Exchange Routing Guide (LERG). The LERG contains information about the current network configuration and scheduled changes within the local exchange provider's network. LERGs are primarily designed to be used by Interexchange Carriers (IXCs) for routing inter-LATA calls. The LERG wizard informs the telco in which end office or tandem office the NNX exists and how the call should be routed and rated so that it can properly terminate at the appropriate phone number. The LERG database is updated periodically by companies such as Telcordia in the US and is usually published on a monthly basis. However, the FCC's requirement to allow number pooling and portability can significantly undermine the accuracy of LERG-based routing due to the time lag involved. Therefore, in addition to LERG database updates, a real-time feed of number pooling and portability is required to facilitate the precise delivery of messages from one network to another by intermediaries.

图13示出在本发明的优选实施例中实施的路由数据系统。该系统参考以下示出：SMS消息从一个无线网络传送到另一个，以及路由数据库如何被用于获得路由信息。Figure 13 shows the routing data system implemented in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system is shown with reference to the transfer of SMS messages from one wireless network to another and how a routing database is used to obtain routing information.

本发明的优选实施例中所实施的路由数据包括：The routing data implemented in the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes:

◆LERG数据◆LERG data

◆来自各个运营者的对“入网(in-network)”号码的更新◆Renewal of "in-network" numbers from various operators

◆来自运营者的与移动虚拟网络运营商(MVNO)范围相关的更新◆Updates from operators related to Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) coverage

◆来自其它中介网络和服务提供商的更新◆Updates from other intermediary networks and service providers

◆NPAC数据◆NPAC data

○可移植范围○ Portable range

○集中共享范围○ Centralized sharing scope

○污染范围○Pollution scope

○移植的号码○ Ported number

◆800号码◆800 number

◆寻呼机号码◆Pager number

◆国际数据范围◆International Data Range

◆测试范围◆Test range

以上信息的一些被实时获得(如NPAC更新)而其它定期从各种源获得，包括运营者自身。由此获得的信息被组合并存储在图13所示的路由数据库中。Some of the above information is obtained in real time (eg NPAC updates) while others are obtained periodically from various sources, including the operator itself. The information thus obtained is combined and stored in the routing database shown in FIG. 13 .

图13还示出两个无线网络之间的SMS消息交换的例子，其引入了多个可移植性路由dip。来自无线网络的消息13.1由该网络的SMSC(13.2)接收。这里有两个选择。SMSC(13.2)可以用它自己的内部路由数据库解析最终目的网络，所述数据库具有与中介路由数据库类似的能力；或者SMSC(13.2)可以选择简单地将消息(13.12)前转到中介，其用于解析路由，执行必要的转换并前转到下一跳。在第一种情况中，SMSC(13.2)将必须把目的网络标识符DNI(13.3)附加于消息以便于明确地指示中介消息的最终目的网络是什么。在后一种情况中，消息(13.12)来到中介而没有任何已执行的对最终目的网络的解析，在该情况中，完整的路由解析在中介中执行，包括号码可移植性数据dip。图13还示出LSMS数据库引擎(13.13)，其从NPAC记录(13.9)获得实时数据馈送。LSMS数据库引擎(13.13)还包括路由数据库(13.14)、图形用户界面(13.11)和监视运行控制台(13.10)。当需要执行路由数据库dip时，交换模块(13.4)，对路由数据库(13.14)执行SQL查询以提取信息，所述交换模块是图3中示出的包含在解析代价函数中的各种单元的逻辑表示。Figure 13 also shows an example of SMS message exchange between two wireless networks, which introduces multiple portability routing dips. A message 13.1 from a wireless network is received by the SMSC (13.2) of that network. There are two options here. The SMSC (13.2) can resolve the final destination network with its own internal routing database, which has similar capabilities to the intermediary routing database; or the SMSC (13.2) can choose to simply forward the message (13.12) to the intermediary, which uses To resolve the route, perform the necessary translations and forward to the next hop. In the first case, the SMSC (13.2) will have to append the Destination Network Identifier DNI (13.3) to the message in order to indicate unambiguously what the final destination network of the intermediary message is. In the latter case, the message (13.12) comes to the intermediary without any performed resolution of the final destination network, in which case the complete routing resolution is performed in the intermediary, including the number portability data dip. Figure 13 also shows the LSMS database engine (13.13), which obtains a real-time data feed from the NPAC records (13.9). The LSMS database engine (13.13) also includes a routing database (13.14), a graphical user interface (13.11) and a monitoring operation console (13.10). When the routing database dip needs to be executed, the exchange module (13.4), executes SQL query to the routing database (13.14) to extract information, said exchange module is the logic of various units included in the parsing cost function shown in Figure 3 express.

根据以上描述，本发明允许应用或不应用完整号码集中共享和可移植性数据库dip的灵活性，其在任何实际的实施中都是需要的。网络运营商可以选择解析路由的一个原因可能是为了减小在中介网络中执行数据dip的代价。According to the above description, the present invention allows the flexibility of applying or not applying the full number set sharing and portability database dip, which is required in any practical implementation. One reason that network operators may choose to resolve routes may be to reduce the cost of performing data dips in intermediary networks.

路由环分发Routing ring distribution

路由数据库的不精确性可造成路由环路形式的另一种问题。当中介网络例如将消息前转给运营者的网络时，假定在中介网络和目的运营者的网络之间有路由数据库的失配。可以设想，如果认为所述消息属于连接到中介的另一个运营者，则目的运营者可将所述消息重新路由回到中介。由于其数据库入口，中介又可将所述消息发回。Inaccuracies in the routing database can cause another problem in the form of routing loops. When an intermediary network eg forwards a message to an operator's network, it is assumed that there is a routing database mismatch between the intermediary network and the destination operator's network. It is conceivable that the destination operator could reroute the message back to the intermediary if it believes that the message belongs to another operator connected to the intermediary. Thanks to its database entry, the intermediary can in turn send the message back.

事实上，以上情形在真实的实践中发生。尽管即使在号码集中共享和可移植性的FCC托管(mandate)之前可出现以上问题，仅仅由于变化的量，失配的可移植性随着运营者之间号码的污染和可移植性的增加而增加。In fact, the above situation occurs in real practice. Although the above problems can arise even before the FCC mandate of number pooling and portability, portability of mismatches increases with pollution and portability of numbers between operators simply due to the amount of change. Increase.

因此，为了减小这些路由环路的可能性，在中介的网络中，实时精确数据是必要的。Therefore, real-time accurate data is necessary in intermediary networks to reduce the possibility of these routing loops.

漫游情形和递送最优化Roaming scenarios and delivery optimization

漫游对于GSM网络是中心，并且借助用于TDMA和CDMA技术的(临时标准)IS-41兼容网络之间的互连协定而日益被允许。当移动订户在合作者运营者网络(受访网络)漫游时，订户注册信息被前转给归属网络中的归属位置寄存器(HLR)。通过查询HLR，人们可找到网关地址以便于终结受访网络中的呼叫(消息)。Roaming is central to GSM networks and is increasingly allowed by means of interconnection agreements between (interim standard) IS-41 compliant networks for TDMA and CDMA technologies. When a mobile subscriber roams in a partner operator network (visited network), subscriber registration information is forwarded to a Home Location Register (HLR) in the home network. By querying the HLR, one can find the gateway address in order to terminate the call (message) in the visited network.

典型地，在漫游情形中，依赖于SS7或基于IP的互连网络上的技术(SMS、MMS等)，消息被递送到归属网络，该归属网络又前转该消息。对于SMS消息，如果该消息被递送到归属SMSC，则该归属SMSC查询HLR并且找到漫游网关交换机。SMSC然后将通过受访网络MSC网络元素来递送所述消息。这种途径的缺点是通过查询HLR以获得位置信息，当消息可被直接递送到受访网络时，不必要地涉及了归属SMSC。另外，在SMS消息被递送之前，该消息亦将从归属地到受访网络段而跨越SS7网络。对于大陆间的SMS消息传送，这可能是显著的成本问题，因为SMS消息必须跨越几个服务供应商所管理的几个SS7网络段。Typically, in roaming situations, relying on SS7 or technologies on IP-based interconnected networks (SMS, MMS, etc.), the message is delivered to the home network, which in turn forwards the message. For SMS messages, if the message is delivered to the home SMSC, the home SMSC queries the HLR and finds the roaming gateway switch. The SMSC will then deliver the message through the visited network MSC network element. The disadvantage of this approach is that the home SMSC is unnecessarily involved when the message can be delivered directly to the visited network by querying the HLR for location information. In addition, the message will also traverse the SS7 network from the home to the visited network segment before the SMS message is delivered. For SMS messaging between continents, this can be a significant cost issue, since the SMS message must traverse several SS7 network segments managed by several service providers.

本领域的技术人员将理解一个众所周知的事实，即在许多情况下，对于递送信令和消息传送数据，IP网络提供优于SS7网络的基本成本节省。为达到该效果，在业内有几次通过使用诸如SIGTRAN的标准来卸载SS7的努力。IP承载语音(VoIP，Voice over IP))技术构建于该模型上，其提供了优于使用SS7信令的基于等效电路的解决方案的基本成本节省。Those skilled in the art will appreciate the well-known fact that in many cases IP networks offer substantial cost savings over SS7 networks for the delivery of signaling and messaging data. To this effect, there have been several efforts in the industry to offload SS7 by using standards such as SIGTRAN. Voice over IP (Voice over IP) technology builds on this model, which provides substantial cost savings over equivalent circuit based solutions using SS7 signalling.

根据本发明，中介网络提供了一种最优化到受访网络的SMS消息传送的递送而不涉及归属SMSC的机制。具有实时移植的号码馈送和查询归属位置寄存器(HLR)的能力的灵活路由信息数据库可被用于将SMS消息(或MMS消息)直接递送给适当的受访网络网关。According to the present invention, the intermediary network provides a mechanism to optimize the delivery of SMS messaging to the visited network without involving the home SMSC. A flexible routing information database with real-time ported number feeds and the ability to query Home Location Registers (HLRs) can be used to deliver SMS messages (or MMS messages) directly to the appropriate visited network gateway.

图8将以上改进示出为本发明的实施例。图8示出编号为C1、C2和C3的3个运营者网络，以及中介网络。具有对运营者C1的预订关联的移动订户M1发送消息给具有对运营者C2的预订关联的移动订户M2。此外，如图8所示，移动订户M2在运营者C3网络漫游。当所述消息由中介网络接收时，该中介按照例如在图5中概括的逻辑解析路由信息并找到归属运营者ID。此外，依赖于所配置的商业规则，中介网络可查询运营者C2的归属位置寄存器(HLR)以找到当前向订户M2提供服务的受访网络(在此情况下是运营者C3的网络)网关交换机地址。一旦得知该地址，中介网络可将消息直接递送到受访网络网关(例如使用SS7或IP和SS7网络的组合，这依赖于连接方法)，而不是将消息递送到归属网络网关，如用于SMS消息的SMSC。又一个相关实例是由中介将MMS消息直接递送给受访网络MMSC，而不是归属MMSC。Figure 8 shows the above modification as an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows three operator networks numbered C1, C2 and C3, and an intermediary network. Mobile subscriber M1 having a subscription association with operator C1 sends a message to mobile subscriber M2 having a subscription association with operator C2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the mobile subscriber M2 is roaming in the operator C3 network. When the message is received by the intermediary network, the intermediary parses the routing information and finds the home operator ID following the logic eg outlined in FIG. 5 . Furthermore, depending on the configured business rules, the intermediary network may query the home location register (HLR) of the operator C2 to find the visited network (in this case the network of the operator C3) gateway switch currently providing service to the subscriber M2 address. Once this address is known, the intermediary network can deliver the message directly to the visited network gateway (e.g. using SS7 or a combination of IP and SS7 networks, depending on the connection method) instead of delivering the message to the home network gateway, as used for SMSC for SMS messages. Yet another related example is where an intermediary delivers MMS messages directly to the visited network MMSC instead of the home MMSC.

以上技术有几个优点。一，在接收不访问其归属网络的移动订户的消息过程中，归属SMSC不是不必要地被涉及。二，如果受访网络“远离”归属网络，则跨越SS7的成本(尽管承认不是所有消息类型都经过SS7网络)可能是显著的。如果所述中介具有靠近受访网络网关区域的本地POP(存在点，Point of Presence)，并且如果该POP连接于IP网络上，则在终结于受访网络网关之前，通过经由IP网络将所述消息递送大部分距离，可实现基本的成本节省。该情形的又一个优点是可递送消息的速度。例如通过为SMS消息传送而旁路归属SMSC，旁路了存储和前转元素。The above technique has several advantages. One, the home SMSC is not unnecessarily involved in receiving messages from mobile subscribers who do not have access to their home network. Two, the cost of traversing SS7 (although acknowledging that not all message types traverse SS7 networks) can be significant if the visited network is "far away" from the home network. If the intermediary has a local POP (Point of Presence) close to the area of the visited network gateway, and if the POP is connected to the IP network, the Messages are delivered most distances, enabling substantial cost savings. Yet another advantage of this scenario is the speed at which messages can be delivered. For example, by bypassing the home SMSC for SMS messaging, the store and forward elements are bypassed.

虚拟地址表示virtual address representation

移动订户可被指定多个地址以便于各种类型的消息传送起作用。这些地址中的一些仅仅是其他网络接入该移动订户的网关地址。事实上，其他地址被指定给电话号码本身。例如，在GSM网络中，单个国际移动订户ID(IMSI)可被指定有多个电话号码，一个用于传真，另一个用于数据，等等。有时为传统的POTS(简易老式电话服务)接入来进行多电话号码指定。Mobile subscribers can be assigned multiple addresses to facilitate various types of messaging functions. Some of these addresses are simply gateway addresses for other networks to access the mobile subscriber. In fact, other addresses are assigned to the phone number itself. For example, in a GSM network, a single International Mobile Subscriber ID (IMSI) may be assigned multiple telephone numbers, one for fax, another for data, and so on. Multiple phone number assignments are sometimes made for traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) access.

这样，为了发送消息给移动订户，人们可使用任何一个可用地址和关联协议，只要它兼容所发送的消息类型。例如，文本消息可方便地使用电子邮件地址来递送而没有任何信息丢失。然而，对于2-路消息传送服务，在可以使用回复地址来回复消息(而无需键入任何“发送到”地址)的情况下，常常有必要用被用于终结消息的同一协议/网关地址来表示发起的发送者的移动装置。例如，如果电子邮件被用于终结发起订户使用SMS消息来发送的文本消息，则需要具有关联于发起移动装置的返回电子邮件地址，即使原始消息本身处于SMS格式。Thus, to send messages to mobile subscribers, one can use any available address and associated protocol as long as it is compatible with the type of message being sent. For example, text messages can be conveniently delivered using email addresses without any loss of information. However, for 2-way messaging services, where a reply-to address can be used to reply to a message (without typing any "to" address), it is often necessary to denote by the same protocol/gateway address that was used to terminate the message Initiating sender's mobile device. For example, if email is used to terminate a text message sent by an originating subscriber using an SMS message, then there needs to be a return email address associated with the originating mobile device, even if the original message itself was in SMS format.

在以上实例中，有可能将SMTP可编址互联网域名附着于电话号码，并且由此在新地址结构中保留发起电话地址。在某些其他情况下，可能有必要改变发起地址以便于消息传送在目的网络中起作用。例如，美国的某些移动终端(例如Skytel的寻呼机)具有关联的“800”电话号码。在北美编号计划中，“800”号码表示免费号码。尽管这些号码在许多北美网络中常常是可路由的(routable)(使用另一种基础NANP号码)，这些号码没有必要在越洋网络中起作用(可路由)。在这样的情况下，如果具有“800”电话簿号码的移动订户发送消息给越洋订户，则中介网络可能有必要使用暂时或永久路由号码来表示发起用户，并且维护一个表来翻译地址以便于2-路消息传送。In the above example, it is possible to attach the SMTP addressable Internet domain name to the phone number, and thereby preserve the originating phone address in the new address structure. In some other cases, it may be necessary to change the originating address in order for message delivery to function in the destination network. For example, certain mobile terminals in the United States (such as Skytel's pagers) have an "800" telephone number associated with them. In the North American numbering plan, "800" numbers represent toll-free numbers. Although these numbers are often routable (using another base NANP number) in many North American networks, these numbers are not necessarily functional (routable) in transoceanic networks. In such cases, if a mobile subscriber with an "800" directory number sends a message to a transoceanic subscriber, it may be necessary for the intermediary network to use a temporary or permanent routing number to represent the originating subscriber, and to maintain a table to translate the address to facilitate 2-way messaging.

根据本发明，上述讨论造成了新颖性，其中由中介网络提供服务来桥接(bridge)消息的电信运营者网络的订户可由中介网络内的多个虚拟地址来表示以便于某些类型的消息传送。这些地址典型地在其相应的世界范围内的网络域中是可路由的，并且这些虚拟地址到物理(所指定的运营者)地址的翻译发生在中介网络内。According to the present invention, the above discussion leads to a novelty in which subscribers to a carrier network serviced by an intermediary network to bridge messages can be represented by multiple virtual addresses within the intermediary network to facilitate certain types of messaging. These addresses are typically routable within their respective worldwide network domains, and the translation of these virtual addresses to physical (operator designated) addresses occurs within the intermediary network.

图9所示的实例阐明了这个概念。在图9中，移动订户M1属于运营者C1，移动订户M2属于运营者C2，并且移动订户M3属于运营者C3。此外，(其中)移动订户M2可由SMTP(电子邮件)协议来编址，并且(其中)移动订户M3可由SS7网络来编址。然后对于电子邮件递送以及SS7递送两者，图9中所表示的中介网络将具有移动订户M1的虚拟地址。对于电子邮件递送，域由具有将SMTP协议地址指向主服务器的域名服务器的中介来掌管。发起电话号码，在此情况下为8005551212，作为中介网络中的虚拟电子邮件地址被表示为8005551212@C1MSGNET。当被编址方M2接收由M1发起的消息(图9中的消息4)时，回复地址将作为使M2能回复那个地址的虚拟电子邮件地址而显露出来。当电子邮件回复由中介接收时，该中介剥离(strip)虚拟地址并使用固有(native)电话号码编址将该消息发送回到发起订户M1。The example shown in Figure 9 illustrates this concept. In FIG. 9, mobile subscriber M1 belongs to operator C1, mobile subscriber M2 belongs to operator C2, and mobile subscriber M3 belongs to operator C3. Furthermore, (wherein) mobile subscriber M2 is addressable by the SMTP (email) protocol and (wherein) mobile subscriber M3 is addressable by the SS7 network. Then for both email delivery as well as SS7 delivery, the intermediary network represented in Figure 9 will have the virtual address of the mobile subscriber M1. For email delivery, the domain is hosted by an intermediary with domain name servers pointing the SMTP protocol address to the main server. The originating phone number, in this case 8005551212, is represented as8005551212@C1MSGNET as a virtual email address in the intermediary network. When the addressed party M2 receives a message initiated by M1 (message 4 in Figure 9), the reply-to address will be revealed as a virtual email address enabling M2 to reply to that address. When the email reply is received by the intermediary, the intermediary strips the virtual address and sends the message back to the originating subscriber M1 using the native phone number addressing.

在图9中亦表示了移动订户漫游号码(MSRN)形式的另一种虚拟地址。由于中介可能需要经由IP和SS7网络的组合来互连某些网络或订户(这可能是必要的，因为不是世界上的所有运营者可以具有用于消息互换的IP协议接口)，需要一种方式来将IP域中的订户表示成SS7域中的可路由地址。这可以以许多方式来进行。在一个实施例中，e.164格式的一组虚拟(但可路由)电话号码(在图11中说明)被指定给IP-SS7对接网关，其使用这些号码来指定暂时路由号码(MSRN)以便于从SS7到IP域的消息传送。图9示出的虚拟地址查询表被用于将MSISDN格式的真实电话号码映射成MSRN号码。当消息终结于MSRN号码时，该消息在IP域(或者使用适当协议和编址格式的某些其他域)被重新定向于预期接收者。再次参考图9，希望发送消息给M1的移动订户M3进行发送路由信息(SRI)查询，其是GSM MAP协议的部分。所述查询然后返回虚拟MSRN号码以便于路由实际消息。该MSRM号码然后由运营者C3网络用来将实际消息终结到中介网络中。该MSRN号码被称为是虚拟的是因为属于运营者网络C1和C2的订户被虚拟地表示为中介网络中的“漫游”订户，这是由于指向这些订户的消息被指定有MSRN号码，正如在应对SS7网络中的漫游订户的传统情况下。Another virtual address in the form of a Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number (MSRN) is also shown in FIG. 9 . Since an intermediary may need to interconnect certain networks or subscribers via a combination of IP and SS7 networks (this may be necessary since not all operators in the world may have an IP protocol interface for message exchange), a means to represent subscribers in the IP domain as routable addresses in the SS7 domain. This can be done in many ways. In one embodiment, a set of virtual (but routable) telephone numbers (illustrated in Figure 11) in e. For messaging from SS7 to the IP domain. The virtual address lookup table shown in FIG. 9 is used to map real telephone numbers in MSISDN format to MSRN numbers. When a message terminates at an MSRN number, the message is redirected to the intended recipient in the IP domain (or some other domain using the appropriate protocol and addressing format). Referring again to Figure 9, mobile subscriber M3 wishing to send a message to M1 makes a Send Routing Information (SRI) query, which is part of the GSM MAP protocol. The query then returns a virtual MSRN number to facilitate routing of the actual message. This MSRM number is then used by the operator C3 network to terminate the actual message into the intermediary network. This MSRN number is said to be virtual because the subscribers belonging to the operator's networks C1 and C2 are virtually represented as "roaming" subscribers in the intermediary network, since messages directed to these subscribers are assigned MSRN numbers, as in Dealing with legacy cases of roaming subscribers in SS7 networks.

这样，图9所示的以上两个实例表明，虚拟编址概念是在本发明的实施例中实施的许多特征之一，其允许从一个运营者网络到另一个运营者网络的无缝消息传递。虚拟编址和关联地址翻译典型地由一个或多个转换单元来支持。Thus, the above two examples shown in Figure 9 demonstrate that the virtual addressing concept is one of many features implemented in embodiments of the present invention that allow for seamless messaging from one operator network to another . Virtual addressing and associated address translation are typically supported by one or more translation units.

用于桥接源和目的无线网络的多跳中介网络Multi-hop intermediary network for bridging source and destination wireless networks

最终的目的网络常常可通过一个或多个其他中介网络或服务供应商来到达。依赖于这种“in-between”网络的能力，可能实现服务质量和为桥接网络间业务而支持的其他特征。在某些极端情况下，从一个网络到另一个网络的前向消息路由可能不同于返回路径。因此，中介网络和系统必须考虑各种互连的特性和提供消息传送服务的网络能力。The final destination network is often reachable through one or more other intermediary networks or service providers. Depending on this "in-between" network capability, it is possible to implement quality of service and other features supported for bridging traffic between networks. In some extreme cases, the forward route of a message from one network to another may differ from the return path. Therefore, intermediary networks and systems must take into account the characteristics of various interconnections and network capabilities that provide messaging services.

本发明所描述的灵活路由机制考虑了借助连接特定的转换逻辑、综合路由数据的各种互连的特性，以及在面对堵塞和故障时，实时解析代价函数来路由消息。The flexible routing mechanism described in the present invention takes into account the routing of messages with connection-specific transformation logic, the properties of various interconnections that synthesize routing data, and real-time parsing of cost functions in the face of congestion and failures.

具体而言，图5所示的路由逻辑考虑了通过中介网络的路由。图5的模块5.7所示的逻辑可存取一个表，其中下一跳网关路由被编码以便于到达特定运营者网络。下一跳网关可以是另一个中介或服务供应商网络的部分。Specifically, the routing logic shown in Figure 5 takes into account routing through intermediary networks. The logic shown in block 5.7 of Figure 5 may access a table in which next-hop gateway routes are coded to facilitate reaching a particular carrier network. The next-hop gateway can be another intermediary or part of the service provider network.

在多跳中介网络的情况下，中介网络可以以多种不同方式来连接。图12示出两个中介网络，IN A和IN B，其分别连接到运营者网络X，Y和P，Q。图12亦示出3级互连。这些互连在图12中由L1、L2和L3对等来表示，其在以下被说明。In the case of multi-hop intermediary networks, intermediary networks can be connected in a number of different ways. Figure 12 shows two intermediary networks, IN A and IN B, connected to operator networks X, Y and P, Q respectively. Figure 12 also showslevel 3 interconnections. These interconnections are represented in Figure 12 by the L1, L2 and L3 peers, which are explained below.

级1)发起中介网络(IN A)进行对消息的最终协议转换以符合其最终目的。在此情况下，最终目的网络所连接的第二中介以很小的消息和协议转换来仅进行消息的路由。在此情况下，来自发起中介网络(IN A)的消息以最小转换(如字符转换等)“穿(tunnel)”过第二中介网络(IN B)到达其最终目的。Level 1) The Initiating Intermediary Network (IN A) performs the final protocol conversion of the message to meet its final purpose. In this case, the second intermediary to which the final destination network is connected does only the routing of the message with minimal message and protocol conversion. In this case, the message from the originating intermediary network (IN A) "tunnels" through the second intermediary network (IN B) to its final destination with minimal conversion (such as character conversion, etc.).

级2)发起中介网络(IN A)就象其他运营者网络那样来对待第二中介网络(IN B)，并且进行符合第二中介网络(IN B)规范的消息协议翻译。一旦收到来自第一中介的消息，第二中介执行所有必要的转换和路由功能以成功地递送消息到其最终目的。Level 2) The initiating intermediary network (IN A) treats the second intermediary network (IN B) just like other operator networks, and performs message protocol translation conforming to the specification of the second intermediary network (IN B). Upon receipt of the message from the first intermediary, the second intermediary performs all necessary transformation and routing functions to successfully deliver the message to its final destination.

级3)发起中介网络(IN A)首先检测消息在到达其最终网络目的之前是否需要经过另一个中介网络。如果这样的确定是成功的(在经过在本发明中描述的必要路由和代价函数逻辑之后)，消息被传送到第二中介网络(IN B)。然后第二中介网络将接收所述消息并在递送到最终目的网络之前对所述消息执行所有必要的转换。Level 3) The Initiating Intermediary Network (IN A) first detects whether the message needs to go through another intermediary network before reaching its final network destination. If such a determination is successful (after going through the necessary routing and cost function logic described in this invention), the message is passed to the second intermediary network (IN B). The second intermediary network will then receive the message and perform any necessary transformations on the message before delivery to the final destination network.

在级1互连情形中，当消息离开其归属网络时，最终消息转换的负担(如兼容于最终目的网络)取决于第一中介网络。在级3互连情形中，在消息进入其目的网络之前，最终消息转换的负担(如兼容于最终目的网络)取决于第一中介网络。级2互连在当间的某个地方。In aLevel 1 interconnection scenario, when a message leaves its home network, the burden of eventual message conversion (eg, compatibility with the final destination network) rests with the first intermediary network. In aLevel 3 interconnection scenario, the burden of final message conversion (eg, compatibility with the final destination network) rests with the first intermediary network before the message enters its destination network. Thelevel 2 interconnect is somewhere in between.

实际上，该情形类似于使代表两个客户的多个代理进行事务处理并且决定工作如何被划分于代表代理之间。In effect, the situation is similar to having multiple agents transacting on behalf of two clients and deciding how the work is divided among the representing agents.

本发明的唯一特征在于设置路由和转换单元的灵活方式，所有以上的可能互连方法在多跳中介互连消息传送的情况下可被容易地支持。The unique feature of the present invention lies in the flexible way of arranging the routing and switching units, all the above possible interconnection methods can be easily supported in case of multi-hop intermediary interconnection message transfer.

选择性存储和重新发送Selective Store and Resend

根据本发明，在消息从一个无线网络传送到另一个无线网络时，该消息通过中介网络。依赖于到目的网络中的递送机制，中介网络可能需要支持基于几个因素的灵活存储机制。According to the invention, when a message is transmitted from one wireless network to another, the message passes through an intermediary network. Depending on the delivery mechanism into the destination network, the intermediary network may need to support flexible storage mechanisms based on several factors.

例如，在短消息服务(SMS)的情况下，如果消息是要递送到目的网络的SMSC，则订户的可用性不是因素，并且在订户手机在服务或覆盖范围外的情况下，用于递送给订户的SMS消息的存储取决于目的SMSC。另一方面，如果消息直接通过目的运营者的GMSC网关递送到手机，由于GMSC和所涉及的后续单元没有长期消息存储能力，消息的存储和后续重新发送取决于中介网络。For example, in the case of Short Message Service (SMS), the availability of the subscriber is not a factor if the message is to be delivered to the SMSC of the destination network, and is used for delivery to the subscriber if the subscriber's handset is out of service or coverage The storage of SMS messages depends on the destination SMSC. On the other hand, if the message is directly delivered to the handset via the destination operator's GMSC gateway, since the GMSC and the subsequent units involved do not have long-term message storage capabilities, the storage and subsequent retransmission of the message depends on the intermediary network.

在多介质消息(MMS)的情况下，发生类似的情形。如果MMS消息通过目的运营者的MMSC中继网关单元来递送，则在订户被联系的同时消息的存储取决于目的运营者的MMSC。另一方面，如果IP网络(如GPRS)或WAP代理网关被用于递送消息，则存储的负担取决于中介系统。A similar situation occurs in the case of Multimedia Messaging (MMS). If the MMS message is delivered through the destination operator's MMSC relay gateway unit, the storage of the message while the subscriber is contacted depends on the destination operator's MMSC. On the other hand, if an IP network (such as GPRS) or a WAP proxy gateway is used to deliver the messages, the burden of storage depends on the intermediary system.

本发明通过引入灵活的存储机制来处理以上情形，其中所涉及的路由实体智能地存储和前转消息，这依赖于目的网络网关的递送方法和能力。如果目的网络具有存储和前转能力，则消息不被存储在中介网关中。如果目的网络没有存储和前转能力，则中介网络可存储所述消息，直到断定消息被递送到预期接收者为止。根据本发明，该逻辑被编程到中介网络中的路由实体中。The present invention handles the above situation by introducing a flexible storage mechanism, where the routing entities involved intelligently store and forward messages, depending on the delivery method and capabilities of the destination network gateway. If the destination network has store and forward capability, the message is not stored in the intermediary gateway. If the destination network does not have store and forward capabilities, the intermediary network may store the message until it is determined that the message was delivered to the intended recipient. According to the invention, this logic is programmed into the routing entity in the intermediary network.

正如在许多其他因素的情况下，根据源和目的运营者的需要对路由和转换单元布线以及基于所述需要将消息路由到存储单元的灵活性是本发明的重要方面。As in the case of many other factors, the flexibility to wire the routing and translation units according to the needs of the source and destination operators, and to route messages to storage units based on said needs, is an important aspect of the present invention.

消息细节记录产生过程Message detail record generation process

每个电信网络元素产生流过系统的业务的记录。所述记录典型地以平面文件存储并且通过调解系统(mediation system)传递到中心存储库。经协调的记录被称为呼叫细节记录(CDR)。根据本发明的“消息中心的”描述，在本说明书中，CDR被称为消息细节记录(MDR)。MDR产生过程在图14中详细说明。Each telecommunications network element generates a record of traffic flowing through the system. The records are typically stored in flat files and passed to a central repository through a mediation system. The coordinated records are called Call Detail Records (CDR). According to the "message-centric" description of the present invention, in this specification, a CDR is called a Message Detail Record (MDR). The MDR generation process is detailed in Figure 14.

图14示出在被路由经过中介网络系统时流过各种网关实体(被表示为“网关机房”)的消息(由“消息业务”来表示)。在消息被转换并路由经过系统时，网关机房中的每个网关实体和这些网关中所加载的主要软件程序实体(未在图14中示出)产生业务日志。这些业务日志典型地处于SML文件(图6)格式的形式，尽管许多其他“标准”格式(如Apache网服务器日志格式、Windows操作系统事件日志等)亦可用在本发明的优选实施例中。这些日志存储在数据库或文件系统(图6中的DB1)中。然后在将所述记录填充(populate)到最终数据存储(图6中的DB2)中之前，在数据存储中执行一组所存进程以便于协调所述记录和进行完整性检查。Figure 14 shows messages (represented by "message traffic") flowing through various gateway entities (denoted "gateway rooms") as they are routed through intermediary network systems. Each gateway entity in the gateway house and the main software program entities (not shown in Figure 14) loaded in these gateways generate traffic logs as messages are converted and routed through the system. These business logs are typically in the form of SML files (FIG. 6), although many other "standard" formats (such as Apache web server log format, Windows operating system event logs, etc.) may also be used in preferred embodiments of the present invention. These logs are stored in a database or file system (DB1 in Figure 6). A set of stored processes are then performed in the data store to facilitate reconciliation of the records and integrity checks before the records are populated into the final data store (DB2 in Figure 6).

所述数据然后可用于许多目的，包括在网站上显示统计数据，例如用于监视的目的；将记录传递到互连网络，用于到记帐和其他系统中的其内部协调；传递到另一个数据仓库系统中，用于对数据进行分析等。Said data can then be used for a number of purposes, including displaying statistics on a website, for example for monitoring purposes; passing records to an interconnected network for its internal coordination into billing and other systems; passing to another In the data warehouse system, it is used to analyze the data, etc.

由于本发明所提供的灵活路由机制，消息所采取的路由以及其经历的转换根据所涉及的互连网络、根据实时路由数据馈送、根据订户漫游并且在多个条件的情况下根据实时业务条件而大大变化。因此，消息路由的状态表示和关联的服务质量矩阵，记帐数据随时间而变化。例如，如果消息被直接递送给漫游网络，则该消息可按照与它被递送到订户的归属网络时不同的价格被记帐。Thanks to the flexible routing mechanism provided by the present invention, the route a message takes and the transitions it undergoes vary according to the interconnection network involved, according to real-time routing of data feeds, according to subscriber roaming, and under multiple conditions according to real-time traffic conditions. Greatly changed. Thus, the state representation of message routing and the associated quality of service matrix, accounting data change over time. For example, if a message is delivered directly to a roaming network, the message may be billed at a different price than if it were delivered to the subscriber's home network.

尽管以上所述从网络元素捕获MDR的过程在业内是相当标准的，SML文件格式(图6)捕获消息以元数据标签形式传播的方式的各种复杂性(intricacy)。SML格式化的日志消息的实例示例化(example instantiation)在图7中示出。While the process described above for capturing an MDR from a network element is fairly standard in the industry, the SML file format (Figure 6) captures the various intricacies of the way messages are propagated in the form of metadata tags. An example instantiation of an SML formatted log message is shown in FIG. 7 .

在图7中，项目7.1表示消息的格式，在此情况下为SML。在图7中，项目7.2表示目的电话号码，项目7.3表示源电话号码。下一项目7.4表示消息标识符，系统上其是唯一的。项目7.5表示消息的状态码，其指示是否有进入系统的进入消息、外出消息等。此外，项目7.6表示记录日志条目的代理。项目7.7表示在对消息的SS7传送的情况下的消息信令单元(MSU)计数，7.8表示所使用的递送协议，7.9表示所使用的递送方法。递送方法例如规定消息是直接递送到最终目的或它经过另一个中介。项目7.10表示在系统的输出边界上应对消息的外代理。并且最后，7.11表示在其被传送经过产生日志记录的模块的过程中所遇到的错误代码，如果有的话。In Figure 7, item 7.1 represents the format of the message, in this case SML. In Figure 7, item 7.2 represents the destination telephone number and item 7.3 represents the source telephone number. The next item 7.4 represents the message identifier, which is unique on the system. Item 7.5 represents the status code of the message, which indicates whether there are incoming messages, outgoing messages, etc. into the system. Additionally, Item 7.6 represents an agent that records log entries. Item 7.7 indicates the message signaling unit (MSU) count in case of SS7 delivery of messages, 7.8 indicates the delivery protocol used and 7.9 indicates the delivery method used. The delivery method specifies, for example, whether the message is delivered directly to the final destination or it goes through another intermediary. Item 7.10 represents the foreign agent that handles messages on the output boundary of the system. And finally, 7.11 indicates the error code, if any, encountered during its passage through the module that generated the log record.

在以上实例中提及的数据记录是优选实施例中SML格式化消息中的项目的代表性清单。在新路由和转换模块被添加到混合体(mix)中时，SML格式允许添加任何任意的标记标签(亦称为元标签)。所述标记标签然后由后处理工具用于分析的目的。The data records mentioned in the examples above are a representative list of items in an SML formatted message in the preferred embodiment. The SML format allows adding any arbitrary markup tags (aka meta tags) when new routing and transformation modules are added to the mix. The marker tags are then used by post-processing tools for analysis purposes.

项目7.6到7.11被称为标记标签，如以图6的SML消息格式所示。在新需要、网关和协议在系统中被支持时，这些标记标签被添加给SML消息格式。标记标签的目的是在消息流过系统的各个部分时将附加信息传递给记录和分析实体(在SML日志消息处理的情况下)。Items 7.6 to 7.11 are called marker tags, as shown in the SML message format of FIG. 6 . These markup tags are added to the SML message format as new needs, gateways and protocols are supported in the system. The purpose of marking tags is to pass additional information to logging and analysis entities (in the case of SML log message processing) as messages flow through various parts of the system.

如可以看出的，通过提供了使用元标签记录专门数据的灵活性的诸如SML格式化日志实体的机构，使得路由和转换模块的灵活组合成为可能。转换和路由实体的描述性清单As can be seen, flexible combinations of routing and transformation modules are made possible by mechanisms such as SML formatted log entities that provide the flexibility to log specialized data using meta tags. Descriptive manifest for transforming and routing entities

本发明(图1)说明了一种灵活中介网络系统，包括一组转换和路由单元，通过预布线逻辑或通过计算的逻辑来组合，以便于接受、处理消息并将消息从一个(无线)网络前转到另一个(无线)网络。此外，本发明(图1)列出作为接口单元的一组输入和输出单元。The present invention (FIG. 1) describes a flexible mediation network system comprising a set of switching and routing elements combined by pre-wired logic or by computed logic in order to accept, process and send messages from a (wireless) network Forward to another (wireless) network. Furthermore, the present invention (FIG. 1) lists a set of input and output units as an interface unit.

以下的表1、2和3提供了在本发明的特定实施例中产生的这些单元的描述性清单。此外，本发明或其实施例不排除组合在这些表中列举的一个或多个转换和路由单元的逻辑实体的产生。可注意到，所呈现的清单仅仅是可被发展为特定实施例的部分的各种转换和路由单元的代表性样本。Tables 1, 2 and 3 below provide a descriptive list of these units produced in specific examples of the invention. Furthermore, the invention or its embodiments do not exclude the creation of logical entities combining one or more conversion and routing units listed in these tables. It may be noted that the presented listing is only a representative sample of the various transformation and routing units that may be developed as part of a particular embodiment.

  协议转换Protocol Conversion  描述 describe  ANSI 41MAP→SMTANSI 41MAP→SMT  TIA/EIA 41MAP到SMT协议转换器TIA/EIA 41MAP to SMT Protocol Converter  CIMD→SMTCIMD→SMT  CIMD协议到SMT协议转换器CIMD protocol to SMT protocol converter  GSM MAP→SMTGSM MAP→SMT  GSM MAP到SMT协议转换器GSM MAP to SMT protocol converter  HTTP→SMTHTTP→SMT  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMPP→SMTSMPP→SMT  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→ANSI 41MAPSMT→ANSI 41MAP  SMT到TIA/EIA 41MAP协议转换器SMT to TIA/EIA 41MAP protocol converter  SMT→CIMDSMT→CIMD  SMT到CIMD协议转换器SMT to CIMD protocol converter  SMT→EMI/UCPSMT→EMI/UCP  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→GSM MAPSMT→GSM MAP  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→HTTPSMT→HTTP  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→SMPPSMT→SMPP  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→SMTPSMT→SMTP  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→SNPPSMT→SNPP  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SMT→WAPSMT→WAP  SMT到WAP协议转换器SMT to WAP protocol converter  SMT→WCTPSMT→WCTP  SMT到WCTP协议转换器SMT to WCTP protocol converter  SMTP→SMTSMTP→SMT  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converter  SNPP→SMTSNPP→SMT  SMPP到SMT协议转换器SMPP to SMT protocol converterUCP→SMTUCP→SMTUCP到SMT协议转换器UCP to SMT Protocol Converter  WAP→SMTWAP→SMT  WAP到SMT协议转换器WAP to SMT Protocol Converter

  协议转换Protocol conversion  描述 describe  WCTP→SMTWCTP→SMT  WCTP到SMT协议转换器WCTP to SMT protocol converter

表1.协议转换单元的代表性清单Table 1. Representative List of Protocol Conversion Units

  消息转换message conversion  描述 describe  地址转换address translation  根据指定规则来改变原始或目的地址。Change the original or destination address according to the specified rules.  内容阻塞过滤器content blocking filter  根据其特性来阻塞内容的过滤器。二进制消息过滤器是一个这样的实例。A filter that blocks content based on its characteristics. Binary message filters are one such instance.  黑和白清单过滤器Black and white list filters  规定允许或阻塞消息到某些移动订户地址或者来自某些移动订户地址的逻辑块。Specifies a logical block to allow or block messages to or from certain mobile subscriber addresses.  消息产生器message generator  响应于所发起的消息来产生新消息。该新消息可以是错误消息、确认或拷贝，这取决于互连的运营者网络的需要。Produce new messages in response to initiated messages. This new message can be an error message, an acknowledgment or a copy, depending on the needs of the interconnected operator network.  字符映射转换器character map converter  依赖于目的网络和网络特性，将字符从一个形式的编码映射到另一个形式的编码。Map characters from one form of encoding to another, depending on the destination network and network characteristics.  分段和重组单元Segmentation and reassembly units  基于源或目的协议以及网络特性对消息分段和重组的能力Ability to segment and reassemble messages based on source or destination protocol and network characteristics  消息翻译器message translator  将消息内容从一种语言翻译成另一种语言。Translate message content from one language to another.

表2.消息转换逻辑单元的代表性清单Table 2. Representative List of Message Transformation Logical Units

  路由单元routing unit  描述 describe  正则表达式路由器Regular expression router  基于将正则表达式变化应用于消息来路由消息Route messages based on applying regular expression variations to messages  鉴权单元Authentication unit  对输入或输出移动订户地址鉴权。Authenticating incoming or outgoing mobile subscriber addresses.  通用路由器Universal Router  基于指定规则从一个单元(如变化单元)路由到另一个单元。Routing from one unit (such as a change unit) to another unit based on specified rules.  消息队列路由器Message queue router  在消息交换网络内将消息路由到特定消息队列。Routing messages to specific message queues within a message exchange network.

  路由单元routing unit  描述 describe  加载平衡路由器load balancing router  在应用加载平衡规则，如round-robin或随机选择方法的同时将消息路由到目的网络。Route messages to destination networks while applying load balancing rules such as round-robin or random selection methods.  定时单元消息前转路由器Timing unit message forwarding router  在到时之后前转消息。失败的递送之后的重新发送是使用这种类型的路由单元的一个实例。Forward messages after the time is up. Resending after a failed delivery is one example of the use of this type of routing element.  NPA/NXX查询路由器NPA/NXX query router  基于电话号码的前6位来路由。Routing based on the first 6 digits of the phone number.  LSMA/NPAC查询路由器LSMA/NPAC Query Router  基于污染的/移植的电话号码范围来路由。Routing based on tainted/ported phone number ranges.  SS7GTT路由单元SS7GTT routing unit  基于SS7网络中的全局码翻译(Global TitleTranslation)来路由Routing based on Global Title Translation in SS7 network  DNS解析器DNS resolver  针对某些协议方法来解析域名以便于路由消息To resolve domain names for certain protocol methods in order to route messages

表3.路由逻辑单元的代表性清单Table 3. Representative List of Routing Logical Units

首字母缩略词清单List of acronyms

 ANSIANSI 美国国家标准协会American National Standards Institute BSCBSC 基站控制器base station controller BSSBSS 基站子系统base station subsystem BTSBTS 基础收发器站base transceiver station C7C7 公共信道信令系统7Commonchannel signaling system 7 CDMACDMA 码分多址code division multiple access CIMDCIMD 连接到Nokia网络元素，如短消息服务中心(SMSC)的数据交换协议Data exchange protocol for connecting to Nokia network elements such as Short Message Service Center (SMSC) EMI/UCPEMI/UCP 外部机器接口/通用连通性协议External Machine Interface/Common Connectivity Protocol EMSEMS 增强消息传送服务Enhanced Messaging Service GMSCGMSC 网关移动交换中心Gateway Mobile Switching Center

 ANSIANSI 美国国家标准协会American National Standards Institute GSMGSM 全球移动通信系统Global System for Mobile Communications HLRHLR 归属位置寄存器Home Location Register HTTPHTTP 超文本传输协议hypertext transfer protocol iDENiDEN 由Motorola Inc.开发的TDMA协议的变体A variant of the TDMA protocol developed by Motorola Inc. MDN(中介)MDN (intermediary) 媒介网络(mediary network)。桥接两个或多个无线网络以便于消息交换的网络和系统。media network. Networks and systems that bridge two or more wireless networks to facilitate message exchange. IPIP 互联网协议internet protocol IWMSCIWMSC 互通移动交换中心Interoperable Mobile Switching Center LERGLERG 本地交换路由引导Local Switching Routing Guide LSMSLSMS 本地服务管理系统local service management system MAPMAP 消息应用部分message app section MMSMMS 多媒体消息传送服务Multimedia Messaging Service MMSCMMSC 多媒体消息服务中心Multimedia Message Service Center MOMO 移动发起消息(Mobile Originated Message)Mobile Originated Message MSCMSC 移动交换中心mobile switching center MSUMSU 消息信令单元message signaling unit MTMT 移动终结消息(Mobile Terminated Message)Mobile Terminated Message MVNOMVNO 移动虚拟网络运营商Mobile Virtual Network Operator NANPNANP 北美编号计划North American Numbering Plan NPACNPAC 号码可移植性管理委员会Number Portability Management Committee

 ANSIANSI 美国国家标准协会American National Standards Institute PLMNPLMN 公用陆地移动网络public land mobile network POPPOP 存在点point of presence SMLSML 系统格式化消息日志(内部日志消息格式)System formatted message log (internal log message format) SMPPSMPP 短消息点对点协议Short Message Point-to-Point Protocol SMSSMS 短消息服务short message service SMSCSMSC 短消息服务中心Short Message Service Center SMTSMT 系统格式化消息模板(内部消息格式)System formatted message template (internal message format) SMTPSMTP 简单邮件传递协议Simple Mail Transfer Protocol SS7SS7 信令系统7Signaling system 7 TDMATDMA 时分多址TDMA VLRVLR 访问者位置寄存器Visitor Location Register WAPWAP 无线接入协议wireless access protocol WNPWNP 无线号码可移植性Wireless Number Portability  SMESME  短消息实体Short message entity  ESPESP  外部服务供应商external service provider

Claims (18)

1. the meta network system of a plurality of networks that are used to interconnect comprises:

First and second meta networks respectively comprise:

Input unit optionally can be connected to an entity, receives message from described entity, and described input unit comprises at least one converting unit, and this converting unit becomes the spendable internal form of described meta network with message from the point-to-point format conversion of short message;

At least one output unit, optionally can be connected to the entity that message can arrive destination address via it, described at least one output unit comprises at least one converting unit, and this converting unit converts message to short message point-to-point form from the spendable internal form of described meta network;

Described input unit and described at least one output unit also can be operated and be used for execution character mapping; And

First routing unit, it is checked the validity of destination Mobile Station International ISDN Number and adds numerical digit for where necessary described destination Mobile Station International ISDN Number;

The secondary route unit that when first routing unit is made mistakes, adopts, its error message that produces sensing source telephone number is so that notify the user: cause message to be out of order owing to numbering is wrong, described secondary route unit can be operated and be used for described error message is routed to another route entity, and this another route entity is delivered to described at least one output unit with error message then;

The Third Road that adopts when not adopting described secondary route unit is by the unit, and it resolves the delivering method of message based on finding the solution cost function to small part;

Filter unit, this filter unit can optionally block binary message so that it is not passed to the described entity that message can arrive destination address via it via the decision-making that its described entity that arrives destination address is made according to message,

Wherein said first meta network is communicated by letter with at least the first network operator;

Wherein said second meta network is communicated by letter with described first meta network with at least the second network operator,

Wherein message exchanges between described first and second network operators via described first and second meta networks,

Wherein said first and second meta networks have predetermined peer-to-peer each other, make and before described first meta network is passed to described second meta network, just know which conversion and route action in message, if any, will carry out by described first and second meta networks, and

Interconnection between wherein said first and second meta networks is via the distributed-queuing system.

2. the system of claim 1, wherein said first meta network carries out all conversions and route action.

3. the system of claim 1, wherein said second meta network carries out all conversions and route action.

4. the system of claim 1, each in wherein said first and second meta networks is all communicated by letter with a plurality of network operators.

5. the system of claim 1, wherein said entity is at least one in gateway and another network.

6. the system of claim 5, wherein said gateway comprises at least one in SMSC gateway, MMSC gateway, E-mail gateway, IWMSC gateway and the GMSC gateway.

7. the system of claim 1, the message based content of wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message.

8. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message to receive described message by described interface based on an interface.

9. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message based on the predetermined business rules of initiating network and message purpose network associate with message.

10. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is based on the next hop address of the dynamic analysis of available interconnects link being determined described message.

11. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit is determined the next hop address of described message based on message purpose network of network order and access information.

12. the system of claim 1, wherein said routing unit based on determine the purpose telephone number whether be the part of (i) pollution range and (ii) at least one in the volumes of ported numbers determine the next hop address of described message.

13. the system of claim 12, wherein the third party supplier provides the information of relevant pollution range and volumes of ported numbers to described meta network system.

14. the system of claim 13, wherein said third party supplier operates the NPAC database.

15. the system of claim 1, whether wherein said routing unit is roaming the next hop address of determining described message based on the expection recipient of described message.

16. the system of claim 1, wherein said converting unit is connected to the external service supplier, so that the outsourcing message conversion service to be provided.

17. the system of claim 1 further comprises the message details database of record.

18. the system of claim 17, wherein message details record is used to coordinate to be connected to the message amount between the network of described meta network system.

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